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24 Best Baby Shampoos & Washes for Eczema: Reviews

by  Katie -  Last updated on December 16, 2020
Best Baby Shampoos & Washes for Eczema

Last Updated on December 16, 2020

One in five infants develops atopic dermatitis.

Fortunately, about half of them will outgrow the condition.

In the meantime, you need to bathe your child.

You’ve heard that you need to be careful which soap you use.

Some have ingredients that trigger allergic reactions and dry out the skin.

How do you find the best baby shampoos and washes for eczema that are safe?

And how often do you bathe a baby with eczema?

Contents

Quick Comparison

If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.

Top Baby Shampoos & Washes for Eczema In 2021

1. Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo

Eucerin is a dermatologist-recommended brand for people with sensitive skin.

I wouldn’t be surprised if your pediatrician told you to try Eucerin’s baby wash.

It’s for both the baby’s skin and hair.

Of course, it won’t cause tears. Plus, it’s labeled as hypoallergenic.

What does that really mean?

After all, the FDA doesn’t have rules for what “hypoallergenic” means. We feel this is the best baby shampoo out there.

Each company decides for themselves which allergens they test for if they test for any at all.

Fortunately, Eucerin puts some effort into the problem. They’ve left out artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances, soap, and drying alcohols.

This means that the formula is milder and more moisturizing than most adult bath products. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there.

It contains pro-vitamin B5 to fortify the skin’s natural barrier and strengthen the hair. And it has shea butter to soften the skin.

2. Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo

Aquaphor’s baby shampoo is also enhanced with pro-vitamin B5 plus chamomile, this is perfect for a baby’s skin.

(In case you’re wondering how you can tell if it has chamomile, look for “bisabolol” on the label.) We feel this is the best baby shampoo out there. These are perfect for delicate skin and super sensitive skin.

This is another pediatrician-recommended brand. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there and your little ones will have a fun bath time.

There is one thing to take note of. It has coconut-derived cleansers. These are mild and moisturizing but could trigger allergic reactions if the child is sensitive to nuts.

3. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula

Cetaphil leaves out the parabens, artificial dyes, and mineral oil. But this may not be the best choice for infants with eczema.

Even though it has soothing calendula, it has other components that are potential irritants for those with atopic dermatitis.

A baby with normal skin would be better at tolerating the sulfate, wheat protein, and artificial fragrance. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there. This is perfect for a baby’s skin. We feel this is the best baby shampoo out there.

4. Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash

If you’re an adult with dry skin, you’ve probably tried Dove soap.

That might lead you to give Baby Dove’s wash a try.

In any case, it’s been tested by pediatricians, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists. It’s tear-free and moisturizing. We are sure that your little ones will have a fun bath time.

Another point in its favor is that it’s fragrance-free and pH-neutral. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there.

The pH factor is crucial. Regular soap is alkaline and it upsets the skin’s pH balance. This leads to dryness.

So, what’s the verdict? Should you use Baby Dove if your child has eczema? We feel this is the best baby soap for eczema out there.

I’d recommend that you read the label and possibly check with your doctor first. But overall, this is the best baby soap and it appears to be as gentle and beneficial as it claims.  This is perfect for a baby’s skin.

5. California Baby Eczema Shampoo and Body Wash

California Baby goes above and beyond to care for your child’s sensitive skin.

First, this baby wash is plant-based and gluten-free. It doesn’t have nuts, soy, or dairy in it.

Second, it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain sulfates or parabens either. This is perfect for a baby’s skin.

It’s about as pure as nature can make it. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there. We feel this is the best baby shampoo out there. It’s tear-free and moisturizing.

This baby shampoo and body wash has soothing oatmeal and aloe to alleviate itching and dry skin. And it’s very moisturizing for a cleanser.

Finally, it’s produced in an FDA-registered facility in the USA.

6. California Baby Calming Shampoo and Body Wash

California Baby also makes a shampoo with French lavender and clary sage essential oils/natural oils. These make for a soothing natural fragrance.

It features organic calendula and aloe, too. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there.

Besides those additions, it’s just as free and pure as the eczema wash above.

There are no alcohols, sulfates, is paraben-free, no artificial fragrances, or formaldehyde carriers either. This is perfect for a baby’s skin.

7. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash

Dr. Eddie’s baby wash pays attention to pH.

They point out that patients with eczema often have a high pH, which is linked to dry skin.

That’s why this cleanser has a low pH. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there.

