A baby’s skin is structurally and physiologically different from an adult’s skin. When babies are inside the mothers’ wombs, their skin has to be able to cope with the aqueous environment. So that their skin is more permeable and better able to absorb nutrients, babies’ skin cells are smaller and with less collagen. The skin also produces fewer hydrating agents because it is already in a moisture-rich environment.
In a nutshell, the baby’s skin is up to 30 percent thinner and more permeable than an adult’s skin. It is only after babies are born into the dry terrestrial environment that their skin starts to change. This change doesn’t happen overnight, though. It can take a bit of time.
As a result, children cannot use the same shampoos that adults are used to. This is why established brands have come up with specialized shampoos for babies and kids. This guide is devoted to helping you find the best shampoos for your children whether they’re infants, toddlers, or little roadrunners.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Burt’s Bees Baby Calming Shampoo & Wash |
| 4.25/5.0 |
| Product Type: Baby 2-in-1 |
| Volume: 3 x 12 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $0.75 |
| Available in multiple variants, this shampoo and body wash 2-in-1 is the perfect solution for the majority of parents out there and uses vegetable-based cleansers. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Everyone Lavender Lullaby Kids Soap |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Product Type: Kids 3-in-1 |
| Volume: 2 x 32 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $0.31 |
| A 3-in-1 product that will do well for most children in most scenarios especially since it offers variety and versatility in terms of scent too, available in three different variants. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| Product Type: Kids 2-in-1 |
| Volume: 10 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $0.90 |
| A guaranteed clean formula from a highly respected company, this 2-in-1 kids’ product will ensure that your kids and conscience both remain pure and clean. |
| Check Amazon |
On this page, you will not only find in-depth reviews of the best shampoos for kids and babies in the market but also the knowledge required to choose the right ones. Here’s everything you’ll find in this guide laid out in a clickable navigation panel. Feel free to skip or jump to specific sections as per your particular requirements.
- Why Do Children Need Different Shampoos?
- What to Consider While Buying Shampoos for Your Child?
- Top 10 Shampoos for Kids and Babies Comparison Table
- Top 4 Shampoos for Babies: Detailed Reviews
- Top 3 Budget Shampoos for Kids: Detailed Reviews
- Top 3 Premium Shampoos for Kids: Detailed Reviews
Why Do Children Need Different Shampoos?
The thinner skin of kids and babies changes the way their bodies react to shampoos in two ways.
Firstly, it makes their skin more susceptible to the ingredients of shampoos. In other words, their skin absorbs the ingredients it is exposed to in hair and skin care products.
Therefore, if the shampoo they use contains artificial chemicals that have been known to be harmful, then these synthetic substances may end up affecting them further. As a result, the substances you should be looking to avoid are sulfates, parabens, and alcohols.
Secondly, since the skin of babies and kids doesn’t produce many hydrating agents, it naturally tends towards dryness. In contrast, adults’ skin produces the kind of oils needed to keep it well hydrated. This is why grown-up shampoos are designed to penetrate through the higher quantities of oils and sebum that adults have on their skin.
When the same shampoo is used on babies and kids, their cleansing agents can end up being too harsh on their scalp and skin. This can result in extremely dry skin, breakouts, or even rashes in some cases.
It is also important to remember that children and babies have considerably more sensitive noses. Since many adult shampoos have very strong perfumes, fragrances, and scents, they may overwhelm the developing sense of smell of babies and kids.
What to Consider While Buying Shampoos for Your Child?
The two most important things you need from a shampoo for your child are that it shouldn’t contain artificial ingredients and that it isn’t too drying. However, if only these two factors are considered, most shampoos for kids and babies will qualify. So, how should you choose between multiple shampoos designed exclusively for kids and babies? Consider the following points.
- Age: You’ll find that some shampoos are for babies while others are marketed towards kids. The ones for kids have slightly stronger cleansing abilities. This means that while you can use baby shampoos for your toddlers and even older kids, you can’t use kids’ shampoos on infants. This is why you need to consider the age of your kids before choosing a shampoo for them.
- Sensitivity: Some children are more sensitive to external influences than others. For instance, your child may be allergic to some things or simply more prone to causing a fuss. You need to take your child’s sensitivities into account by choosing shampoos that are meant for extra sensitive skin or shampoos that are tear-free.
