13 Best Shampoos For Kids That Are Gentle & Safe (2024), Expert Picks
Soothing and moisturizing hair care products enriched with non-toxic formulations.
Jill TurnbullHairstylist
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide. Jill is... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are looking for the best shampoo for kids, here are a few things to consider. Firstly you have to make sure the ingredients are mild yet effective. Secondly, you have to keep in mind that there should be no ingredient that can trigger allergy on their skin, and finally, you need to find one that nourishes their skin after cleansing it. Many brands offer kids’ products, but if you are not ready to settle for anything but the best, we are here to help. We have gone through various customer reviews and curated this list of 13 gentle shampoos that are specially crafted for the needs of your little one.
In This Article
13 Best Shampoos For Kids
Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo – Best Dandruff Shampoo for Kids
This gentle shampoo from Wild Naturals is specially formulated for kids with eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis and is enriched with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, manuka honey, and orange oil. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera soothe the scalp, unblock the hair follicles, and stimulate hair growth.
Manuka honey has deep moisturizing and nourishing properties, promoting collagen production and reducing blemishes, scars, and redness. The cehami extract in the formula provides natural relief from itchiness, giving your kid a healthy scalp. The formula is hypoallergenic, highly moisturizing, hydrating, and nourishing. The coconut oil extracts used in the shampoo form a light foam while cleansing. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of the product and its high-quality ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Manuka honey, Cehami extract, and Orange oil
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- pH-balancing
- Gentle
- Smells good
- Steroid-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Preservative-free
Cons
- Expensive
baby mee Bee Gentle Baby Wash/Shampoo – Best Natural Shampoo For Kids
This gentle shampoo by baby mee has a 2-in-1 formula that can be used as a baby wash and a shampoo. It is enriched with calendula flower extract that has antimicrobial and antifungal properties to prevent infection, rose water and chamomile flower extract to reduce inflammation on the scalp, and pure honey to cleanse, protect, and soothe your kid’s hair.
The aloe leaf extracts in the formula are rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and active enzymes that heal scalp rashes in no time. This shampoo is perfect for kids with eczema, scabies, and dry and itchy skin. It ensures no tears or adverse effects of chemicals and is suitable for super sensitive skin. With regular washes, your baby’s skin and hair will feel soft and smooth.
Key Ingredients: Calendula flower extract, Rose water, Chamomile extract, Honey, and Aloe vera
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Tear-free
- Natural ingredients
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrochemical-free
Cons
- Strong scent
NOAH Shampoo Bambini – Kids Detangling Shampoo
This shampoo from NOAH is specially formulated to cleanse, nourish, and offer detangling benefits to your kid’s hair. It is rich in hydrolyzed milk proteins and natural sugar that rebalance sebum production and make your kid’s hair manageable. Vitamin E nourishes the hair and scalp and keeps them healthy and clean.
The gentle ingredients in the shampoo are all certified, non-toxic, and natural. Na-PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), the main ingredient, contains nutrients and natural moisturizing properties that reduce frizz and static, making the hair soft and hydrated. It is perfect for everyday use and prevents any allergic reactions. This scalp care formula is the best sulfate-free shampoo for kids aged between 3 to 12 years that offers gentle scalp care.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed milk, Natural sugar, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraffin-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- None
Quick Tip| Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo Best Dandruff Shampoo for Kids | baby mee Bee Gentle Baby Wash/Shampoo Best Natural Shampoo For Kids | NOAH Shampoo Bambini Kids Detangling Shampoo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Oily, Dry, Normal | Dry | Dry |
| Weight | - | 11.3 ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | 2.2 x 2.2 x 5.5 inches. | 2.36 x 2.36 x 8.66 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 8.82 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 946 | 181 | 66 |
| Price | $35.95 | $15.99 | $16.9 |
Fairy Tales Lice Prevention Rosemary Repel Daily Shampoo And Conditioner Set – Best Shampoo & Conditioner For Kids
The shampoo and conditioner from Fairy Tales have a clinically proven formula for head lice treatment that also protects the delicate strands of your kids. They contain a blend of natural ingredients like cinnamon, citronella, bark oil, and the essential oil of organic rosemary that moisturizes and cleanses your kid’s hair and gets rid of infestations. The moisturizing ingredients like chamomile hydrate the scalp and jojoba oil soothe it. These products are pediatrician-recommended since they are free of soy, dairy, gluten, and nut, which reduce the risk of allergies and irritated skin. Hair care enthusiast, Meghan Bo, says, “I use the shampoo on my kid. Her scalp is sensitive, but she had no complaints. She does not experience any itching or burning, and loves the way it smells. The shampoo lathers very well too.” If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video of a tester’s experience of using the product.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Rosemary leaf oil, Citronella oil, Jojoba, and Chamomile extract
Pros
- Natural formula
- Good fragrance
- Toxin-free
- Paraben-free
- Pesticide-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Soy-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
Cons
- Feels sticky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,486 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Curly Kids Mixed Texture Haircare Super Detangling Shampoo – Best Shampoo For Kids With Curly Hair
This Curly Kids product is meant for kids with curly, wavy, and frizzy hair. It is extra gentle, deeply nourishing, and works wonders without drying the curls. This gentle shampoo is perfect for multi-textured hair, and it prevents hair breakage, hair fall, and split ends. Hair care reviewer, Vanessa Sam, on YouTube notes, “My curls become super defined when I use the shampoo and conditioner from this brand. It does not turn my hair frizzy and leaves the tresses super defined. My hair feels healthy, smooth, and soft.” It is created and formulated by experts to aid the growth of healthy, thick hair in children. Regular application and shampooing, prevent dry skin and make the hair feel soft, clean, and infused with natural shine.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Gentle formula
- Stimulates growth
- Tear-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- synthetic fragrance-free
Cons
- None
J’Organic Care Growth Complex Hydrating Strengthening Shampoo For Kids – Best Organic Shampoo Kids
This product from J ’Organic is one of the best natural shampoos for kids. It is intensely hydrating, locks in moisture, and helps strengthen your kid’s dry and damaged hair. This shampoo is enriched with plant-based ingredients and extracts like hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat starch to reduce hair porosity and retain moisture.
