As a parent, bath time with your child can be one of the most treasured moments. It’s nice to watch your child enjoy their time in the tub, and the warm water offers a calming way to conclude the day. It follows that wanting every aspect of the experience to be as enjoyable as possible is only normal. Making sure you are using a shampoo designed especially for newborns is one method to achieve that. Actually, it could be a major mistake if you don’t utilize one for babies.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Timothy Tran of Houston’s Westlake Dermatology, babies’ skin pH balance differs from that of adults. Using adult shampoos on a baby can result in dryness and irritation because they are not designed for this difference. However, infant shampoos are designed especially for skin that is more delicate. We contacted dermatologists for tips on how to shop for your child and received some of their greatest suggestions to assist you choose the best option.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy trust NBC Select? How did we choose the top baby shampoos? The top baby shampoos of 2025? Can a baby be washed with ordinary shampoo?
Selected.
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Best hydrating formulaBaby Dove Sensitive Skin Care
$undefined$13.98Amazon
Learn more
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Best overall/editor’s pickAveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
$18.48$24.63Amazon
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Best budgetCeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo
$8.97$9.99Amazon
Learn more
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How we picked the best baby shampoos
With so many baby shampoos available, it can be difficult to choose which ones are worth the investment, even though you know you need one. In order to find out what to look for when you shop, we interviewed two dermatologists. The following are the main things they advised you to consider:
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No harsh chemicals:
The simpler the ingredient list, the better, says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner ofDermatology Circle
in New York City. Look for options that are free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and don t use synthetic colors, which can also irritate sensitive skin.
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Hypoallergenic:
According to Tran, shampoos that are labeled as being hypoallergenic are free of common allergens that can impact baby skin and will minimize the risk of a rash or adverse reaction. -
Tear-free formula:
Trying to get shampoo out of a squirmy baby s hair? It s not exactly the easiest task in the world. A tear-free formula means it s safe if it happens to get in your child s eye which is a smart precaution to take, says Tran.
The best baby shampoos of 2025
To assist you in selecting a baby shampoo for your family, we asked professionals to share their top picks. Along with some well regarded selections, we also included a few recommendations from NBC Select editors.
Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care
Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care
Look for baby shampoos and washes with moisturizing elements to help prevent infant skin from drying out, advises Tran, who prefers Dove’s products. Glycerin, which is also known to hydrate, and water are the two main constituents in this composition. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, tear-free, and devoid of parabens and sulfates. It’s also wonderful that the bottle is a huge 34 ounces, so if you use it on one kid, it will last a long time.
The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash
The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash
Because it contains no phthalates, parabens, sulfates, artificial perfumes, or dyes that could harm young skin, Tran prefers this baby shampoo. The brand claims that the pump bottle is simple to use while wrestling a small child in the water and that the gel mix can be used as both a body wash and a shampoo. One thing to keep in mind is that, according to Honest, this shampoo does smell, but it is made with natural ingredients.
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
Tran also suggested Aveeno, which produces one of our favorite body washes for sensitive skin. Their baby shampoo is even kinder. According to the manufacturer, the hypoallergenic formula is tear-free and contains oat extract, which can help prevent dryness of the baby’s skin.
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash
According to Kazlouskaya, this Babo Botanicals product satisfies every requirement for a quality baby shampoo, including being hypoallergenic and devoid of harsh ingredients. According to the firm, the 23 plant ingredients in the fragrance-free wash, which include shea butter and calendula, help to hydrate the skin again.
CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo
CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo
Kazlouskaya’s preferred product, which hydrates and protects sensitive newborn skin, includes three distinct ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. Additionally, the brand claims that it is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and easily washable. This choice can also be used as a body wash and shampoo.
Can you use regular shampoo on a baby?
Using adult shampoo on a newborn is best avoided. Here’s why: According to Tran, babies’ skin is far more sensitive. They are therefore more susceptible to rashes or irritation from excessively harsh substances.
According to Kazlouskaya, the primary cause of this is that newborns have a higher alkaline pH, which makes them less effective at defending their skin barrier. Therefore, it’s crucial to utilize items that won’t irritate or create redness.
The fact that baby shampoos are frequently made to cater to certain demands in young children is another reason it’s wise to continue with them. According to Tran, there are moisturizing formulas and even ones designed specifically for skin that is prone to eczema. To maintain your baby’s skin as soft and supple as possible, pick one that caters to their skin demands.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Timothy Tran
is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston. -
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya
is a board-certified dermatologist and owner ofDermatology Circle
in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Journalist Bethany Heitman contributes to NBC Select and frequently writes about lifestyle, home, and beauty. She spoke with dermatologists on what to look for in a baby shampoo for her story.
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