- Hair type: Hair type will also play a role. Kids with fine and light hair types will require very lightweight shampoos. On the other hand, if your child has natural curls and you want to encourage those curls, then you’ll need shampoos with a lot of moisture. We also suggest considering brands that specialize in products for curly hair. This way you’ll be benefitting from their specialized experience.
- Hair length: The density and length of your child’s hair will determine how much shampoo you’re going to need. Typically, baby shampoos come in smaller bottles. The assumption is that kids don’t need a lot of shampoo for their hair to get cleaned. However, if your child has very long or very dense hair then you may need to get larger quantities of the shampoo. This would mean looking for bigger bottles or even packs with multiple bottles.
- Usability: Most children resist taking baths. As a result, parents are always in a rush to get them through clean. One of the ways of making this happen would be to use a product that can be used in a wide variety of ways. This is where 2-in-1 products i.e., shampoo and body wash, or even 3-in-1 products i.e., shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath come into their own.
- Fragrance: We’ve already explained how children can have extra sensitive noses. However, even if your child doesn’t have a very sensitive nose, then you may want to consider the smell of the shampoo you’re considering. Children have very strong preferences and can often refuse to use products that don’t have the scent that they like.
Top 10 Shampoos for Kids and Babies Comparison Table
Top 4 Shampoos for Babies: Detailed Reviews
1. Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
Aveeno Baby traces its origins to 1945 and is widely recognized for being a great brand for baby products. When it comes to baby shampoos, their offering is called the Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo.
This is a great baby product so long as your baby doesn’t have extra sensitivities because infants with extremely tender skin or very sensitive eyes can react to this product fairly easily.
Children with skin sensitivities have been known to breakout due to this product. Similarly, while claimed to be a tear-free product, babies do cry when this product gets into their eyes. This is because this product contains a lot of coconut-based cleansers.
Cleansers derived from natural sources such as coconut usually don’t bother the eyes. However, because this product contains large quantities of these cleansers, it can irritate the eyes. The large quantities also ensure that this product produces a rich lather.
At the same time, the large concentration of these cleansers means that this product can be a little drying on the skin. Fortunately, the formula incorporates natural oat extract to minimize the drying effect of this product.
The coconut-derived cleansers in this product are supposed to replace surfactants used in mainstream products. Typically, this means sulfates. Sulfates, however, are not suitable for babies’ skin because they are too harsh. This product doesn’t contain parabens either and its formula is not only pH-balanced but also hypoallergenic.
It doesn’t even have a distinct scent. Instead, it has a light and fresh smell of soap that won’t bother most babies and parents. It also comes in a bottle with a dispensing pump. This is particularly fortunate because the product has a very thin consistency. The pump ensures easy access and application.
In terms of pricing, this is one of the cheapest baby 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash products on the market.
Who’s it for: If you want the most popular baby shampoo and body wash and your kid doesn’t have very sensitive skin, get this product from Aveeno Baby.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Baby 2-in-1 |
| Product weight: 18 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut based cleansers and oat kernel extract |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Body wash and shampoo combined |
| Based around oat extract |
| Has a light, fresh smell of soap |
| Lathers fairly well |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| It is pH balanced |
| Comes with a dispensing pump |
| Incredibly pocket-friendly |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can end up drying the hair |
| Can irritate eyes |
| It may not be suitable for very sensitive skin types |
| Has a thin, watery consistency |
2. Burt’s Bees Baby Calming Shampoo & Wash (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
In the budget market segment, Burt’s Bees Baby offers the most options in terms of different variants of the same product. While we’re reviewing the calming variant of this 2-in-1, you can get this shampoo and body wash in its original, sensitive, and unscented guises too.
The fact that it is available in so many different variants is important because it makes it suitable for virtually all babies, regardless of what their inherent tendencies are.
For instance, if your baby is troubled by strong scents, you can choose the unscented variant. If your baby’s skin is very sensitive then you can choose the sensitive variant. Similarly, fussier babies can benefit from the calming variant we’re reviewing here. The original variant is for babies without any specific requirements.
All these variants will be mild with the exception of the sensitive variant which will be especially gentle. The calming version has a lavender and vanilla scent that many parents say is very relaxing for babies. The calming scent can come in very handy if you want to lull your baby to sleep after the bath. The only problem is that it is a bit on the strong side, making it unsuitable for babies who don’t react well to scents.