The coconut milk in the formula stimulates hair growth, while soy proteins, provitamin B5, and vitamin E reconstruct and strengthen the hair strands while providing volume and shine-enhancing benefits. Nereah Akeyo, a hair care vlogger on YouTube says, “I have been using this product for two months, and I see a huge difference in my kid’s hair growth. Her hair is thicker and has more body.” This formula offers smoother hair strands and keeps your hair well-maintained, free of frizz, knots, and tangles. The shampoo targets dirt, grime, oiliness, and stickiness in the hair and cleanses it without stripping away its natural oils and nutrients.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Wheat starch, Coconut milk, Soy protein, Provitamin B5, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Runny consistency
Quick TipSheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo: Best Nourishing Shampoo
The Mango & Carrot Extra-Nourishing Shampoo from Shea Moisture for Kids is the finest shampoo for all kids since it gently cleanses and detangles fragile and delicate hair. This is a top-notch moisturizing shampoo containing potent nourishing oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, carrot, mango, citrus extracts, and certified organic shea butter. This shampoo offers sufficient hydration to kids’ hair and strengthens weak strands. This shampoo helps to add moisture and shine to your little one’s hair while cleansing away dirt and build-up. It effectively detangles and moisturizes dry hair while making it soft to the touch. The natural blend of nourishing ingredients helps to keep hair healthy and manageable. As attested by multiple reviewers on Amazon, it smells great too!
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Olive oil, Carrot, Mango, Citrus extracts, and certified organic Shea butter
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Made with organic ingredients
- Perfect for curly hair
- Cruelty-free
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- None
babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash – Best Organic Shampoo For Kids
The product from babo Botanicals is a 2-in-1 shampoo created to meet the baby’s sensitive skin. It is made of natural ingredients like calendula flower extract and colloidal oatmeal that heal dryness and infections and soothe babies’ scalp.
The formula’s shea butter and coconut oil have emollient properties that provide long-lasting hydration and smoothen your kid’s hair while leaving it nourished with natural vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It is suitable for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin and is ideal for newborns, babies, kids, and teenagers. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product.
Key Ingredients: Calendula flower extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea butter, and Coconut oil
Pros
- Extra mild
- Organic ingredients
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Smells good
- Tear-free
- Steroid-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Pediatrician-tested
Cons
- May dry the skin out.
Johnson's Ultra Hydrating Shampoo – Hydrating Strengthening Shampoo
This mild and gentle hydrating shampoo by Johnson’s is formulated with proteins and provitamin B5 that deeply penetrate the hair strands and lock in moisture, making the baby’s hair softer. The formula effectively cleanses the hair of dirt, dust, and pollutants and replenishes any lost nutrients. The tear-free formula is gentle on your toddler’s hair, scalp, and skin.
Key Ingredients: Protein and Provitamin B5
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Tear-free
- Toxin-free
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Phthalate-free
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
So Cozy Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo Conditioner Wash – 3-in-1 Shampoo
This product from So Cozy Kids is a 3-in-1 formulation that serves as a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. It contains keratin, kiwi extract, and vitamin B5 to nourish the hair. Keratin protects and strengthens the hair while vitamin B5 softens and nourishes the hair. It also promotes thicker hair growth. Kiwi extract nurtures, conditions, and moisturizes the hair and skin. The natural ingredients replenish the lost moisture and nutrients back into the scalp and skin. The plant extracts and proteins in the shampoo work up a gentle and good lather from head to toe, giving you soft, supple skin and smooth, silky hair.
