Parents always want to ensure that they make the right choices for their child. This is especially true for first-time parents. Even before their little one is born, it's their instinct to prepare every product needed to keep their baby safe and healthy—one of which is baby soap. A baby's skin is delicately soft, sensitive, and needs full-on protection.
When choosing a baby soap for your child, make sure to get a product with a gentle formula to prevent allergic reactions and other skin issues. That's why we also asked for some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Barbara Marcelo. Join us as we walk you through our top 10 recommended baby soaps along with a buying guide to help you decide when shopping online.
Quick List - Top Baby Soaps
Aveeno Baby
Tear-Free 2‑in‑1 Moisturizing Wash & Shampoo for Baby’s Delicate Hair & Skin
Dr. Barbara Ellen T. Marcelo is a board-certified dermatologist who is passionate about helping parents nurture their children’s skin. Her advocacies include teaching about sun protection, treating patients with eczema, and promoting skin and body positivity. You can follow her on her Instagram page: @mybabyderm to learn more about caring for children’s skin.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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With tons of options available in the market, it can be time-consuming to scroll through various baby soaps. But we can help you with that! Below, we prepared a buying guide to provide you useful information on how to select the best soap for your little one.
As first-time parents, bathing a newborn can be daunting. To ease the nerves, it helps to get bath products trusted by many parents and are guaranteed safe for your little one. When it comes to baby soaps, first and foremost, they must be gentle on your baby's sensitive skin.
A good baby soap must be moisturizing because bath time can sometimes lead to dry skin, especially if it's longer than 10 minutes. Ingredients like avocado oil, oats, and milk help keep your baby's skin hydrated by locking in moisture.
Humectants like glycerin and panthenol (provitamin B5) are also good ingredients, as they retain moisture in the skin. Other indicators of a great formulation include being 'pH-neutral' or 'pH-balanced,' meaning they are less likely acidic and harsh to use for a baby's delicate skin.
A baby's skin continues to develop throughout the first year of life. Babies are more prone to dry skin because they have a thinner epidermis (topmost layer of skin) and produce less natural moisturizing factors. When the skin is dry, it doesn't function well as an effective barrier against water loss, allergens, and skin infections.
Bathing is an essential part of parent-child bonding, but it can also be drying to your baby's skin. Look for soaps or cleansers with moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides and filaggrin (which form part of your baby's skin barrier), shea butter, coconut oil, and colloidal oatmeal.
Typically, baby soaps come in liquid form, so you can easily create a lather to wash your baby's hair, face, and body. But remember that the soap must be tear-free to prevent eye irritation. This also ensures that your child won't have any uncomfortable experiences, making bath time a breeze!
While it is true that picking the right baby soap for your baby's delicate skin is overwhelming at first, a word from the experts will surely answer your questions about a product's credibility and effectiveness.
Review the packaging labels as well as the description on the official website and online store to check if the product is "Pediatrician-recommended" or "Dermatologist-tested". These imply that the soap has been approved by medical professionals and is 100% safe to use on your baby.
While buying a cleanser that is labeled dermatologist-tested or pediatrician-recommended is a great choice, the best cleanser for your baby still depends on his or her skin needs. If your baby has dry skin, look for cleansers that are hydrating and soap-free. If your baby has normal skin, you can choose a top-to-toe wash or foaming cleanser.
If your baby has extra sensitive skin, you may opt for a baby soap that is hypoallergenic. Another good option is a product that is organic and is made with naturally derived ingredients, mostly from coconut, sugar cane, or rice bran.
It is also highly advised to choose fragrance-free products as fragrances can cause contact dermatitis. However, natural baby soaps that contain ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and cucumber are not only good for the skin but also have a natural fragrance.
Some babies have extra sensitive skin that reacts to changes in weather or temperature, friction, and specific ingredients in skincare products. Common allergens in skin products include fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde-releasing agents.
These allergens have several other names, so it is best to check the label of your baby's skincare products, especially if your baby is experiencing any local reactions like skin redness, rashes, or itching. Also, note that natural and organic ingredients can also cause irritations or allergies.
While all baby soaps serve their purpose as a cleanser for your little one's skin, you have to keep an eye on what's inside the container. Avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic dyes, which can cause irritation, dryness, and skin conditions such as eczema.
Some types of sulfates, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), found in cleansers, can clean too well and strip natural oils from the skin, especially if they are not rinsed right away. For babies who have thinner skin and less natural moisturizing factors, sodium lauryl sulfate can dry out their skin further.
Phthalates are chemicals used in the manufacturing of plastic products and some cosmetics. These chemicals can disrupt hormones and fertility. The current recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to limit exposure to phthalates while studies on their effects are ongoing.
More people are now aware of the hazards of single-use-plastics to the environment. In line with this, manufacturers are now shifting to refillable containers, which is also a perfect choice if you want an economical approach.
What's best about using refillable containers like pump bottles is that they're more accessible and spill-proof. As your baby grows and discovers the fun of bath time, you'll need a convenient way to dispense soap while holding a squirmy baby.