All the variants are also tear-free which is a critical feature for baby shampoos to have. The company also says that this is a pediatrician-tested product. We’ve looked at the formula and it seems to be clean too. It doesn’t contain any sulfates or parabens that can end up irritating babies’ skin. Instead, it contains natural ingredients such as soy proteins and rice extract.
The cleansing action comes from vegetable-based cleansers. However, you should know that vegetable-based cleansers will never create the same kind of lather that sulfates do. This is one of the reasons that this product doesn’t produce a lot of lather.
The formula of this product also gives it a very thin and watery consistency. Further, it doesn’t come with a dispensing pump. As a result of these two things, it tends to finish fairly fast.
Fortunately, it is a fairly cheap product, especially when you buy the bigger bottles in bigger packs. The available bottles – 8.4 and 12 ounces – are available singly and in triple packs.
This product also comes with a leaping bunny certification for being cruelty-free.
Who’s it for: Irrespective of whether your baby is fussy, sensitive to scents, or has very delicate skin, you’ll find an option with Burt’s Bees Baby.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Baby 2-in-1 |
| Product weight: 3 x 12 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Vegetable-based cleansers, rice extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, oregano leaf oil, and thyme oil |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Body wash and shampoo combined |
| Uses vegetable-based cleansers |
| Completely tear-free |
| Has a relaxing smell of lavender and vanilla |
| Lathers fairly well |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| It is a cruelty-free rated product |
| Can be purchased in two bottle sizes and two pack sizes |
| Available in four different variants |
| Incredibly pocket-friendly |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t produce a lot of lather |
| Its smell is a bit too strong |
| Has a thin, watery consistency |
| Doesn’t come with a dispensing pump |
3. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
Cetaphil is a well-established brand that is known for its gentle and mild products. Their baby wash and shampoo 2-in-1 product is the same. It is based on natural ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamins E and B5.
However, the standout ingredient in this product is organic calendula. Organic calendula is known for its soothing properties. It is also a decent hydrating agent. This ingredient is also responsible for this product’s floral scent. The only problem is that the scent comes off as very strong.
The company further says that this product is tear-free but in practice, this claim falls flat. Many parents complain that this product isn’t tear-free because their babies cry the moment the suds get into their eyes. This could be because this 2-in-1 contains sulfates.
While the sulfates ensure that this product produces tons of lather, they also prevent it from being tear-free. Further, their presence also means that this product might not be suitable for babies with extremely sensitive skin. However, this is something that you’ll have to test to know. We suggest doing a patch test before using it fully.
Other than sulfates, this product doesn’t contain any other artificial chemicals or compounds including parabens and mineral oil.
You can get this product in two sizes. The smaller bottle contains 7.8 ounces of the product while the larger one can hold 13.5 ounces. We suggest going for the bigger bottle as that would help you save some money. After all, this product is a little on the expensive side. Another benefit of buying the bigger bottle is that it comes with a dispensing pump.
Who’s it for: If lather is important for you and you’re looking for a product from an established brand, try this 2-in-1 baby shampoo from Cetaphil.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Baby 2-in-1 |
| Product weight: 13.5 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Sulfates, coconut-based cleansers, provitamin B5, hydrolyzed wheat protein, pot marigold flower extract, and aloe vera leaf juice powder |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Body wash and shampoo combined |
| Soothing formula with organic calendula and aloe vera |
| Has a floral smell |
| Lathers fairly well |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Can be purchased in two bottle sizes |
| The bigger bottle comes with a dispensing pump |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can irritate eyes |
| Contains sulfates |
| Its smell is a bit too strong |
| A little on the expensive side of the spectrum |
4. Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo for Newborn
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
Cradle cap is a problem that is very common in babies. In fact, according to estimates, about seven out of every ten babies experience cradle cap in the first three months of their lives. Further, it can appear even in babies between one and two years old.
While not painful or contagious, cradle cap is still a troublesome development in the eyes of most mommies. This is why the Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo for Newborn from Mustela is so popular.
It is a baby shampoo that is designed explicitly to cope with the cradle cap. However, since cradle cap and dandruff are very similar, this shampoo is exceptional there too. You can even use it if your child only has flakes on his scalp.
This product is so good because it contains two ingredients that are extremely effective against cradle cap, dandruff, and scalp buildup. The first is climbazole which is a very effective antifungal agent. The climbazole in this product works against microorganisms responsible for creating dandruff.
