10 Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Kids
Finding the best shampoo for kids can be a hassle. Some shampoos might cause skin problems like rashes, while other shampoos might be stinging you kid’s eyes and making the task of keeping their hair clean a frustrating nightmare where you are trying to make them stop crying while at the same time trying to get them cleaned up. Yeah, it can get pretty messy. And there are also a lot of brands out there, claiming all sorts of things, which can make it more confusing to choose one.
Baby products these days are not as safe as they ought to be. As a mother, you sure want your little one to have the best of everything. Like any other baby product, you need to be really particular about the shampoo and conditioner you are using for your baby.
Best 10 Shampoo and Conditioner for Kids (Our Recommendations)
Here is a list of some of the best shampoos available along with their features, pros, and cons. Go through the list and try some of them that you think might be right for your child.
1. Honeydew Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for kids
There are tons of anti-dandruff shampoos out there. And if you’ve tried a few of them, you would know they don’t always do what they claim to do. And most of the times they are filled with chemicals that can cause harm to the scalp in the long run. On the other hand, Honeydew’s anti-dandruff children’s shampoo is made from natural ingredients like Lavender, Tea Tree, and Jojoba Oil.
Pros
Pros
- Free of sulfates and any other hard chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, rashes, and other such problems.
- Tailored especially so it can be used with children of all ages.
- Most of the ingredients are natural, mild and gentle. They are totally safe for the skin of children even with everyday use and are also tear-free.
- Nourishes and repairs damaged hair and also treats flaking and dandruff.
Cons
Cons
- Does not condition or moisturize the hair.
Why Will You Like This Product
If you want to avoid using artificial and hard chemical in your kids’ shampoo, then this is a great choice for your kids.
2. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash
Made with natural, plant-based ingredients like soy proteins. It comes in a value pack of three. This is both a shampoo and a body wash and can be used daily for washing your kid’s skin, scalp and hair.
Pros
Pros
- Made with 99.9% natural ingredients and plant-based products like soy protein, so you can be sure that you are not exposing them to harmful chemicals.
- Tested by pediatricians and does not contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, petrolatum, parabens or SLS.
- A tear-free formula that will not irritate the eyes of your baby. This will make them enjoy their baths a lot more.
- Can be used both as a body wash and shampoo. So you don’t need to switch products while bathing.
- Works great on the smooth and sensitive skin of babies and leaves behind a fresh and clean scent.
Cons
Cons
- Does not have conditioning and moisturizing properties.
Why Will You Like This Product
This is a great value pack that contains three shampoos which can also double as a body wash for daily use and is great on your baby’s skin. And it is definitely worth considering.
3. Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo
Cetaphil manufactures this shampoo and body wash. Cetaphil has a history of manufacturing world-class skin care products that are often recommended by dermatologists. Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo is made with the same care and expertise as their renown skin care products to be gentle on your baby’s skin.
Pros
Pros
- Tear-free formula prevents your baby’s eyes from stinging and irritation, so their baths are a happy experience
- Tested by dermatologists and designed to be gentle on the sensitive skin of infants.
- Organic calendula present in the Shampoo leaves the child with a clean, soft and fresh fragrance.
- Free of chemicals like Paraben, Mineral Oil and Colorants
- The Hypoallergenic formula minimizes the risk of allergens
- Gives a lathering wash without drying the skin and hair
- Can be used both as a shampoo as well as a body wash
Cons
Cons
- Skin and hair conditioning are not taken care of by the shampoo and body wash.
Why Will You Like This Product
The Hypoallergenic formula which is also Paraben and Colorant free is great for kids who are prone to allergies. That bundled with the fact that it doubles as a body wash makes it a really good shampoo for kids.
4. Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
This is a body wash and natural shampoo for kids, and is manufactured by Puracy. This citrus grove scented shampoo is made from a light blend of pink grapefruit essential oils that give it a fresh smell. Developed by doctors without using harsh chemicals and Hypoallergenic, and made with natural plant-based ingredients and biodegradable materials.
No products found.
Pros
Pros
- Does not contain any harsh chemicals like sulfates, formaldehyde, parabens, phosphates, gluten, that can cause skin problems like rashes.
- The gentle and pure ingredients do no irritate the eyes and prevent tearing up during bathing.
- Hypoallergenic formula ensures that there are no allergens or irritants in the shampoo and body wash
- The Citrus grove blend gives the shampoo the fresh and natural smell of citrus groves.
- Made from biodegradable materials and is environmentally friendly.
- Does not use any animal products and not tested on animals. So you can be sure no animals were harmed during its manufacturing.
Cons
Cons
- Does not moisturize and condition the skin and hair.
- Does not lather well enough on its own.
Why Will You Like This Product
If you love natural products that are also environmentally responsible, this is something you should definitely check out. The company’s products have also been labeled the best baby skincare products by the BUMP.