Pump bottles are a convenient way to dispense products in fixed amounts without spilling. When using refills for cleansers, remember to wash and completely dry the container before refilling with the cleanser. Liquid soaps contain a big percentage of water which can harbor bacteria or mold if the container is not cleaned regularly.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Tear-Free | Fragrance-Free | Dermatologically-Tested | Other Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Wash & Shampoo | ![]() | Tear-Free 2‑in‑1 Moisturizing Wash & Shampoo for Baby’s Delicate Hair & Skin | Oat Extract, Shea Butter, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin | Yes | No | Yes | Soap‑Free, Sulfate‑Free, Paraben‑Free, Phthalate‑Free, Phenoxyethanol‑Free | 532 mL | |
2 | Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar | ![]() | Hypoallergenic Bar for Gentle, Moisturizing Baby Cleansing | Glycerin, Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil | No | No | Yes | Soap-Free, Paraben-Free, Hypoallergenic, Soap Alternative for Face & Body, Maintains Moisture Barrier | 127 g | |
3 | Johnson’s Milk + Oats Bath | ![]() | Nourishing Oat & Milk Bath for Baby’s Soft, Healthy-Looking Skin | Milk Protein, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin | No | No | Yes | pH-Balanced, Hypoallergenic, Soap-Free, Pediatrician-Tested, Mildly Scented | 1000 mL | |
4 | Dove Baby Bar Rich Moisture | ![]() | Nourishing Bar for Baby’s Delicate & Moisture-Loving Skin | Glycerin, Shea Butter, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine | No | No | Yes | pH-Neutral, Hypoallergenic, Paraben-Free, Soap-Free | 75 g | |
5 | Human Nature Natural Cica Baby Wash | ![]() | Gentle Cica Wash to Soothe and Clean Baby’s Delicate Skin | Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate | No | No | Yes | 99.59% Natural, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, SLS/SLES-Free, Silicone-Free, Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free | 190 mL | |
6 | Be Organic Baby Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Gentle Oatmeal Bar for Baby’s Soft, Nourished, and Irritation-Free Skin | Oatmeal, Natural Oils, Glycerin | No | Yes | unknown | Soap-Free, Hypoallergenic, Soothing, Natural Ingredients, Exfoliating | 110 g | |
7 | Tiny Buds Rice Baby Soap | ![]() | Gentle Rice Bar for Baby’s Soft, Nourished Skin | Coconut Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Tocopherol | No | No | unknown | SLS‑Free, Paraben‑Free, Hypoallergenic, Natural, Handcrafted | 130 g | |
8 | Lactacyd Baby Gentle Care | ![]() | Newborn-Safe Milk Wash to Cleanse, Soothe & Protect Baby’s Delicate Skin | Lactoserum, Organic Lactic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine | No | No | Yes | pH-balanced, Soap-Free, Paraben- & Phthalate-Free, Newborn-Safe | 500 mL | |
9 | Tiny Buds Natural Baby Cleansing Splash | ![]() | Refreshing No-Rinse Splash for Clean Hands, Face & Body | Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate | No | No | unknown | Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, No Rinse, Travel-Friendly | 350 mL | |
10 | NIVEA Baby Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath | ![]() | Gentle 2‑in‑1 Shampoo & Bath Wash with Chamomile for Baby’s Hair & Skin | Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Glycerin, Bisabolol | Yes | No | Yes | 2‑in‑1 Shampoo + Body Wash, pH‑friendly, Hypoallergenic, 0% Alcohol, Parabens, and Colorants | 500 mL |
Features and benefits:
Parents consistently share that it leaves their baby’s skin feeling soft, hydrated, and free of dryness. Many appreciate its mild scent and convenient pump format. While rare reports of eye irritation exist, most agree it’s a reliable and gentle 2 in 1 cleanser for daily use.
Key Ingredients | Oat Extract, Shea Butter, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin |
---|---|
Tear-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | Soap‑Free, Sulfate‑Free, Paraben‑Free, Phthalate‑Free, Phenoxyethanol‑Free |
Net Weight | 532 mL |
Features and benefits:
Users describe it as non-irritating and effective even for adult acne-prone or sensitive skin. One noted it didn’t sting when it contacted the genitals and praised its clean finish. Another shared it helped clear scalp and facial breakouts due to its gentle, fragrance-free nature.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | Soap-Free, Paraben-Free, Hypoallergenic, Soap Alternative for Face & Body, Maintains Moisture Barrier |
Net Weight | 127 g |
Parents say this baby bath leaves their infants’ skin super soft and noticeably smoother even after just a few uses. Many love its gentle oat-milk scent and say it works well for babies with mild dryness or sensitive patches. Others appreciate that it rinses off easily and doesn’t irritate baby’s eyes or skin during bath time.
Key Ingredients | Milk Protein, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | pH-Balanced, Hypoallergenic, Soap-Free, Pediatrician-Tested, Mildly Scented |
Net Weight | 1000 mL |
Features and benefits:
Parents rave that their babies’ skin stays soft, smooth, and irritation-free. One shared it even soothed their child’s eczema flare-ups after switching. Many appreciate how long the bar lasts and its comforting, mild scent, making bath time smoother and gentler.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Shea Butter, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | pH-Neutral, Hypoallergenic, Paraben-Free, Soap-Free |
Net Weight | 75 g |
Features and benefits:
Parents often praise how this baby wash calms red patches and dryness in just a few days. One noted their baby’s skin looked softer and less irritated after nightly baths. Another appreciated that it lathers smoothly and rinses clean, leaving their newborn comfortable and refreshed.
