12 Best Body Wash for Kids

What’s the best body wash for kids?

Children have very active lifestyle. They do nothing but eat, sleep, and play all day. Thus, as a parent, you need to have a good body wash or soap for kids to freshen them up and help them be comfortable throughout their active days. After all, bath time is a great time to bond with your kid. 

And having a body wash that they will enjoy is an extra plus for fun!

But, choosing the best body wash for kids is a challenging task. More so if you are a new parent.

There are specific things to consider like your child’s skin, the ingredients, and formulation. There are A LOT of options too that are available in the market. Aside from these reasons, it would be best to consider what the doctor has to say rather than stick to the product from your childhood.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Body Wash for Your Kid

As mentioned earlier, there are many things to consider before settling on a single body wash or soap suitable for the needs and condition of your kid.

Soaps for kids sure are formulated carefully for your baby/toddler’s sensitive skin but to make sure; you should take extra precautions. Here are some tips on how to check soaps for kids:

Look for Specific Ingredients

If you’re one worried parent, one thing to note first is to find things (or ingredients to be specific) that should NOT be in your kid’s body wash. Some of these ingredients include parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. All of these may cause harm to your child’s sensitive skin.

Keep Track of Your Child’s Skin Sensitivity

Due to common ingredients, children are more prone to allergic reactions such as rashes, redness, and irritations. It is good if the body washes you choose to use are hypoallergenic to prevent the trigger of allergic reactions.

Soaps and Body Washes for Kids with Skin Conditions

If your kid is suffering from skin conditions such as eczema, it is best to consult a pediatrician and ask for advice regarding their body wash. Kids with special skin conditions often need body wash specially formulated for their very delicate skin.

Tear-free Formula

One of the reasons body washes are specifically formulated for kids is to prevent your kid’s eyes from stinging. The baby wash you choose should deliver its promise of having a tear-free formula.

Price Tag

Of course, one thing to consider in choosing the best shampoo body wash is if it fits the budget.

A branded body wash will always cost more than the unbranded ones. This is similar to those baby wash and shampoo formulated especially for sensitive skin.

Can I use adult bath products for my kid?

The short answer is no. You wouldn’t want your child to experience a lot of irritation and dry skin by letting them use body washes not intended for their age.

Skincare products such as soap, body wash, shampoo, and even conditioner formulated for kids are tear-free, more gentle, and more suitable for sensitive skin.

Should you always go for the branded body washes and baby soaps?

As a new parent, you may find extra comfort and relief from using a known brand. It may be because it reminded you of your childhood, or it’s a recommendation from a relative or a friend. However, these days, there are TONS of lesser-known brands of shampoo and body wash for kids available in the market, which delivers the same, if not better performance with those well-known brands of body washes.

When choosing the best body wash for kids, the most important things to consider always depend on your kid’s condition, comfort, and different needs. Don’t opt for body wash for men.

Body wash vs. Soap: Which one is better for my kid?

The answer is body wash because it has a thicker consistency.

The skin sheds a layer of its natural moisture barrier, which causes dryness every after bath time.

The body wash’s creamy lather contains more moisture than soaps because most body washes for kids use essential oils for fragrance.

On the other hand, soaps for kids have relatively higher pH levels. It may also disintegrate if not stored in a dry place. It is also a lot harder to train a kid in bathing oneself using a soap.

When should I switch from a baby bath to a kids’ body wash?

As children grow older, they tend to explore many things like play with paint, make a mess in the kitchen, or even crawl on mud if they have the chance. With this, your baby may need a body wash shampoo with a stronger formulation to keep them clean and fresh at all times.

Once your child gets to their toddler years, you may switch from baby wash to kid’s body wash and shampoo. Remember to take it slow and let your child’s skin get used to the formulation of the new product before fully transitioning.

When should I stop using a combination (baby wash and shampoo) formula?

A combination (baby wash and shampoo) formula is specially made for babies born with thinner hair.

This shampoo body wash formula is gentler on the skin than the regular kid’s body wash because it often comes in contact with the baby’s sensitive skin on the face and the eyes.

It won’t hurt to switch to two separate shampoo and body wash formulas eventually. Still, it won’t matter if you want to continue using the combination formula for your kid.

Top 10 (Plus 2) Body Wash for Kids

This buying guide is made for new parents out there–to help you find the best body wash (and shampoo for your kid.

The Crown Choice pH Balanced Natural Body Wash: Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin

The Crown Choice pH-balanced Natural Body Wash is a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and pH-balanced body wash suitable for kids and adults alike.

This natural (and vegan) body wash contains aloe, cucumber, green tea extract, and manuka oil to clean and invigorate the skin without harshness. These ingredients also keep the skin moisturized all day.

Pros:

• The Crown Choice uses natural ingredients and essential oils (lemon and rosemary) for fragrance.
• The body wash is effective in cleaning but is not harsh on the skin.
• Suitable for all skin types and perfect for moisturizing dry skin.