The other key ingredient is salicylic acid which is an excellent exfoliant. The salicylic acid in this product unclogs the follicles in the scalp by taking away the buildup that microorganisms thrive on. These two ingredients complement each other’s core function very well resulting in a sum that is greater than its individual parts.
The third main ingredient in this baby shampoo is an avocado fruit extract. The extract used in this shampoo is patented and specializes in hydrating the scalp. Unfortunately, it isn’t very effective because this product can end up drying the hair in some cases.
The formula of this product is also clean and free of all artificial ingredients such as sulfates and parabens. Typically, products without sulfates or their natural replacements don’t create sufficient lather.
Mustela has found a workaround for this problem though. They’ve made this formula into a foam shampoo. This means that it comes out of the bottle as foam that you can spread on your baby’s head. There’s no need to worry about making lather.
Mustela says that this product is tested by dermatologists and pediatricians. This claim is fair because most doctors prescribe it to infants with cradle cap. This is also a gentle product that doesn’t irritate the eyes, making it tear-free.
The smell of this baby shampoo is floral which most mothers should be okay with. The only problem is that its scent is too strong and artificial. This can end up bothering people with sensitive noses.
Because of its specialized nature, this product is expensively priced. However, it is very effective and well worth the price if your baby has cradle cap or dandruff. There are no bottle size options, though. The bottle that you do get comes equipped with a dispensing pump that should make it easier for you to use this product.
Who’s it for: If you’re trying to resolve cradle cap, dandruff, or flakes on your baby’s head, try this specialized product from Mustela.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Baby shampoo |
| Product weight: 5.07 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut based cleansers, climbazole, salicylic acid, and avocado fruit extract |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed explicitly to deal with cradle cap, dandruff, and flakes |
| Contains a patented natural ingredient |
| Completely tear-free |
| Has a floral smell |
| Foam shampoo that doesn’t need to be lathered |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Comes with a dispensing pump |
| The Cons |
|---|
| A very expensive priced product |
| Its smell is a bit too strong and too artificial |
| Can end up drying the hair |
Top 3 Budget Shampoos for Kids: Detailed Reviews
5. Everyone Lavender Lullaby Kids Soap (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
The Lavender Lullaby Kids Soap from Everyone is a 3-in-1 product. This means that your kids can use it to wash their hair, their bodies, and even to create bubbles in pools and tubs. Its versatility is, in fact, one of its greatest attributes, especially since this is also an incredibly cheap product too.
Since your kids will be going through this product at breakneck speeds, the fact that you can buy it in bulk without breaking the bank can be very useful. Despite being cheap, though, this product doesn’t come across as such.
In terms of function, it is an exceptional product. In fact, it is one of the best kids’ shampoos available in the market right now. It cleans the hair, scalp, and body well without any artificial surfactants such as sulfates. Instead, it contains coconut-based cleansers. While these natural cleansers may not produce as much lather as synthetic ones, they still clean well.
For hydration, the formula of this product contains provitamin B5 and E. In addition to moisture, these ingredients also nourish the scalp and skin. There are no artificial ingredients in this formula. It is completely free of parabens and alcohol.
The formula does contain a series of botanicals that are responsible for the product’s scent. This one has a blended scent of lavender and citrus which comes from multiple lavender and orange extracts. The scent of this product is designed specifically to lull and relax kids, making this product great for evening use.
If you want a morning product, other variants of this product are also available. These are orange and tropical coconut twist. All the variants come in double-packs and every bottle is equipped with a dispensing pump.
The product will also suit your sensibilities. It is not only non-GMO verified but also rated to be cruelty-free. Further, it doesn’t contain any ingredients with gluten which is why it is a good choice if your kids have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
In terms of flaws, this product has two minor ones. The first one is that its scent is a bit on the stronger side. This means that if your children are sensitive to strong scents, then this may not be the right shampoo for them.
The second is that it isn’t a tear-free product. It is intended for young kids instead of babies or toddlers so the assumption is that they won’t let the lather go into their eyes in the first place.
This is an American product, made exclusively in California, US.