5. Fresh Monster 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo & Conditioner
Fresh Monster manufactures this fun looking shampoo. Fresh Monster was founded by two moms who had once managed big brands. The company aims to make toxin-free natural products for children, so your kids are free from the harmful chemicals that come bundled with many shampoos, soaps, and other skin care products that are available in the market. In addition to being shampoo, it also acts as a conditioner for your kids’ hair.
Pros
Pros
- Created with a natural and safe formula that is gentle on the eyes, so there are no more tears during bath time.
- Free from toxins, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, soy, BPA or gluten.
- Equipped with a kid-friendly re-closable pump that kids can use easily and safely.
- Acts as both conditioner and shampoo, so you don’t have to make your kids sit still longer while you first shampoo and then condition them.
- Certified cruelty-free by PETA, so you can be sure no animals were harmed during the manufacture or testing of the shampoo.
- Comes in various scents like coconut, watermelon and even fragrance-free.
- The plant-based cleansers in the shampoo and conditioner leave the hair soft and silky.
- Foams well compared to other natural shampoos.
- Great looking packing that will attract the attention of both kids and parents.
Cons
Cons
- The shampoo’s conditioning may not be sufficient for kids with long hair. In such cases, additional conditioning will be needed.
Why Will You Like This Product
This toddler shampoo and conditioner combo are perfect for kids, and the packaging is the cherry on top. That combined with all other pros makes this definitely worth a try.
6. Baby Conditioner and Shampoo by Lil Leona
This is a kid organic shampoo pack of two that contains both the shampoo and the conditioner. Made from natural and organic ingredients and free from hard chemicals that might harm your kids. It is hypoallergenic and made from natural products that have been approved by whole foods. Made to serve several needs like conditioning, shampooing and body wash.
Pros
Pros
- The conditioner co-washes and cleans the hair without drying it.
- Conditioner also helps detangle the messy hair to make it smooth and shiny.
- The no tears formula with pH between 6.5 and 7 makes sure that it is as gentle on the eyes as possible.
- The shampoo can be used even as a body and a bubble bath.
- Contains the no hard chemicals like sulfates, Paraben, Phosphate, Petroleum, etc. that can cause rashes and other skin problems.
- All the natural ingredients used to give the shampoo and body wash a distinctive natural smell that is not too strong.
- The bubble makes sure that the shampoo lathers well and cleans thoroughly, while also making a lot of bubbles for your kids to play with.
- The conditioner contains natural oils that prevent the hair from drying.
Cons
Cons
- Having a separate conditioner makes this a little pricey.
- Separates shampooing and conditioning into two different tasks.
Why Will You Like This Product
Though on the higher end of the price spectrum the shampoo also acts as a body-wash and bubble-bath and comes with a conditioner. It is a great combo for a price that can take care of all your needs and is one of the best kids shampoos available.
7. California Baby super sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash
The body wash which comes in a pack of 2 is gentle, skin friendly and free of added fragrance, allergens, irritants and is a perfect choice for baby’s bath. Its cleansing power comes from certified organic, sustainably harvested soap bark and plant-based glucosides which cleanse and hydrate without drying the skin.
Pros
Pros
- The shampoo is not just for babies but can be used by people of all age groups.
- People with dry and sensitive skin or with chemical sensitivities, eczema or allergy concerns can also use this shampoo and body wash safely.
- The product has no added fragrance and gives your kids a clean, fresh smell after using it.
- It is Allergy tested and is gluten-free, soy-free, fat-free, dairy-free and nut-free.
- It is free of all harsh chemicals like SLS, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde carriers and made with non-drying, plant-based cleansing ingredients.
- Made with aloe vera and pure and organic calendula extract. These ingredients help in keeping your baby’s skin smooth and hydrated.
Cons
Cons
- Pricier than the other such shampoos.
- Lacks moisturizing and conditioning properties.
Why Will You Like This Product
Though the price is a little higher, the two 19oz packs that you get for it are definitely not small. If you can afford it, you should try it at least once.
8. SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo
Lice are a common problem that both adults and kids face. But more often kids are more vulnerable to them. This is because kids tend to be messier and less concerned about their hygiene. They could also catch them from their classmates in school where they can come into contact with hundreds of kids daily. SoCozy Boo can help your kid get rid of lice, while also acting as a regular shampoo.
Pros
Pros
- Very easy to use. You can directly apply like a regular shampoo and expect to get clean and also get rid of lice
- Does not contain harmful chemicals like Paraben, sulfates or gluten that can cause skin problems or allergies.
Made with essential oils and natural ingredients. This help strengthen the hair while also making it smooth and soft. - Keratin along with Vitamin B5 present in the shampoo helps strengthen the hair of your kids.
- The natural oils present in the shampoo fortifies the hair shaft, making it difficult for lice to latch on.
