My daughter was born with lots of hair, so the first time we washed her hair was on day 2 in the hospital. I had a choice of Johnson’s or Mustela that the hospital provided- I chose Mustela because it marketed itself as ‘natural’, but I was secretly kicking myself that I hadn’t brought something from home. I didn’t know as much then about baby product ingredients as I do now. I had no idea that products which are made and advertised as being specifically safe for babies are allowed to be filled with proven harmful chemicals or at least a high number of chemicals which can cause skin irritation and allergies. I knew that of course there would be some products that were milder and more natural than others, but I didn’t realise quite yet that some products were really not suitable for children at all. (I was lucky that the Mustela was fine!) I often hear stories of babies who have had rashes from their baby shampoo, bubble bath or body wash and now I know what’s in some of them, it doesn’t surprise me at all! So how do we choose the safest and best natural baby wash / shampoo?
In this post I’m going to look at why choosing a non-toxic baby shampoo / body wash matters, what ingredients we want to avoid and also give a list of our Clean + Conscious favourites.
Why does choosing a non-toxic baby wash / shampoo matter?
The skin is our biggest organ. Chemicals from products placed on the skin can be absorbed and even make it all the way into the bloodstream. A baby’s skin is particularly soft and sensitive making it not only absorbent but prone to irritation and allergies. Shampoo / body wash ends up covering a huge surface area of the body and so we have to be really careful to make sure the ingredients they contain are safe.
Which are the ingredients to avoid and why?
Ingredients you must avoid:
- Fragrance/ Parfum: This can be made up of hundreds of undeclared chemicals, often including hormone disrupting phthalates. Phthalate exposure in infancy is linked with infertility, especially for males. Fragrance can however be made from natural organic essential oils which are safe (though sometimes may carry a bit of an increased risk of skin irritation.) If it’s not marked as fragrance coming from a natural essential oil, then don’t use it.
- Parabens: These are endocrine disruptors and have a weak hormone activity. They can also cause skin irritation. The EU have actually banned many types of parabens.
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI): This has been the cause of some horrific allergic reactions and is a leading cause of dermatitis. It’s banned in the EU from being used in baby wipes.
Would be nice to avoid:
- Propylene glycol: This is a skin and respiratory irritant. Propylene glycol also enhances skin absorption and so allows other chemicals to absorb into the skin more easily.
- Synthetic colours: These are purely used to make a product look more appealing and are often derived from petroleum. Some products are coloured naturally too and these are much safer.
- PEG compounds: These are used as thickeners. They strip the natural oils from the skin leaving it vulnerable. They can cause allergies and are easily contaminated with potential carcinogens.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine: This is a foaming agent which has been associated with skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
- Quaternium-15: This is a preservative which is a formaldehyde releaser as well as a skin irritant.
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate: This is a preservative which is a formaldehyde releaser as well as a skin irritant.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate: There is strong evidence this is a skin and eye irritant. It is also easily contaminated with potential carcinogens.
- Phenoxyethanol: This is a skin, eye and lung irritant. It can also be contaminated with unwanted chemicals due to its manufacturing process.
- Food Products in the ingredients lists such as goat’s milk, cow’s milk nut oils and oats. Studies have shown a link between the application of a potential food allergen repeatedly onto the skin and food allergen sensitisation. This increases the potential for severe food allergic reactions when the food is actually eaten. This is especially relevant for a child with a high risk of food allergy and also those with eczema.
My Recommended list: The Safest & Best Natural Baby Wash / Shampoo
Clean + Conscious Winners 2024
GOLD: Weleda – Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash
Formulated from excellent non-toxic, mostly organic or biodynamic (which are organic and then have to pass even stricter protocols!) ingredients. Contains organic sesame and almond oils and organic calendula flower extract.* This 2 in 1 baby body wash and shampoo features organic calendula extract for gentle cleansing, almond oil to prevent dryness and a soft lather that won’t sting babies’ eyes. It leaves skin soft and hair easy to comb. Read reviews from experts on this product HERE.
*This product contains almond and sesame seed oil. If you have a baby/child with a high risk of a food allergy or eczema, it is not recommended to use this product until they are eating these foods in their diet and show no allergy. Studies have shown a link between the application of a potential food allergen repeatedly onto the skin and food allergen sensitisation. This increases the potential for severe food allergic reactions when the food is actually eaten. This is especially relevant for a child with a high risk of food allergy and also those with eczema.”
SILVER: Seven Sundays – The Baby Wash
Formulated with excellent, clean, mostly organic ingredients. Gentle and nourishing, this hair and body cleanser is infused with magnesium to soothe sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Hydrolyzed jojoba esters hydrate and soften, while magnesium reduces inflammation. Suitable for all skin types. Read reviews from Experts on this product HERE.
BRONZE + EDITORS CHOICE: endota – Gentle Bath & Body Wash
Formulated with excellent clean ingredients, including many organic ingredients. This all-in-one baby shampoo, bath and body wash is formulated with certified organic ingredients to cleanse and hydrate infant skin gently. It is soothing, safe and non-toxic, providing a nourishing experience for infants during bath time. Read reviews from experts on this product HERE.
FINALIST: Organik Wellness Co – Baby Hair & Body Wash
Formulated with excellent, clean, mostly organic ingredients. The Organik Wellness Hair & Body Wash for babies is made with natural ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, Papaya, Calendula, Chamomile and Green Tea, ensuring a gentle bath experience. It is designed to care for delicate skin, promising to safeguard your little one’s well-being with each use. Read reviews from experts on this product HERE.
FINALIST: Mamave – Bubba’s Wash
Formulated with excellent clean ingredients. This gentle wash from Mamave features Calendula Extract for a soothing cleanse. Mandarin essential oil and Cucumber provide a refreshing scent, while nourishing and smoothing the baby’s skin. Perfect for a calming bath time routine. Read reviews from experts on this product HERE.
See our top recommended Baby products in our 2024 winners Directory here!
I’ve also done articles on choosing safe baby wipes, bottom balms, non-toxic baby floats and paddling pools, reusable nappies and disposable nappies . If you found this helpful, you’ll love those too.