Who’s it for: If you want the best 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath for your fussy and overexcited kids, try this one from Everyone
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Kids 2-in-1 |
| Product weight: 2 x 32 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers, provitamin B5, lavender oil, lavandin oil, orange peel oil, organic aloe vera leaf, organic matricaria flower extract, organic pot marigold flower extract, organic tea plant leaf extract, and vitamin E |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo combined |
| Has a calming smell of lavender and citrus |
| Lathers fairly well |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Doesn’t contain gluten |
| It is a cruelty-free rated product |
| Available in three different variants |
| Comes with dispensing pumps |
| Made in the US |
| Fairly pocket-friendly |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Its smell is a bit too strong |
| Can irritate eyes |
6. Johnson’s Shiny & Soft Kids’ Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
There aren’t many kids shampoos like this one from Johnson’s. This shampoo is designed to make kids’ hair look more attractive by making it shinier. To be able to do this, this shampoo makes use of ingredients that aren’t common in other shampoos designed for children.
It contains silk proteins and argan oil in large quantities. Both these ingredients are renowned for coating hair strands with a layer that smooths standing cuticles back into place.
These ingredients perform other functions in this product too. For instance, the silk proteins will help compensate for protein loss that can occur through natural wear and tear. Similarly, argan oil would ensure that the hair gets proper moisturization.
While the smoothing coat on the hair strands will give them an irresistible shine, the repairing and moisturizing actions will ensure that every strand is soft and manageable.
If you’re not that interested in the shining and smoothing qualities of this shampoo, it is available in another variant too. The other variant is all about hydration and best suited for kids with very dry hair. For kids with super dry hair, there’s even a matching conditioner available in the market.
The cleansing responsibility of this shampoo falls on a series of coconut-based cleansers in its formula. These cleansers are unlike synthetic ingredients such as sulfates in the sense that they don’t irritate the eyes, making this product completely tear-free.
However, the absence of sulfates also means that this shampoo doesn’t produce the same amount of lather that mainstream products do. At the same time, it can still end up drying your kid’s hair if it isn’t used in smaller quantities.
This shampoo’s formula is free of other artificial ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and dyes. As a result, this shampoo is mild and hypoallergenic. There’s nothing mild about this shampoo’s scent, though.
It is very strong and comes off as a very artificial perfume. The scent is also cloyingly sweet. This is something that may appeal to kids but the adults around those kids may not appreciate it, especially considering the scent’s strength.
The biggest problem with this product is the bottle it comes in. The bottle has a very peculiar spray nozzle. You press the nozzle on one side to open it. However, when you apply pressure to dispense the shampoo, it slips back into a shut position. This can be very irritating especially for kids who like to be in and out of their baths in record times.
Like most Johnson’s products, this one is also very pocket-friendly. It is cheap enough for you to buy and discard if your kids don’t like how it smells or works on their hair.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a shampoo that will make your kid’s hair shiny, smooth, and vibrant, get this one from Johnson’s.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Kids shampoo |
| Product weight: 13.6 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers, argan kernel oil, and silk amino acids |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed explicitly to smooth and shine hair |
| Completely tear-free |
| Has a sweet perfume smell |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Comes with a spray nozzle |
| Available in two different variants |
| Fairly pocket-friendly |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Its smell is a bit too strong and too sweet |
| Can end up drying the hair |
| Doesn’t produce a lot of lather |
| The provided spray nozzle is difficult to use |
7. Cantu Care for Kids Nourishing Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
Cantu is a name that is very popular amongst people with curly hair. It is especially loved by individuals of African American and mixed ethnic backgrounds. Cantu products cater to the curly-haired crowd by delivering a lot of moisture and curl definition.
Cantu even has a shampoo for kids with curly or mixed hair types. The Nourishing Shampoo is loaded with ingredients with amazing moisturizing power which is how it can subdue frizz and enhance curls.
The hydrating ingredients that this shampoo is based on are shea butter, coconut oil, and honey. These ingredients make the shampoo gentle and do a decent job of balancing the cleansing potential of this product too.
The company could have toned down the cleansing part of this shampoo, however. The reason for this is that this shampoo can be a little too strong for kids whose hair already lacks sufficient moisture. It can leave the hair dry in such scenarios.
This is despite the fact that the cleansing part of this shampoo is comprised entirely of coconut-based cleansers. While it doesn’t contain sulfates, the coconut-based cleansers’ concentration could’ve been lower.
Additionally, the absence of sulfates means two things. The first is that it doesn’t produce a lot of lather. The other is that the shampoo doesn’t irritate the eyes, making it truly tear-free. The fact that this shampoo’s formula is free of other synthetic ingredients such as parabens helps in this regard as well.
The smell of this shampoo is a little on the feminine side which might concern you if you’re looking for something for your young boys. The only saving grace is that the scent is very light and doesn’t linger. This shampoo draws its smell from honey and coconut.
