Picking a shampoo that works best for your toddler is quite trickier than choosing regular shampoos. At 1-3 years old, toddlers’ hair and skin are still quite delicate and need proper and meticulous care. It’s easy to find shampoos intended for toddlers, but how do you know what’s safe for them?
If you’re feeling a little lost on where to start in choosing the best shampoo for your toddler, we got you! In this article, we have listed 6 of the best shampoos for toddlers, as well as a buying guide, fact-checked by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, which contains the points to consider when selecting one.
Quick List - Top Shampoos for Toddlers
Johnson's
Get Soft and Smooth Hair for Your Toddler With Honey and Wheat
Baby Dove
Expert-Tested Shampoo That Keeps Baby’s Locks Moisturized
Human Nature
Environment-Friendly and No-Frills Formula for Well-Nourished Hair
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
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.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Selecting a shampoo that’s safe to use for toddlers can be a challenge, especially if their skin is extra sensitive. Thus, shampoos with gentle formulas are typically the safest option, plus they won’t dry out your toddler’s hair. Below are some things you should consider when looking for a shampoo with a gentle formula.
To prevent your toddler’s skin or scalp from getting irritated or developing some rash, you may choose shampoos that are labeled hypoallergenic. This means that they have mild formulations and are free from potential allergens. They also usually include ingredients that are great for keeping your child's hair moisturized.
However, always remember to check the ingredients list still. By doing so, you can be sure that there are no components in the shampoo that your toddler is allergic to. Also, note that even 100% natural shampoos can still pose risks to your toddler.
Parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, among others, are some examples of additives that may be harmful to your toddler. While they work as preservatives or cleansers, they can irritate your toddler’s scalp or dry out their hair. Therefore, you should consider looking for shampoos that do not have these ingredients.
Scented shampoos can uplift your toddler's mood when bathing and give their hair a pleasant smell, but certain chemicals in fragrances can pose irritation risks to your toddler. There are non-scented shampoos out there, but if you want to choose scented ones, opt for those with mild fragrances that are not overbearing for your kids.
Shampoos that have naturally derived scents are also recommended instead of those with synthetic fragrances. This is because naturally scented shampoos are generally safer than synthetic fragrances, which may have adverse effects on your kid's scalp and hair.
To make bathing time more enjoyable and relaxing for your toddler, it is suggested that you use shampoos labeled as "tear-free" or "no tears." These shampoos have formulations that are gentle, safe, and mild for a child's developing skin and eyes.
Using regular shampoos can be worrisome when they get in contact with your toddler's eyes, but tear-free shampoo products won't sting even if they get in their eyes. It is because they are void of surfactants, like SLS, which can be irritating to the scalp and eyes.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that is also cost-effective, you may opt for shampoos that can also work as a body wash. These are typically not only gentle on the scalp and hair but also on the skin. Moreover, you also get to save time bathing your kids with a multipurpose shampoo.
If you want to make sure that you’re choosing only the best products for your toddler, pick shampoos that are recommended or tested by experts. Shampoos that are pediatrician, dermatologist, or even ophthalmologist-approved will help you get peace of mind.
These indicators can ensure that the product you’re using is safe and effective for your kids. Furthermore, it is also recommended that you consult dermatologists or pediatricians if your toddler has a very sensitive scalp.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo | ![]() | Tear-Free Formula Recommended by Experts | |
2 | Johnson's Active Kids Soft & Smooth Shampoo | ![]() | Get Soft and Smooth Hair for Your Toddler With Honey and Wheat | |
3 | Baby Dove Hair To Toe Baby Wash Rich Moisture | ![]() | Expert-Tested Shampoo That Keeps Baby’s Locks Moisturized | |
4 | Human Nature Kids Natural Shampoo and Body Wash | ![]() | Environment-Friendly and No-Frills Formula for Well-Nourished Hair | |
5 | SheaMoisture Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo | ![]() | Extra Nourishing Mango and Carrot Extracts for Frizz-Free Curly Hair | |
6 | Suave Kids 3in1 Watermelon Shampoo | ![]() | Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash With a Fruity Watermelon Scent |
Specially made for daily use, this ultra-gentle shampoo and body wash has a tear-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, and pH-balanced formula. Therefore, it is a top-tier option for babies and toddlers with extra delicate skin and eyes.