The Crown Choice body wash comes in three different variants: unscented, lemon rosemary, and sweet peppermint.

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo: Best Baby Shampoo Body Wash

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo features oats as its primary ingredient. Natural oat extract, known for its soothing effect, is perfect for added moisture and hydration on your kid’s skin.

Pros:

• Aveeno Baby Gentle wash can be used every day and provides a moisturizing effect after a bath.
• Has a very mild fragrance suitable even for sensitive skin.
• It is infused with coconut oil which is good for the skin’s hydration.

Cons:

• The packaging can be changed/improved to prevent leakages.

The formulation of this famous baby wash is suitable for sensitive skin and is free from harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash and Shampoo: Best Baby Wash With Tear-free Formula

If you’re going to use a scented but tear-free baby shampoo, Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Wash and Shampoo is the ultimate classic.

Pros:

• Tear-free and hypoallergenic.
• Produces bubbles quickly–perfect for a bubble bath bonding.

Cons:

• Although free from harsh chemicals, some parents say that it still causes adverse reactions to their kid’s skin.

Their latest version is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes.

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula: Best Combination (Body Wash and Shampoo) Formula for Sensitive Skin

The Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a tear-free formula with calming organic calendula that combines into a creamy, lathering wash. It features a long list of natural ingredients so parents won’t have to worry about skin irritation.

Pros:

• It is formulated with organic calendula, aloe vera, and vitamin B5, which soothes the hair and skin.
• Has a moisturizing creamy lather.

Cons:

• May sting the eyes of your baby.

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, colorant-free, mineral oil-free, and entirely hypoallergenic head-to-toe baby wash that cleans your baby’s sensitive hair and skin without drying it out.

CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo: Best Shampoo Body Wash for Different Skin Conditions

CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo boasts a hypoallergenic formula safe for kids with skin conditions like eczema. It forms a mild foam when slathered onto your baby’s skin. It’s dermatologist tested, so no worries about getting any irritation.

Pros:

• It contains ceramides that make up the skin barrier.
• Fragrance-free and free from harsh chemicals.
• It is made from cruelty-free organic ingredients.

Cons:

• More on the pricey side.

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash: Best Natural Shampoo and Body Wash for Kids

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash claim to be a 99.9% natural baby shampoo body wash. It contains soy proteins which can help prevent the drying of your baby’s skin. Burt’s Bees Baby shampoo and wash is made of organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about rashes or any irritation.

Pros:

• The formulation contains plant-based cleaning agents for the skin.
• It has a tear-free formula that cleanses the sensitive areas of the body, such as the face.

Cons:

• Has a more watery consistency compared to other brands.

Suave Tear Free Berry Blue Body Wash

Suave Kids Body Wash is great for your child’s sensitive skin. It’s tried and tested by Dermatologists and recommended by most Pediatricians, so you don’t have to worry about any irritation.

Pros:

• Suave Kids cleans well in its gentle formulation.
• It has a fresh fruity scent that is not overpowering.

Cons:

• Not producing enough bubbles/not that foamy.

Dial Kids Body And Hair Wash

This kids shampoo body wash from Dial is pH balanced, tear-free, and affordable! It is available in different scents that you and your child can enjoy during their bath time.

Pros:

• Dial Kids 3-in-1 hair wash is pH-balanced and has a tear-free formulation.
• Hypoallergenic–good for sensitive skin.

Cons:

• The scent may be slightly overpowering.

Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash

Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash is probably the most affordable and convenient baby body wash out there. It is hypoallergenic and infused with Dove’s 1/4 moisturizing cream, which is excellent to keep your baby’s skin moisturized.

Pros:

• Accepted by the National Eczema Association and dermatologist tested–which means it is very recommendable for your baby’s delicate skin.
• This Baby Dove baby gentle wash shampoo and body wash is tear-free and great for all skin types and ages.

Cons:

• The product’s scent may be too strong, but they have an unscented variant.

The Honest Company Shampoo Body Wash

Celebrity mom Jessica Alba established The Honest Company and has become every mom’s go-to brand ever since. This shampoo body wash has a tear-free formulation and has plant-based ingredients. It has natural oat extract, which gives a soothing on the skin right after a bath.

Pros:

• The Honest Company Shampoo Body Wash contains natural ingredients suitable for sensitive skin–no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals.
• It is cruelty-free and infused with essential oils for its scent.
• Has a fragrance-free variant.

Cons

• This plant-based kid’s body wash is more on the pricey side.

Fresh Monster Toxin-free Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Body Wash

Fresh Monster Shampoo and Body Wash is a non-toxic, plant-based, cruelty-free body wash that is a perfect bubble buddy for bath time. This two-in-one shampoo body wash is free of artificial fragrances, which is ideal for sensitive skin.

