Bath time with your baby can be one of the most precious times as a parent. The warm water provides a soothing end to the day, and it’s sweet to see your little one enjoy their time in the tub. Because of this, it’s only natural to want all parts of the experience to be as pleasant and possible. One way to do that is to make sure you are using a shampoo specifically made for babies — in fact, if you don’t use one for babies, it can turn into a big mistake.
“Babies have a different skin pH balance than adults,” says Dr. Timothy Tran, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston. “Adult shampoos aren’t formulated for this difference and using them on a baby can cause irritation and dryness.” On the other hand, baby shampoos are specifically made for more sensitive skin. To help you find the best option for your little one, we asked dermatologist what to keep in mind when shopping — plus, we got a few of their top recommendations.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best baby shampoos | The best baby shampoos of 2025 | Can you use a regular shampoo on a baby? | Why trust NBC Select?
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How we picked the best baby shampoos
You know you need a shampoo specifically made for babies, but with so many on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your money. So, we asked two dermatologists what to look for as you shop. Here are the top factors they suggested you pay attention to:
- No harsh chemicals: “The simpler the ingredient list, the better,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology 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.”
- 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 help you find a baby shampoo for your family, we asked experts to recommend their favorites. We also added a few NBC Select editor suggestions, as well as some highly-rated picks.
Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care
“To help keep baby skin from drying out, look for baby shampoos and washes with moisturizing ingredients,” says Tran, who likes the options from Dove. The top two ingredients in this formula are water and glycerin, also known to hydrate. It’s also tear-free and hypoallergenic and free of sulfates and parabens. Also nice: The bottle is a whopping 34 ounces, which will last a while if you use it on one baby.
The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash
Tran likes this baby shampoo because it’s free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and dyes — all of which have the potential to irritate young skin. The gel formula can be used as a body wash and shampoo and the pump bottle is easy to use while wrangling a little one in the water, according to the brand. One thing to note: This shampoo does have a scent, though natural ingredients are used for the smell, according to Honest.
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
Another recommendation from Tran, Aveeno makes one of our favorite body washes for sensitive skin, and their baby shampoo is even more gentle. The hypoallergenic formula is tear-free and incorporates oat extract, which can help keep baby skin from getting dry, according to the brand.
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash
Kazlouskaya says this option from Babo Botanicals fits all the criteria of a good baby shampoo — including that it’s hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals. The fragrance-free wash contains 23 plant ingredients, including calendula and shea butter, to replenish hydration to the skin, according to the brand.
CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo
This formula, a favorite of Kazlouskaya, contains three different ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to hydrate and protect sensitive baby skin. Not only that, it’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and easy to wash away, according to the brand. This option can also be used as a shampoo and a body wash.
Can you use regular shampoo on a baby?
It’s best to avoid using adult shampoo on a baby. Here’s why: “Babies have much more sensitive skin,” says Tran. “Because of this, they’re more likely to get rashes or irritation from overly harsh ingredients.”
The main reason for this is that babies have a higher alkaline pH when they’re first born, which means it’s not great at protecting its skin barrier, according to Kazlouskaya. That’s why using products that won’t irritate or cause redness is so key.
Another reason it’s good to stick with baby shampoo is they’re often formulated to meet specific needs in kids that age. “For example, there are hydrating formulas or even ones that are made for eczema-prone skin,” says Tran. Choosing one that addresses your baby’s skin needs is a great way to keep their skin as soft and supple as possible.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Timothy Tran is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists on what to look for in a baby shampoo.
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