Another minor flaw of this shampoo is that it doesn’t come with a dispensing mechanism. Instead, it comes in a bottle that your kids will have to squeeze to get the shampoo out. This can often be difficult for younger kids because squeezing a bottle requires the kind of grip strength that they’re yet to develop.
The only workaround to this problem would be to transfer this shampoo to another bottle. Even if you have to buy a spare pump bottle, it shouldn’t concern you because the extra cost wouldn’t be much considering how cheap this shampoo is.
Who’s it for: If your kids have curls and you want those curls to pop out more, try this shampoo from Cantu.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Kids shampoo |
| Product weight: 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers, honey extract, coconut oil, and shea butter |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed explicitly for mixed and curly-haired kids |
| Defines and enhances natural curls well |
| Completely tear-free |
| Has a light smell of honey and coconut |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| A pocket-friendly product |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can end up drying the hair |
| Doesn’t produce sufficient lather |
| Doesn’t come with a dispensing pump |
| Its scent isn’t exactly gender-neutral |
Top 3 Premium Shampoos for Kids: Detailed Reviews
8. Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Super Charge Detangling Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Kids don’t know how to take care of their hair because they’re always busy playing. As a result, their hair is often full of tangles. Kids with especially dry or curly hair tend to get frizz as well as these tangles.
The Tangle Tamer Super Charge Detangling Shampoo from Fairy Tales is designed specifically for kids with these two problems. It is an excellent shampoo that specializes in detangling and smoothing unruly knots and curls, leaving the hair soft, silky, and very manageable.
To moisturize and nourish hair strands and follicles, this shampoo relies on keratin and vitamin B. However, its formula contains a slew of botanicals with a special emphasis on jojoba in the form of seed oil and seed extract.
Other ingredients you’ll find in this kids’ shampoo are aloe vera leaf juice, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and vitamin E. This shampoo doesn’t contain any artificial substances such as parabens or sulfates, however.
Even though it doesn’t contain any sulfates, it still manages to create a lot of lather because it contains multiple coconut-based cleansers. This lather allows it to be very effective at cleansing scalp and hair.
At the same time, it can also end up being too much if this shampoo is used in large quantities. In larger quantities, this shampoo can end up leaving the hair dry. One way to avoid this problem is to use the matching conditioner or even the spray.
The formula is also free of things like gluten and nuts, making it suitable for kids with celiac disease and allergies, respectively. The product’s smell is a divisive blend of coconut and vanilla. The scent of this shampoo is divisive because it is not only too strong but also too sweet. Fortunately, the smell doesn’t linger and dissipates quickly.
This is a fairly affordable product and will not require you to break the bank. Your kids may find using it a little difficult, though, because it doesn’t come with a dispensing pump. Instead, it comes in a squeezy bottle.
Who’s it for: If tangles and frizz are big problems for your kids, then this shampoo from Fairy Tales would be very helpful for them.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Kids shampoo |
| Product weight: 12 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera leaf juice, hydrolyzed keratin, provitamin B5, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vitamin E, and jojoba seed extract |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed explicitly to detangle hair and counter frizz |
| Has a sweet smell of coconut and vanilla |
| Lathers well |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Doesn’t contain gluten |
| Doesn’t contain nuts |
| Affordably priced |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Its smell is a bit too strong and too sweet |
| Can end up drying the hair |
| Doesn’t come with a dispensing pump |
9. The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Since its founder, Jessica Alba, quit Hollywood to become an entrepreneur, the Honest Company has gradually carved a niche for itself in the hair products market. It is a company that is particularly recognized for developing and manufacturing products that have very clean and natural formulae.
This particular 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash is intended for children. It is designed to use aromatherapy to relax and soothe the children which is why it is called Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash.
This means that this product is best suited for use in the evening or before bedtime. However, other variants of this same product are also available if you’re looking for a product to use in the day.
The other three available variants are sweet orange vanilla, fragrance-free, and sweet almond. Each of them would be great for a child even though they’ll be best suited to different scenarios.
For instance, the sweet orange vanilla variant might be best for girls because of its feminine scent, the fragrance-free for kids with very sensitive noses, and the sweet almond for children with dry hair.
These products are designed to be gentle but not at the cost of proper cleansing. This is why they don’t contain any synthetic chemicals or compounds such as sulfates and parabens. Instead, they’re based on cleansers derived from coconuts.