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | 99.59% Natural, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, SLS/SLES-Free, Silicone-Free, Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free |
Net Weight | 190 mL |
Features and benefits:
Parents say this oatmeal soap helped ease baby eczema and baby breakouts, keeping skin calm and hydrated. One user mentioned it relieved itchiness and worked well for skin rashes and insect bites. It’s often chosen for its simplicity and mildness in handling delicate baby skin.
Key Ingredients | Oatmeal, Natural Oils, Glycerin |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Dermatologically-Tested | unknown |
Other Features | Soap-Free, Hypoallergenic, Soothing, Natural Ingredients, Exfoliating |
Net Weight | 110 g |
Features and benefits:
Parents frequently note that this soap leaves their babies’ skin soft, smooth, and rash free. One reviewer shared it relieved rashes and worked well on insect bites. Another praised its soothing and moisturizing effect, saying it’s a trusted choice for daily use.
Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Tocopherol |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | unknown |
Other Features | SLS‑Free, Paraben‑Free, Hypoallergenic, Natural, Handcrafted |
Net Weight | 130 g |
Features and benefits:
Parents consistently praise its mild milk scent and how it keeps baby soft all day. One shared it soothed heat rash on their newborn and didn’t sting even when it got in their eyes. Another noted it helped clear diaper rash and is now their go-to bath essential.
Key Ingredients | Lactoserum, Organic Lactic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | pH-balanced, Soap-Free, Paraben- & Phthalate-Free, Newborn-Safe |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Features and benefits:
Parents love how this splash effortlessly freshens up their baby after meals, playtime, or outdoor crawling. One mom said it kept her baby smelling good all day, while others noted it cleans effectively without stinging or leaving residue — making it ideal for quick cleanups between baths.
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate |
---|---|
Tear-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | unknown |
Other Features | Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, No Rinse, Travel-Friendly |
Net Weight | 350 mL |
Features and benefits:
Parents say this is a go-to choice for babies with sensitive skin or eczema flare-ups. Several users noted it helped reduce redness and breakouts on their baby's body. Others liked how it produced a light, pleasant scent without irritating the eyes or skin, making it suitable for everyday bath time.
Key Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Glycerin, Bisabolol |
---|---|
Tear-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Dermatologically-Tested | Yes |
Other Features | 2‑in‑1 Shampoo + Body Wash, pH‑friendly, Hypoallergenic, 0% Alcohol, Parabens, and Colorants |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Choosing safe and effective skin products for your baby can be challenging. So it's important to look beyond the hype and read the list of ingredients.
Your baby's skin type, whether normal, dry, eczema-prone, or sensitive, will also determine which products will work well for them. If your baby is experiencing any skin problems or rashes, or if you need additional guidance when choosing skin products, consult your child's pediatrician or dermatologist.
We only want the best care for our babies. If you still have unanswered questions about baby soaps, here are answers from Dr. Barbara Marcelo.
Yes, but choose a mild, pH-balanced cleanser that is soap-free and fragrance-free. In the first few days after birth, cleanse the face with plain water. Remember that a baby's skin can easily become dry. There's no need to bathe your baby every day, but clean soiled areas (mouth, neck, diaper area) frequently. Limit bathing to two to three times a week and for five to ten minutes at a time.
There are a lot of causes of rashes, especially in the first few weeks of life, some of which are expected as the baby adjusts to the outside environment. If you suspect that your baby's rashes are because of baby soap, discontinue its use and just use plain water for washing in the meantime. Consult a dermatologist or pediatrician right away.
Adults with dry, sensitive skin can benefit from using baby soap, which is moisturizing and is usually free of fragrances or dyes. However, adults with oily skin or acne-prone skin may discover that baby soap does not totally wash off dirt or grime. Therefore, the choice of soap really depends on your skin type and skin needs.
Bath time can be a great opportunity for parent-baby bonding. However, the bath is also a common place for drowning at home. Preparation is key to prevent burns, falls, and drowning. Gather materials and place them within arm's reach.
Place a non-slippery bath mat on your feet and a silicone mat on the bottom of the tub. Adjust water temperature by pouring cold water first before hot water and test using your elbow. Never leave the baby alone even for a second and keep a firm hold on them while bathing.
Your baby's first year of life is very crucial for proper development. So you have to choose only the best products to keep your little one safe and healthy. Check the article links below for our other lists of recommended baby essentials such as baby lotions, newborn baby diapers, and laundry detergents for baby clothes.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Aveeno Baby|Daily Moisture Wash & Shampoo
No. 2: Cetaphil Baby|Gentle Cleansing Bar
No. 3: Johnson’s|Milk + Oats Bath
No. 4: Dove|Baby Bar Rich Moisture
No. 5: Human Nature|Natural Cica Baby Wash
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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