It’s also free of allergens and drying ingredients like dyes, fragrances, sulfates, and alcohol.

Instead, it’s rich in moisturizers like hyaluronic acid. It also has pro-vitamin B5 to support the skin and hair.

8. TruBaby Eczema Soothing Hair and Body Wash

One of the best baby eczema body washes is this one from TruBaby. (The same company makes the TruKid bath soap.)

This is a product that’s been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

It reduces flaking and itching and moisturizes while it cleans. It’s also pH-balanced.

The formula has a blend of aloe, chamomile, calendula, and borage oil. The light scent comes from lavender.

Happily, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates this product as safe. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there.

It’s even PETA-certified and has recyclable packaging.

9. Thinkbaby Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Thinkbaby meets Whole Foods Premium Care standards for safety and purity.

Their baby shampoo is mild enough for newborns.

It won’t cause tears, and it’s kind to extra-sensitive skin. That’s because there are no phthalates, parabens, Sodium Lauryl sulfate, or 1,4-dioxane in it. We feel this is the best baby wash for eczema out there and is perfect for sensitive skin.

The only complaint I saw is that the citrusy fragrance isn’t as pleasant as one would wish.

10. Vanicream Gentle Wash for Baby

Desperate parents who can’t find a product to help their child’s eczema often turn to Vanicream.

It’s also known as Free & Clear. That’s an appropriate brand name.

This is a product that leaves out more natural ingredients than it contains.

For example, the label lists twelve plant-based ingredients, from purified water and glycerin to coconut-based cleansers.

Obviously, they’ve left out artificial dyes, fragrances, masking fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, lanolin, and is perfect for sensitive skin.

11. MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Wash and Shampoo

Here’s a baby wash with a lot of qualifications.

It’s EWG-verified, NSF Organic, vegan-certified, USDA-BioPreferred, non-GMO, and Leaping Bunny-certified.

75% of ingredients organic and 23% are natural, at least.

It’s free of nuts, soy, are Paraben-free, sulfates, and perfumes.

But is it good for eczema-prone skin? What about cradle cap?

The reviews are generally positive but judge for yourself.

A glance at the label shows moisturizing and healing ingredients like glycerin, calendula, jojoba, and comfrey. As long as there are none of your child’s triggers listed, I’d give it a try.

12. Mustela Stelatopia Foam Shampoo

A popular choice for babies with eczema is Mustela’s Stelatopia. This is the perfect choice for your little one.

It’s 99% plant-based natural ingredients and it features Mustela’s key ingredient, Avocado Perseose.

But here’s where it differs from the regular Mustela baby wash. It’s fragrance-free.

It’s also recognized by the National Eczema Association.

This Mustela foam shampoo is tear-free baby shampoo, relieves itching, and calms irritated skin. For even better results, follow up with the Stelatopia emollient cream or balm.

13. Mustela Gentle Cleansing Water Gel

For everyday baths, once the eczema is under control, try Mustela’s cleansing water gel.

This paraben-free wash won’t remove the skin’s natural oil, but it will cleanse caked-on food as well as the diaper area. That makes it handy for newborns and toddlers alike.

The formula is 90% plant-based with vitamin B5 and Avocado Perseose. The latter is a patented derivative of the avocado plant that hydrates the skin.

14. Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash

Aveeno’s creamy baby wash has its classic ingredient: oatmeal.

This is a tried and true cure for itchy, dry skin. This is the perfect choice for your little one and is free of additives.

Moreover, this product moisturizes for up to twenty-four hours.

It’s also fragrance-free and doesn’t have soap, but phthalates, or parabens.

15. Shea Moisture Baby Wash & Shampoo

Shea natural Moisture leaves out artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabens and gluten to protect sensitive skin.

Then, it contains certified organic shea as well as cocoa butter and mango butter. These are excellent natural conditioners.

While aloe calms irritation, Vitamin E promotes healing. This is the perfect choice for your little one.

16. Noodle & Boo Extra Gentle Baby Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, Noodle & Boo have a deliciously hydrating baby shampoo.

They also make a conditioning Hair Polish for extra shine and softness and is free of additives.

The baby wash is tear-free and mild enough for newborns. It has milk protein and vitamins B and E for healthy hair and skin, too. This is perfect to clean baby skin without eczema flare-ups.

Furthermore, it has an appealing scent. And that’s its downfall. This is the perfect choice for your little one.