While these cleansers do a great job at cleansing the scalp and hair, they can’t match sulfates when it comes to producing lather. This is one of the biggest flaws of shampoos from The Honest Company. If you want lather, then you have to use a lot of these shampoos.
This flaw is further accentuated by the fact that this shampoo and body wash has a very thin and watery consistency. As you use more shampoo to get enough lather, you’ll find the bottle finishing very quickly. Luckily, this product isn’t very expensive and refills won’t add up to huge sums from your bank account.
The company also says that this product is tear-free. However, this isn’t exactly true. If your kids get this product in their eyes, it will sting and irritate.
As the name of this product indicates, its scent is very calming. The company describes the scent as dreamy lavender. What we can tell you is that the scent is very relaxing and not too strong.
The product comes in bottles equipped with dispensing pumps making it easy to use. It is also rated to be cruelty-free and is manufactured exclusively in the US.
Who’s it for: If you want a clean and effective 2-in-1 product that will help your kids relax, get this one from The Honest Company.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Kids 2-in-1 |
| Product weight: 10 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, matricaria flower extract, lemon peel extract, provitamin B5, raspberry ketone, and coconut acid |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Body wash and shampoo combined |
| Based on natural ingredients only |
| Has a lavender smell |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Has a cruelty-free rating |
| Comes with dispensing pumps |
| Available in four different variants |
| Made in the US |
| Affordably priced |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can irritate eyes |
| Doesn’t produce sufficient lather |
| Has a thin, watery consistency |
10. Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot Extra-Nourishing Set
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
Shea Moisture is another brand that specializes in creating products for curly-haired people. As a result, its products are excellent at moisturizing and augmenting curls of various types.
This product is no different. It also happens to be the only shampoo and conditioner set in this guide that is designed exclusively for children. In fact, the shampoo and conditioner in this set are so co-dependent that we don’t recommend using them separately.
The reason for this is that the shampoo on its own, is a bit too drying, while the conditioner on its own, is a bit too heavy for even the thickest of hair. If you use the conditioner separately, you’ll find your hair weighed down and very greasy very quickly.
Together, though, they work really well to cleanse, hydrate, smooth, and detangle curls. They also contain enough nourishing and repairing ingredients to revitalize dry and damaged hair.
Individually, the shampoo depends heavily on coconut-based cleansers to clean the scalp while the shampoo depends on coconut oil and organic shea butter to moisturize it. Even though there are no parabens and sulfates in this shampoo, it still produces considerable lather.
The scent of this set, however, does not come from its coconut-derived ingredients. Instead, the ingredients responsible for the scent are mango butter and carrot oil. This set smells of mangoes with noticeable notes of carrots. You should know that the scent is quite strong and will linger well after your kids’ hair has dried.
In terms of usability, the shampoo and conditioner both pose a challenge. The shampoo bottle is slightly difficult to use because it doesn’t come with a dispensing pump. The conditioner is difficult to use even though it comes with a dispensing pump because it is extremely viscous and thick. The pump is present but incapable of pulling out the thick conditioner from the bottle.
This set also happens to be one of the most expensive in the kids’ hair products market segment on a per ounce basis. However, since you don’t need to use a lot of these products to get the desired results, it turns out to be fairly affordable in the long run.
Who’s it for: If your kids have very thick and curly hair and you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner combo for them, get this pair from curly hair specialists, Shea Moisture.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product type: Kids shampoo and conditioner set |
| Product weight: 2 x 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients (shampoo): Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, essential oil blend, provitamin B5, mango seed butter, shea butter, coconut oil, carrot seed oil, aloe vera leaf juice, hydrolyzed silk, slippery elm bark extract, and vitamin E |
| Active ingredients (conditioner): Coconut oil, olive fruit oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, aloe vera leaf extract, provitamin B5, lemon, lime, orange blossom extract, jasmine extract, slippery elm extract, carrot seed oil, rosemary extract, and vitamin E |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed explicitly for curly-haired kids |
| Smooths and detangles hair well |
| Completely tear-free |
| Has a mango smell with hints of carrots |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Little goes a long way |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Shampoo can end up drying the hair |
| Conditioner can end up weighing the hair down |
| The shampoo doesn’t come with a dispensing pump |
| Conditioner’s dispensing pump doesn’t work |
| Its smell is a bit too strong and lingers |
| An expensively priced product |