Pros:

• The manufacturer takes pride in Fresh Monster Shampoo Body Wash’s 100% natural formula made only from plant-based, natural ingredients.
• The scent is derived from fruit extracts–it is non-toxic and free from synthetic chemicals.
• It contains aloe vera, which greatly hydrates the skin.

Cons:

• Some moms claim that Fresh Monster can tangle the hair and dry the skin after a bath.

Dial Kids Body and Hair Wash

If you’re looking for a perfect bath time buddy for your toddler, Dial Kids would be one of the best choices. The product’s formulation is designed for kids ages two and up and is tear-free and hypoallergenic.

Pros:

• Great for your toddler’s delicate skin–free of parabens, sulfates, and chemical dyes.

Cons:

• Has a strong fragrance.

Bonus: Top 3 Bar Soaps for Kids

Aside from body washes, bar soaps for kids get the job done and are very gentle for your kid’s skin.

Burt’s Bees Buttermilk Soap

This bar soap infused with buttermilk is natural, gentle, and great for all skin types. No parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, so you don’t have to worry about irritation!

Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap

Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap is a gentle and fragrance-free bar soap for kids. It contains organic shea butter, which keeps your baby’s skin moisturized all day!

Dove Baby Bar

Dove baby bar has a moisturizing and gentle formula that cleans well but doesn’t strip off the skin’s natural moisture.

Basic Tips for Bathing a Newborn

If you have decided what body wash you should use for your baby’s sensitive skin, then it’s time for the bath. Here are some basic tips for bathing a newborn:

1. Never bathe the baby in cold water. The temperature of the water should be kept warm for the baby to stay calm and relaxed.
2. Bathe your baby with a tear-free, safe, hypoallergenic baby body wash. You don’t want your newborn to get irritated with intense body washes.
3. Babies only need bathing at least 2-3 times a week. Always pick a convenient time for bathing your baby–may this be in the morning or the evening before bed.
4. Choose a body wash that is suitable for your baby’s skin. You can choose any of the soaps listed above or consult your baby’s doctor first.
5. Never leave your baby alone in the bath. Babies, even children, can drown in shallow water for only seconds, so never risk leaving your child in the bathroom alone.

Basic Tips for Bathing a Toddler

If you’re a new parent and is still making your way to convince your toddler for an exciting bubble bath, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Toddlers can be bathed 2-3 times a week, but best if cleaned every day. A good bubble bath every other day will keep your toddler clean and fresh, but it’s a must to wash their face and genitals every day.
2. Never leave your toddler in the bath. Although they’re a bit older and may enjoy the bath alone, do not risk letting your child alone in the bathroom–this may cause potential disasters or accidents.
3. Use non-slip mats on the floor for extra protection. Even if you’re paying close attention to your toddler, unfavorable situations might still happen.
4. Use a gentle soap for kids or one of the body washes stated above–these are formulated for your kid’s soft and delicate skin. Never use an adult bar soap as this may cause irritation.

Some of the Specific Ingredients to Avoid in Choosing the Best Body Wash for Kids

As previously mentioned, parents look after specific things in choosing a soap for kids–may this be for comfort, scent, skin sensitivity, etc. If you’re still skeptical about what you should avoid, here’s a short list of the ingredients you should watch out for:

Parabens

Parabens are used in kids’ body wash and adult bar soap because it prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria in the product. This chemical also prolongs the life of the products, so you can see it on almost all of the things bought from the grocery store.

This has to be avoided because of its cancer-inducing properties and hormonal effects.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical known for causing cancer and other neurological diseases. It’s a known carcinogen mostly present in kids’ body wash.

It’s best to see the body wash or bar soap label and look for formaldehyde-free for extra precaution.

Phthalates and Other Artificial Fragrances

Phthalates are used for increased fragrance and are often not included in the ingredients list. We understand that you want your kid to stay fresh and smelling good, but the word fragrance indicates bad news if it’s seen on the label of your kids’ soap.

It is still best to read the label and opt for fragrance-free products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Also listed as sulfuric acid, sodium salt, sodium salt sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid, aquarex methyl, sodium dodecyl sulfate, monododecyl ester, or aquarex me is an agent added on most soaps, toothpaste, baby washes, and other bath products to make it more foamy and bubbly.

Although SLS is made or extracted from coconut oil, it is mixed with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, making it harmful and depletes the natural effect of coconut oil.

Choosing the Best Body Wash for Kids

Looking for the best body wash for kids may be a hit-and-miss. There are numerous options to choose from but it’s still best to use a body wash with natural ingredients like The Crown Choice PH Balanced Body Wash.

Whichever you may feel suits your baby the best solely depends on how you assess your kid’s needs and condition.

We hope we have helped you decide what suits your baby well. Remember to consider the ingredients of a product before trying it on your child’s skin. The advice of a pediatrician will always be relevant if your kid is suffering from a skin condition.