Choosing the Best Baby Wash and Shampoo
Babies have delicate, sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness, irritation, or eczema, so the ideal wash and shampoo should be tear-free, pH-balanced, fragrance-free (or naturally scented), and free of harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, dyes, and phthalates. Based on expert reviews from sites as well as parent feedback from Reddit and recent discussions on X, here are the top recommendations for 2025. These are 2-in-1 formulas (usable for both hair and body) that prioritize gentleness and effectiveness. I focused on options with high EWG (Environmental Working Group) ratings where possible.
1. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo
4.8 out of 5
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo – This gentle, tear-free 2-in-1 formula creates a rich lather that gently cleanses your baby’s delicate skin and hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and clean.
Soothing & Nourishing: Enriched with calming calendula extract derived from the marigold flower to help soothe, hydrate, and soften sensitive skin, while leaving behind a light, fresh scent.
Includes: (2) bottles of 13.5 oz Cetaphil Baby Body Wash & Shampoo.
2. Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo
4.7 out of 5
Gentle Formula with Aloe Vera & Vitamin B5
This nourishing baby wash and shampoo gently cleanses while helping to keep your baby’s skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
đź’§ No More Tears
As gentle as pure water, this tear-free formula ensures a calm, stress-free bath time—no stinging or discomfort.
🛡️ Safe & Skin-Friendly
Hypoallergenic and pH-balanced, our baby wash contains no added parabens, sulfates, or dyes. Clinically tested and proven safe for newborns and sensitive skin.
3. Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Wash & Shampoo
4.8 out of 5
Gentle Tear-Free Formula: Developed by a pediatrician- and dermatologist-recommended brand, this soap-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free wash is safe for babies with sensitive skin.
pH-Balanced & Hypoallergenic: Designed to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it nourishes with soothing natural oat extract, rinses clean, and leaves a light, fresh fragrance. Perfect for daily use on your baby’s delicate skin and hair.
4. CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
4.7 out of 5
Developed with Pediatric Dermatologists | Tear-Free & Gentle
This 2-in-1 baby shampoo and body wash is specially designed for delicate skin. Tear-free and non-irritating, it’s made without fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, or sulfates—just clean, safe care for your little one.
đź’§ Hydrating & Skin-Barrier Friendly
Infused with 3 Essential Ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture, and Vitamin E to soothe sensitive skin—all while gently cleansing.
5. Mustela Baby Hair & Body Wash
4.8 out of 5
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel — A best-seller trusted to safely and effectively cleanse and soothe your baby’s delicate skin, scalp, and hair. Tear-free formula that helps protect against dryness. Made with 93% natural ingredients, hypoallergenic, and safe for newborns.
Benefits:
Ultra-gentle cleansing with natural Avocado Perseose and Vitamin B5 to nourish and protect your baby’s skin without stripping away its natural oils.
6. Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo
4.8 out of 5
Gentle Formula: This unscented baby shampoo and body wash is tear-free and enriched with soothing chamomile essence and provitamin B5 to gently cleanse and calm delicate skin.
Extra Mild Formula: Specially crafted for your baby’s sensitive skin, this mild 2-in-1 solution is clinically proven to be gentle on both skin and scalp.
7. SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo
4.7 out of 5
Soothe and Nourish Delicate Skin with SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Oil Baby Wash and Shampoo. This gentle baby cleanser hydrates and nourishes, leaving your little one’s skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Special Blend of Natural Ingredients: Enriched with 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, Sweet Pea, and Murumuru Butter, this baby wash gently cleanses while deeply hydrating delicate skin, leaving it smooth, soft, and healthy.
8. Weleda Baby Calendula 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash
4.7 out of 5
Convenient 2-in-1 Formula: This easy-to-use wash is perfect for both hair and body, making bath time simple and gentle. Tear-free and safe for daily use—it won’t irritate baby’s eyes.
Delicate Scent: Lightly scented with calming calendula flowers, the fragrance is subtle and soothing—never overpowering.
Plant-Rich Ingredients: Made with gentle calendula extract and nourishing sweet almond oil to care for sensitive skin. Certified Natural by NATRUE.
9. Noodle & Boo 2-in-1 Newborn Hair & Baby Body Wash
4.8 out of 5
High-Moisture Formula: Designed to nourish and condition delicate skin and hair, this gentle cleanser washes without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Mild enough for daily use and safe for newborns with sensitive skin.
Benefits:
- Tear-free and hypoallergenic
- Soap-free formula
- Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested
10. Eucerin Baby Unscented Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
4.8 out of 5
Enriched Baby Wash: Eucerin Baby Shampoo & Wash is formulated with Pro-Vitamin B5 and natural Shea Butter to gently nourish and soothe your baby’s delicate skin and hair.
Free From Harsh Ingredients: This tear-free, hypoallergenic formula contains no soap, fragrances, dyes, or drying alcohols—making it safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Gentle for Daily Use: Designed for everyday care, this 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash is gentle enough for newborns and perfect for your baby’s daily bath routine.
Quick Tips for Use
- Frequency: Bathe 2–3 times a week to avoid stripping natural oils; use just water for spot-cleaning otherwise.
- Application: A dime-sized amount is plenty—lather gently, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
- Allergies: Patch-test on your inner arm first. If your baby has severe sensitivities, consult a pediatrician.
- Eco Note: Opt for brands like Babo or Honest for sustainable packaging.
These picks balance expert testing, parent real-talk, and clean ingredients. If your baby has specific needs (e.g., curly hair or severe eczema), EllaOla or Mustela are strong runners-up from niche reviews. What’s your baby’s skin type? I can refine these further!