Cons
Cons
- Do not get it into the eyes of your kids as it can be harmful. Apply only to head and then rinse it off.
- Does not moisturize and condition the hair.
Why Will You Like This Product
This is a very simple and efficient way to get rid of lice while shampooing. Getting your kids free of lice is very important as it can lead to concentration problems in classrooms and rashes on the scalp. They might also spread the lice to their friends. SoCozy Boo shampoo is something you should definitely get if you are trying to tackle the lice problem.
9. Rosemary Repel Daily Kids Shampoo from Fairy Tales
Rosemary essential oil which is extracted from the popular herb Rosemary has been traditionally known to encourage hair growth and also to prevent lice infestation, which is a common childhood problem. The Rosemary Repel shampoo for kids is clinically proven to be effective in helping to prevent lice and is gentle enough to be used every day.
It is free from chemical products such as parabens, harsh chemicals, sulfates, or toxins. It is specially formulated with rosemary, peppermint, citronella, tea tree, lavender, and geranium oils and facilitates optimum hair growth as well. The essential oil conditions each strand and deep cleans too. The sweet smell and the chemical-free formula is soothing and luxurious.
Pros
Pros
- Helps to prevent lice contamination
- No harmful chemical ingredients
- The chamomile and jojoba help to keep the scalp soothed and the hair well-hydrated
Cons
Cons
- Some people don’t like the scent.
- Has to be rinsed thoroughly so as not to leave a residue
Why Will You Like This Product
It is a safe, effective and chemical-free solution to the childhood lice infestation and lets children mix freely with other children with the assurance of extra protection.
10. Natural Dandruff Shampoo for kids from Honeydew
The Anti-dandruff formula is specifically formulated to do a gentle cleansing of the child’s scalp and hair, while at the same time cleaning and protecting damaged and dry hair. It soothes flakes, itching, and irritation and leaves the hair nourished, incredibly clean, and also easy to comb. It can be used with any conditioner and is safe for daily use.
Pros
Pros
- Reduces scalp irritation and dandruff
- Tea tree oil helps not only with dandruff but also prevents lice infestation
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals, colors, fragrances, or dyes
- Keeps hair soft and shiny as well
Cons
Cons
- The subtle scent of tea tree oil and mint is liked by some people, while a few dislike it.
- Bothers sensitive areas while taking bath and kids might find it irritating to the eye.
Why Will You Like This Product
The Natural Dandruff shampoo for kids is a very good hair care product for growing girls and boys of all types of hair – frizzy and curly to fragile, thin hair. Works for the whole family – for adults too.
Things to look for/consider while buying a shampoo and conditioner for kids
Children mean the world to mothers, and mothers want to ensure that their children are healthy and safe in every possible way. Unfortunately, when we consider the harmful and unnatural chemicals in most of the products we use daily, we realize it is a difficult task. Companies continue to use ingredients which are not organic and can cause harmful side-effects in spite of being aware of it. It only remains for us to be aware of these risks and read the labels well, so that we can make sure that we don’t use products with the ingredients which need to be avoided.
The integumentary system (which comprises skin, hair, nails, etc.) of babies is very sensitive and fragile. A good shampoo is one which provides necessary proteins and nourishment to the scalp, which keeps the baby hair healthy and soft. It also protects the delicate locks of the baby and helps to prevent them from getting tangled too. The shampoo should have few ingredients, all of which are organic. It should not contain any synthetics, chemical fragrances, or dyes – all of which might harm the baby’s tender hair, skin, and eyes. The shampoo should also be gentle and enticing enough for the small ones to enjoy their bath and have great-looking locks.
When purchasing baby products like shampoo, conditioners, or any cosmetics, make sure to read the label carefully and look for the following ingredients which need to be avoided.
- Fragrance – made of synthetic chemicals
- SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate) – also an insecticide
- Talc – potentially carcinogenic
- Parabens – a preservative synthetic compound
- Mineral oil – a byproduct of petroleum processing
- Eth ingredients – shows the presence of dioxane
- Triclosan – a banned chemical which is carcinogenic
Instead, try to look out for nourishing natural ingredients such as:
- Oils – Almond, olive, or coconut
- Essential oils – Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender, or rose
- Glycerin
- Fruit and flower extracts – Aloe vera, avocado, calendula, carrot, mango, orange, watermelon, sunflower, or strawberry
- Oatmilk, buttermilk
- Beeswax
Why do we recommend these products?
Though this list might be comprehensive, it is far from complete. And there is no single best kids shampoo out there. It is important to understand the skin and hair type of your kids if you really want to find the best shampoo for them. Understanding the pros and cons of each shampoo and then cross-checking them with what you know about your kids’ hair is an important part of the process of finding the best shampoo. Hope the list serves you well.
Very interesting article for kids shampoo. All the mentioned features are worth to consider. Great work.