Non-Toxic Baby Shampoo Guide (And Ones to Avoid)

There’s nothing quite like that fresh-out-of-the-bath baby moment, right? Scooping your little one up in a cuddly towel and snuggling them against your chest—pure bliss. And bath time definitely shouldn’t be overshadowed by worrying about what’s in your baby’s shampoo bottle.

Ever since they were both babies, my two children, Caden and Willow, have made me extra particular about what products we use in our home. I learned pretty quickly that just because it says “baby” on the label, that doesn’t always mean “safe” or “non-toxic.” And if you’re like me, you’re not here for sneaky ingredients or misleading labels.

So, after some serious label-checking and brand research, I’ve put together a list of the safest non-toxic baby shampoos that I feel good about using on my own kids. You’ll find the best options to keep bath time simple, clean, and worry-free.

Why we recommend non-toxic baby shampoo

When it comes to washing your baby’s hair, choosing the right product really does matter. Believe me, I’ve been there—finding sand from the sandbox buried in my son’s curls and yogurt from breakfast tangled in my daughter’s little pigtail. As a mom, I want a shampoo that gets the job done without a second thought about safety.

With so many options out there, making the best choice is important—you don't want to be standing in the shampoo aisle at Target reading labels for 15 minutes (and while there are some great options that you can snag there, why not know exactly the shampoo bottle you’re looking for so you can move onto the candle and clothes sections instead?).

Risks of regular baby shampoos

The truth is, a lot of regular baby shampoos are packed with some questionable stuff. Ingredients like sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and even formaldehyde-releasing agents all can be harsh on your baby’s delicate skin, potentially triggering allergic reactions or, even worse, disrupting their hormonal balance.

These chemicals also don’t always rinse away fully, which means they can stick around on your baby’s hair and scalp. It’s important to be mindful of these risks when choosing the best shampoo for your kids.

Benefits of non-toxic baby shampoos

Choosing a non-toxic baby shampoo means keeping things gentle and safe for your little one, and here’s why that matters:

1. Gentle on skin: Non-toxic baby shampoos use natural ingredients that keep your baby’s skin soft and irritation-free.
2. No harsh chemicals: Free from sulfates and parabens means no stripped oils on skin or unexpected reactions.
3. Eco-friendly: Most non-toxic options are made with biodegradable ingredients that are planet-friendly.
4. Pleasant and mild fragrances: These shampoos have naturally fresh scents without synthetic perfumes.

How to choose baby shampoos

When choosing a non-toxic, tear-free baby shampoo, there are a few ingredients to avoid and some important things to look out for. 

Look for formulas that are free from common toxins, opting instead for shampoos made with organic, safe ingredients to keep your baby’s hair, scalp, and even your baby’s eyes healthy. 

Here are some ingredients that should make you put that shampoo bottle right back on the shelf:

Harmful chemicals & ingredients to avoid

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Known to strip natural oils, causing skin irritation and dryness.
2. Parabens (like methylparaben, ethylparaben): Preservatives that can impact hormone function.
3. Phthalates: Often hidden under “fragrance,” these can disrupt hormones and affect development.
4. Formaldehyde releasers (like DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15): These can irritate skin and are linked to more serious health issues.
5. Synthetic fragrances: Made from undisclosed chemicals that can trigger skin sensitivities and may affect hormone balance.
6. Artificial dyes: Can cause an allergy flare and irritate sensitive skin.
7. PEGs (polyethylene glycols): Used to make shampoo smoother but can come with harmful byproducts.

Convenience & availability

Choosing a non-toxic baby shampoo should feel easy. You want a shampoo that’s safe, gentle, and ready to go whenever it’s bath time. Whether that means adding your baby bath products to your cart online, picking them up at your local store, or setting up a subscription, the good news is there are are plenty of non-toxic options out there.

Our round-up of the safest baby shampoos

Attitude Baby Leaves Shampoo & Body Wash

This gentle, 2-in-1 formula is EWG verified and made with 98.1% naturally derived ingredients, including blueberry leaf extract to soothe and protect delicate skin. Dermatologically tested and fragrance-free, it leaves your baby’s skin soft and hair silky smooth. Available for purchase on Amazon.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash 

Perfect for babies with sensitive skin, this gentle, fragrance-free formula is made with ingredients like shea butter, calendula, and aloe vera. EWG verified and free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic colorants, it leaves baby’s skin and hair soft and moisturized. Grab this on Amazon.

EllaOla Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

This tear-free, hypoallergenic formula was developed with Harvard pediatric dermatologists and designed to be incredibly gentle on sensitive skin. Packed with plant-based ingredients, vitamins, and minerals, it includes a unique marine algae blend to protect and hydrate. Certified by the National Eczema Association, EWG, and USDA Biobased, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and more. This one's available on Amazon.

Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo 

Dermatologist and pediatrician recommended, this tear-free 2-in-1 formula gently cleanses baby’s skin and hair without soap, fragrance, or dyes. Ideal for sensitive skin, it provides a mild, soothing wash you can trust. You can buy this non-toxic baby shampoo and wash on Amazon.

HealthyBaby Our Shampoo and Bodywash 

This 2-in-1 foaming shampoo is made with 100% plant and mineral-based ingredients, including botanicals and probiotics that support your baby’s skin microbiome. You need to do a bit of mixing—simply add 16 oz of the concentrate to 10 oz of water and shake. HealthyBaby recommends using a stainless steel bottle for best results, which reduces waste and provides over 250 baths per year. Available at Target.

Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash 

This tear-free, hypoallergenic formula is designed to gently cleanse and moisturize baby’s delicate skin and hair. It’s available in three options: Fragrance Free, Rose + Geranium, and Vanilla + Ylang Ylang—all 100% plant-derived and free of synthetic fragrances. Pediatrician-approved, dermatologist-tested, and Leaping Bunny Certified. Grab this safe baby shampoo on Amazon or at Target.

Baby shampoos we don’t recommend 

With so many options out there, some shampoos might look “clean” at first glance, but they still contain harmful ingredients that aren’t ideal for your little one.

1. Aveeno Baby Shampoo 
2. Babyganics 
3. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo 
4. Dove Baby Shampoo 
5. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
6. SheaMoisture

Maintaining a non-toxic bath time routine

Creating a cozy, worry-free bath time is easier than you think. Choose a gentle, non-toxic baby shampoo from our list, or do a little research to find brands that skip the harsh stuff like synthetic fragrances and dyes. Look for dermatologist and pediatrician-approved labels and the EWG verification seal, which are great indicators the shampoo will keep your baby’s skin and hair happy. And when in doubt, go fragrance-free to avoid any irritation.

If you’re looking to make more clean swaps, check out our other guides on non-toxic baby wipes, diapers, detergent, and sunscreen. And for regular tips and recommendations for all things motherhood, style, travel, and self-care, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter!

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