Although it’s labeled as hypoallergenic, you and I both know that there’s no guarantee that the fragrance won’t cause problems.

17. The Honest Company Purely Simple Shampoo + Body Wash

The Honest Company makes scented versions of their baby wash, but this one is fragrance-free.

It avoids other problematic ingredients like parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, formaldehyde donors, and sulfates.

The shampoo won’t sting the eyes or dry out the skin or hair.

It’s packed with soothing aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile. The cleansers are derived from coconuts.

18. ATTITUDE Safe 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Adults with eczema sometimes turn to baby shampoos that are as mild as this one.

This baby wash shampoo is certified by the National Eczema Association and the Environmental Working Group.

The creamy texture is free of sulfates and other irritants. This is the perfect choice for your little one.

Instead, it relies on colloidal oatmeal to hydrate and relieves dry and itchy skin.

19. Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash

Here’s another baby shampoo with certified organic ingredients.

That won’t do you any good if your child is allergic to any of the components. But it’s a good start if you’re trying to avoid harsh chemicals.

The formula of this baby wash shampoo is made in the USA. It’s rated safe by the EWG, too.

Even though it’s fragrance-free, it’s not described as tear-free. They recommend keeping it away from the baby’s eyes.

It contains shea butter, aloe, cocoa seed butter, oat extract, calendula, and chamomile as well as coconut cleansers.

20. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash

Burt’s Bees has created a 98.9% natural baby shampoo that doesn’t have parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.

This natural baby shampoo doesn’t cause tears and it’s naturally moisturizing. Rice extract and soy protein condition dry skin while thyme oil heals irritation. This is perfect for the baby’s sensitive skin.

Even though it’s free of artificial fragrances, it has a pleasant scent from the plant-based ingredients. They recommend keeping it away from the baby’s eyes.

21. Pipette Baby Shampoo + Body Wash

The Pipette company employs biologists, dermatologists, and pediatricians to test their baby wash.

They’ve also gone to the trouble of getting it verified by the EWG.

Most likely, that wasn’t difficult, as the formula’s non-irritating ingredients like artificial fragrances and is sulfate-free.

Furthermore, just a pea-sized amount can cleanse your child from head to toe.

It has squalane and glycerin to attract plenty of moisture into the skin.

22. Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo

You might be wondering about Johnson’s baby shampoo for eczema.

It’s a well-known brand that’s been around for over a century.

Fortunately, they recently upgraded their products. Now, they use fewer ingredients and leave out parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Plus, they have the traditional no-tears formula. It’s inexpensive and pleasant to use.

23. Baby Mantra 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash

With so many baby shampoos promoting non-toxic formulas, what makes this one stand out?

For one, it’s Healthy Child, Healthy World approved. It’s also rated a “1” for low hazard on the EWG Skin Deep Database.

Next, the pump bottle dispenses the exact amount you need to prevent waste. There’s not a lot of suds, either.

And lastly, the mild fragrance comes from natural conditioners like coconut and olive oil.

24. Seventh Generation Foaming Baby Shampoo and Wash

Seventh Generation’s baby wash is orally non-toxic. If your child drinks it, it shouldn’t make them sick.

But how does it work for eczema-prone skin?

Most likely, it will depend on your child’s specific needs.

The benefits include pure coconut oil and certified biological ingredients. There are no parabens, gluten, soy, formaldehyde donors, or phthalates.

What do the experts recommend for bathing babies with eczema?

I checked with the Mayo Clinic and the National Eczema Association to prepare this article.

Both recommend daily bathing and moisturizing to treat eczema in infants.

They say to use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.

It’s best to avoid anything that can dry out the skin or irritate it. This includes soaps and artificial fragrances.

After a short bath of just 10 to 15 minutes, pat the skin with a towel. Then apply a rich moisturizer while the baby’s body is still damp.

Some shampoos are made with harsh chemicals and these like sulfates, specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is commonly found in household cleansers.

Be sure to clip your child’s nails and put mittens on her if she’s prone to scratching.

Now, here are the gentlest baby washes and shampoos for eczema.

Conclusion

It can be frustrating trying to find the right baby shampoo and wash for an infant with sensitive skin.

I hope these reviews guided you to a moisturizing cleanser that helps resolve the problem.

If you discovered a baby wash today that’s working wonders for your child’s skin, tell us about it in the comments below.

Sources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/expert-answers/baby-eczema/faq-20450999 by Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.,

3. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/

4. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hypoallergenic

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