In addition, this product is prescribed by experts, as it is pediatrician-approved, tested by dermatologists, and even ophthalmologists. Moreover, its organic calendula extracts will leave your young one's hair soft and nourished. It also has a light and fresh fragrance that would not sting your toddler's eyes and nose upon use.
With an advanced formula made specifically for kids' and toddlers' growing hair needs, this shampoo will only give what's best for your little ones. It is infused with real honey and wheat extracts that will soften and smoothen their hair. Plus, it has a pH-balanced formula that will not strip off the much-needed natural oils from their scalps.
Moreover, it is tested safe by pediatricians, and it does not contain harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes. Not only that, but it also has a no-tear formula that will not sting your toddler's eyes but will give them an enjoyable, worry-free bath.
This tear-free, hypoallergenic baby wash and shampoo claims to moisturize and soften your baby's delicate skin. It is infused with Dove's unique 1/4 moisturizing cream to help recover the necessary moisture and nutrients stripped from their hair during bath time, leaving it feeling smooth and silky.
This trustworthy product takes the worry out of bath time because it's as mild as water and has been tested by ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and pediatricians. Moreover, its rich and creamy texture produces many bubbles that cleanse your toddler's tresses while giving them an enjoyable bath.
Many parents love this brand for its vegan-friendly products, and their kids' shampoo is no exception! Aside from being cruelty-free, this shampoo also has 99.5% natural ingredients derived from nourishing greens like avocado, aloe vera, and coconut.
These ingredients are rich in amino acids, strengthening your toddler's hair while also providing nutrients and moisture to their skin. It comes in a sweet apple scent, and it is also available in tangerine. Lastly, this shampoo is free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances, too!
If your toddler has curly hair, this product might be the perfect option to go for! Many parents love how this shampoo has mango, carrot, and citrus extracts that cleanse and detangle hair while giving it an extra shine.
Moreover, this shampoo uses coconut, olive oil, and shea butter to give your toddler's curly hair some definition. It also has vitamins B5 and E to strengthen their little hair strands. And because of its intense moisturizing capabilities, with this, parents do not need to exert extra effort brushing their little one's tresses.
This 3-in-1 shampoo will give your young ones a fruity watermelon scent. It is also perfect for toddlers who can't sit still and stand long baths, as it works as a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, allowing a quick bathing time. Moreover, it has a tear-free formula that is ophthalmologists- and dermatologists-tested, so it won't sting their eyes.
With glycerin, this product also ensures soft and manageable hair for your baby. However, this shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) as a cleansing agent. It is relatively gentler than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), but parents should still watch out, especially if their toddler has extra sensitive skin.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Washing your toddler's hair every bath is not necessary. This is to avoid drying out your kid's hair and potentially damaging their extra sensitive scalp. Usually, 2-3 times a week is enough to keep their scalp and hair clean.
Toddler shampoos typically have mild formulation so that they won't irritate your toddler's scalp, but they don't clean as much as regular shampoos do. Hence, if you're wondering when it's safe to use regular shampoos for your toddler, the answer is when they already have a head full of hair.
Toddlers, especially with relatively shorter hair, do not necessarily need a hair conditioner. However, if you want your toddler to have smoother hair, you may choose conditioners that are organic or hypoallergenic to ensure that it is still safe for them. Do not hesitate to consult their pediatrician or dermatologist as well.
Parents always want what's best for their children. However, choosing products that will satisfy their needs can be challenging. Worry less, because we're here to guide you through it! Check out these links below to know what products are best for your kids.
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Author: Kate Basa
Editor: R. Victoriano
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: Cetaphil|Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo
No. 2: Johnson's|Active Kids Soft & Smooth Shampoo
No. 3: Baby Dove|Hair To Toe Baby Wash Rich Moisture
No. 4: Human Nature|Kids Natural Shampoo and Body Wash
No. 5: SheaMoisture|Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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