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

Ever walked into Target or Whole Foods thinking you’d just grab a quick baby wash along with the other items on your list and be out in minutes—only to end up standing in the aisle, flipping bottles over, Googling ingredients, and wondering why this has to be so complicated? Same.

It’s wild how something as simple as baby wash can turn into a full-on research project. So many brands slap words like “natural” and “gentle” on the label, but when you actually look at what’s inside, it’s a whole different story. Synthetic fragrances, sulfates, preservatives—stuff that can dry out or irritate that soft baby skin.

It didn’t take long after becoming a mom for me to realize that not all products are safe, even if they claim to be. But once I learned a few ways to quickly spot the right and wrong ingredients, finding a great non-toxic baby wash options got a whole lot easier.

In this guide, I’ll break down why non-toxic baby washes matters, what to look for, what to avoid, and which brands are actually worth buying.

Why we recommend non-toxic baby washes

Bathtime in my house can usually go one of two ways. Either the kids are happily splashing, and I get a rare moment to just sit on the floor and watch them have fun. Or… it’s a full-blown negotiation. No one wants to get in, I’m bartering with an extra bedtime snack, and we’re all just trying to make it through.

Like most things in motherhood, it’s a mixed bag—never quite the same from one day to the next. But one thing that shouldn’t be up for debate? The products we’re using on their skin. I don’t want to be standing there, second-guessing what’s in the bottle while my kids are finally settled in and playing in the tub. Baby bath products should be the thing you grab without a second thought, knowing it’s safe, clean, and doing its job without any questionable ingredients.

That’s why choosing a non-toxic option matters.

Risks of regular washes

A baby’s skin is delicate, way more sensitive than ours. So when washes are filled with unnecessary additives, they're working against your baby's skin, not with it. Here’s what washes with questionable ingredients could be doing:

• Irritate their skin – Causing dryness, redness, or rashes.
• Disrupt their skin barrier – Stripping natural oils that protect against irritation.
• Trigger allergic reactions – Fragrances and preservatives can be behind this.
• Impact hormone regulation – Some chemicals (like parabens and phthalates) have been linked to endocrine disruption. 
• Expose them to unnecessary toxins – Harsh preservatives and surfactants can build up with repeated use.

The goal? A wash that does its job—cleans without over-stripping, soothes without irritation, and gives you one less thing to worry about.

Benefits of non-toxic baby washes

The best non toxic baby wash should do one thing—gently clean without causing irritation or exposing your baby to unnecessary chemicals. Choosing a non-toxic option means you get peace of mind and better care for their skin. Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Gentle on sensitive skin – No harsh detergents or additives that can cause dryness or irritation.
• Supports a healthy skin barrier – Keeps natural moisture intact instead of stripping it away.
• Reduces the risk of allergies – No synthetic fragrances, dyes, or preservatives that can trigger reactions.
• Free from hormone-disrupting chemicals – No parabens, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors.
• Better for long-term health – Fewer toxins absorbed through the skin with daily use.
• Safer for the environment – Many non-toxic brands use biodegradable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

How to choose baby washes

“Gentle” and “natural” sound great, but just because a baby wash has this claim on it, it doesn’t mean it’s actually safe. Marketing can be misleading, so it’s important to look beyond the front label and check what’s really inside. These are my go-to ways to find a truly non-toxic baby wash:

1. Don’t be fooled by labels – Words like “clean” and “hypoallergenic” aren’t regulated, so they don’t actually guarantee a product is safe. Always check the ingredients.
2. Look for third-party certifications – The EWG Verified seal or Made Safe certification means a product has been vetted for safety.
3. Go for a shorter ingredient list – Fewer ingredients usually mean fewer unnecessary additives.
4. Choose fragrance-free – Even “natural fragrance” can hide irritating or hormone-disrupting chemicals. Yikes. Unscented is best.
5. Avoid sulfates and harsh surfactants – Ingredients like SLS and SLES can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
6. Opt for plant-based, biodegradable formulas – These are gentler on baby skin and better for the planet.

Once you find a wash that checks these boxes, you won’t have to second-guess every bathtime.

Harmful chemicals & ingredients to avoid

Unfortunately, there are lots of baby washes that are packed with ingredients that can dry out, irritate, or even disrupt your baby’s developing skin barrier. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Synthetic fragrances – Often made with undisclosed chemicals that can trigger skin irritation or allergies.
• Sulfates (SLS, SLES) – Harsh cleansing agents that strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Parabens – Preservatives linked to hormone disruption, which is the last thing you want on baby skin.
• Formaldehyde releasers – Yes, some washes contain ingredients that slowly release formaldehyde over time (gross, right?).
• Phthalates – Commonly found in fragranced products, these can mess with hormone regulation.
• Artificial dyes – Unnecessary additives that can cause skin reactions, especially for babies with sensitive skin.

Types

There are a few different types of baby wash to choose from:

• Liquid wash – The most common option. Comes in a pump or squeeze bottle and is easy to use for quick baths. (Bonus: A few pumps under the faucet can double as bubbles for a safe bubble bath.)
• Gel wash – Similar to liquid but with a thicker consistency. Can feel more hydrating and creamy.
• Bar soap – A low waste, eco-friendly option. Great for minimal ingredients but less convenient for wiggly babies.

Convenience & availability

Even if you find an amazing, safe, non-toxic baby wash, if it’s hard to get your hands on, it’s not going to be your go-to when you need it. And the last thing you want is to run out and have to grab whatever’s on the shelf.

When choosing a baby wash, consider:

• Is it available on Amazon or major retailers? 
• Does the brand offer a subscription option? Set it and forget it so you never run out.
• Is it frequently out of stock? If it’s always selling out, you might need a backup option.

Our round-up of the best non-toxic baby washes

Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash

A gentle foaming baby wash made with organic herbs and oils. It’s dermatologist-tested and EWG Verified. Free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Easily available on Amazon.

Babyology All Natural Baby Wash and Shampoo

Made with 100% edible ingredients (yes, edible), this baby wash is as pure as it gets. It’s free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals, making it perfect for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. You can grab it on Amazon.

ATTITUDE Baby Leaves Shampoo & Body Wash

EWG Verified, this 2-in-1 wash is free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Gentle enough for daily use. Opt for the unscented versions. Available on Amazon and Walmart.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash

EWG Verified and formulated with oat milk and organic calendula, this fragrance-free wash is perfect for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. A widely available option—found at Amazon, Whole Foods, and Walmart.

Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash

EWG Verified and made with plant-based ingredients, this ultra-gentle wash is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. It contains squalane to help moisturize and protect baby’s skin. Available on Amazon and Target, but it often sells out—ordering directly from Pipette’s website is the most reliable option.

Primally Pure Baby Bar

A minimalist, eco-friendly option, this baby bar is made with organic oils and butters to gently cleanse without stripping moisture. Free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and preservatives, it’s perfect for extra sensitive skin. Available on Primally Pure’s website.

Washes to avoid

1. ​​Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
2. Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash 
3. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo
4. Dove Baby Shampoo 
5. Johnson's Baby Shampoo
6. Baby Bum Shampoo & Wash

I promise you can keep bath time safe and simple (at least as far as picking a non-toxic baby wash goes). Find an option that skips the harsh stuff—like synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and preservatives—and you’ll have one less thing to worry about in your daily routine. 

Tried one of these baby washes? I’d love to hear what you think! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your go-to non-toxic bath time products.

And if you’re making more clean swaps, check out my other guides on non-toxic baby shampoo, wipes, diapers, detergents, and sunscreen.

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