Key Ingredient: Keratin, Vitamin B5, and Kiwi extract
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Toxin-free
- Gluten-free
- Synthetic color-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Gluten-free
- Ideal for all hair lengths and types
Cons
- Not tear-free
Aveeno Kids Curly Hair Shampoo – Best Hydrating Formula For Curly-Haired Kids
The Aveeno Kids Curly Hair Shampoo is a fragrance-free shampoo with oats extracts, shea butter, and a light calming scent that gently cleanses, nourishes, and hydrates curly hair. The tear-free formula is very gentle and leaves your kid’s hair with soft and frizz-free curls. It is a pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested formula that is safe for daily use to keep your baby’s hair clean and healthy.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- None
MIXED CHICKS Kids Shampoo – Best Sulfate Free Shampoo For Kids
The MIXED CHICKS shampoo has a gentle, natural, and safe formula that does not irritate the tender scalp and hair of your kid and cleanses it without any fuss. It is one of the best sulfate-free shampoos for kids with curly and kinky hair. The soothing and lightly fragrant shampoo ensures a relaxing and enjoyable bath time for kids. Hair care vlogger and youtuber, Kytia L’amour, mentions, “It is sulfate-free, tear-free, and can also be used as a body wash. The product feels really good in my kid’s hair. It lathers up, but not in an overwhelming amount.” The formulation is perfect for use on toddlers, babies, kids, and swimmers. It can also be used as a body wash.
Pros
- Gentle on hair
- Tear-free
- Sulfate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Suitable for toddlers
- Controls and tames frizz
Cons
- Dries out hair if used daily.
Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash – Best Kids Shampoo For Itchy Scalp
This hypoallergenic and lightweight shampoo from Dr. Eddie’s soothes itchy, dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. It can be used as a daily shampoo and a body wash that cleanses and moisturizes the hair, scalp, and skin. The product is enriched with oatmeal, aloe vera, provitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and licorice root extract that soothe and nourish the skin and scalp. The shampoo lathers well into the hair without drying it out and is ideal for use on normal, oily, sensitive, and dry hair types. It is ideal for children of all ages.
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal extract, Licorice root extract, Aloe vera, Provitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Pediatrician-approved
- Dermatologically tested
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Perfect for eczema-prone scalp
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Not tear-free
- May make the scalp itchy and dry.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In The Best Shampoos For Kids
A child’s hair and scalp are much more sensitive than an adult’s. Their hair requires healthier hair care products to keep them nourished, moisturized, and refreshed. However, with so many shampoos available on the market, it can become puzzling to pick the right one. The infographic below will help you understand the ingredients that make the best shampoo for your kid’s hair and scalp health. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Your kid needs a good hair care regime to make their locks stronger, thicker and well-nourished. There are many shampoos available in the market that can be good for sensitive scalps and various skin types. The Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo is perfect for eczema-prone scalp, while the baby mee Bee Gentle Baby Wash/Shampoo is a fragrance-free and gentle option for dry and itchy scalp. But if you are looking for something for dry and damaged hair, try the SheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo. Shampoos that can gently wash away impurities, dirt, oil, and grease from the hair without damaging the strands are the best of the lot. However, it is better to opt for dermatologist-recommended products and avoid the ones that can trigger any kind of allergy on their skin or cause unnecessary breakouts, rashes, and acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start using kid’s shampoo?
Start using a kid’s shampoo when your baby is four to six months old for soft and manageable hair. Do not use it earlier to prevent irritating their delicate scalp and eyes.
Does a kid’s shampoo make their eyes sting?
No. A tear-resistant kid’s shampoo is free of harsh surfactants like SLS. So, the mild formula does not irritate and sting eyes.
Can my child use a regular shampoo rather than a kid’s shampoo?
No. Do not use regular shampoo for washing your kid’s hair, as they contain harsh surfactants that deep clean the scalp and cause burning sensations. On the other hand, kid’s shampoo contains mild cleansing agents that gently cleanse the scalp and moisturize it.
Can a kid’s shampoo be used as a body wash?
No. A kid’s shampoo contains mild cleansers that are ineffective in deep cleansing your body and eliminating dirt and grime. Therefore, do not use a kid’s shampoo as a body wash.
What is the best kids’ shampoo for removing chlorine from hair?
The L’Oréal Kids Extra Gentle 2-In-1 Swim & Sport Shampoo is the best kid’s shampoo for eliminating chlorine from the hair. It protects hair against harsh chemicals in the pool, washes away the salt, hair-damaging minerals, and other impurities. This ophthalmologist-tested product lathers well on the delicate scalp of the kids and cleanses away the salt, harmful minerals, and chlorine from the hair.
When should I stop using children’s shampoo?
Although there is no right or wrong age to stop using children’s shampoo, most parents do it around eight or nine years of age. Make the switch when your child can wash their hair correctly and without letting any product enter their eyes.
Does my child need a conditioner?
Yes. Invest in an organic conditioner to moisturize and retain the natural shine of your child’s hair. The conditioner also keeps their hair tangle-free.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a well-versed skin care expert with experience in hair care. She understands the importance of using mild, effective products for a child’s sensitive scalp so they won’t cause allergies. She has meticulously researched the best shampoos for kids to help her readers choose the perfect one for their children. Children’s shampoos gently cleanse and remove dirt, grease, and stickiness without damaging the hair.
