Keeping kids clean and fresh can be a constant struggle for parents. They live an active lifestyle where they have more time to play than to have a relaxing bath. With this, it is essential to make sure that you use the best body wash and soap for kids.
They are not supposed to use bath products for adults because they often contain harsh chemicals. Their soaps and body washes should be formulated with their specific needs in mind.
With the multitude of choices for the body wash and soap designed with the needs of kids in mind, which one should you choose? If you find it hard to decide, keep on reading the rest of this post, and we’ll help you come up with the right choice.
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Choosing the Best Kids Body Washes and Soap
With the abundance of options available, making the right choice is not a walk in the park. To help you decide, below are some of the most important considerations.
What are the Ingredients Used?
The most important thing is to look at the ingredients, making sure that they are effective, safe, and gentle. Some of the words that you have to look for include natural, organic, non-toxic, and fragrance-free.
Choose body washes and soaps that do not contain toxic chemicals and harsh ingredients. Some examples of these include sulfates, parabens, fragrances, dyes, and colorants.
Is it Hypoallergenic?
Most kids will have sensitive skin. They are vulnerable to irritation, rashes, redness, and other problems. By choosing a hypoallergenic body wash and shampoo, you are assured that it does not contain harsh ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction.
Is it Tear-free?
More than being hypoallergenic, you will also benefit from choosing a product with a tear-free formula. This way, even if it gets into the eyes of your little ones, they will not cry. Being tear-free is often a sign that there are no toxic chemicals.
What are its Uses?
As you will notice, many of the products above are not only functional as soaps and body washes. Some of them can also be used as a shampoo and conditioner. They can be a single replacement to multiple products in the bathroom.
Top 26 Body Washes & Soaps for Kids – Reviews & Guide
The bath products for kids should be specially formulated for their age. Stay away from those that are made for adults to avoid skin irritation. With this, below is a quick rundown of some of the best products that should be on your radar.
1. Suave Kids Body Wash
It is made by Suave, so it must be a good body wash! Indeed, that is true! The reputation of the company speaks for itself.
This is a tear-free body wash for the young ones that have been tested by dermatologists. It has a mild formula that won’t irritate their delicate skin.
With the use of this body wash, it will create a rich and creamy lather that will make kids love bath time. It will leave their skin soft and fresh without any residue.
2. Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash with Organic Calendula
The brand name of this product should already provide you with enough reason to consider this as a top pick for the best body wash for kids.
Among others, it is well-loved by many because it contains 1/3 baby lotion, which is the one that is responsible for its moisturizing benefits. It allows gentle cleaning of the skin of babies without causing dryness.
The use of calendula as one of its main ingredients is one more thing that makes it an impressive choice. It has a soft fragrance that won’t be too overpowering for kids. For centuries, it has been used in the world of alternative medicine for soothing dry and sensitive skin.
3. Dial Kids Body + Hair Wash
For parents who are looking for value for money, this is one product that can prove to be excellent. It can be used not only as a body wash but also as a hair wash.
Looking at the list of the ingredients that are used, it will be easy to be convinced that it is great for your little ones. The ingredients are tear-free. Plus, it utilizes the scent of fresh peach to give it a distinct fragrance that is non-irritating.
It is gentle on the skin, which you can also attribute to the fact that it has a pH-balanced formula. This body wash is also hypoallergenic.
As the manufacturer recommends, this is best for kids who are aged two years old and above.
4. Everyone 3-in-1 Soap for Kids
This is another excellent addition to the bath routine of kids because of its multiple uses. Aside from being a body wash, it can also be used as a shampoo and as a bubble bath.
The secret of this product lies in the ingredients that are used. Among others, it contains essential oils from orange and lavender, both of which are known for their calming effects.
It also has Vitamins B5 and E. The two are known for effectively moisturizing the delicate skin of kids. To increase its moisturizing benefits, it is also blended with other natural ingredients, including chamomile, calendula, and aloe.
5. Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath with Lavender and Vanilla – best baby body wash
If you know gentle skincare products, Aveeno is a name that you should know by heart. Their version of a baby wash has a moisturizing formula, which is made possible by lavender and vanilla. The two are also the ones responsible for its distinct scent.
It also contains oat extracts. The latter is a natural ingredient that can naturally soothe the skin without the need to worry about sensitivity. It also has the ability to absorb moisture while soothing irritated and dry skin.
6. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash
Like Aveeno, Burt’s Bees is also a well-established brand, which is why this is a body wash that you should consider. It is 99.9% natural, so you can be confident that it will be safe for the little users.
The plant-based formula of this body wash, which also doubles as a shampoo, is one of the things that make it impressive. It uses the power of soy protein, oat flour, and aloe, among other ingredients that can naturally cleanse the skin. It does not contain phthalates, petrolatum, and paraben. It also does not contain artificial fragrances.
7. Fresh Monster Toxin-Free Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Body Wash
If you really care about your kids, you have to be meticulous about their bath products. This product can be an impressive choice as it is hypoallergenic. Their skin will not be prone to irritation. Even better, it is not only a body wash but also a shampoo.
The manufacturer takes pride in the fact that theirs is the first 100% toxin-free shampoo and body wash combo, which can provide gentle cleaning from the head to the toe. This does not contain gluten, synthetic soy, BPA, phthalates, sulfates, and parabens.
8. Lil’ Leona Baby Wash, Shampoo, and Bubble Bath
Get rid of multiple items that are used every time kids take a bath. This will be the perfect replacement as it already functions as a baby wash, shampoo, and bubble bath.
With normal body washes, kids can end up crying because it can irritate their eyes. Such is not the case with this product as it comes with a tear-free formula.
Looking at the ingredients that are used, it is notable because it does not contain synthetic and toxic chemicals that can put the kids at risk. It is also cruelty-free and vegan.
9. Weleda Calendula Soap
The secret of this soap is the main ingredient that is used – calendula. It contains soothing extracts from an organic source that is known for its natural moisturizing benefits. It also contains chamomile, which does not only have a good scent but also has relaxing properties.
Upon lathering, the soap will produce a soft foam that will be gentle on the skin. It will be smooth and easy to rinse. This foam will also help in maintaining the natural moisture of the skin.
Best of all, it can be used not only by kids. Even adults can use the soap and expect a plethora of benefits!
10. Johnson’s Clean & Fresh Tear-Free Children’s Shampoo & Body Wash
If kids hate taking a bath, you have to find a way to make them love it. Among others, one of the best things that you can do is to use this soap, which will easily produce suds. This will give them a bubbly and fun bath. Plus, they are sure to love the watermelon scent of the soap!
The design of the soap is also impressive. It is designed in such a way that it will be easy to grip for kids. This is unlike others that can be too slippery when wet. The special pouch does not only make it easy to hold but also allows it to generate more suds compared to regular soap.
11. Johnson’s Baby Soap Bar, Gentle for Baby Bath and Skin Care
It is also made by Johnson’s, but it is not intended to produce suds as the soap that has been mentioned above.
Using this soap, parents can forget about the use of lotion for kids because it is more than enough. This is because it contains mild moisturizers that will prevent dryness of the skin. It has also been tested by dermatologists and comes with a hypoallergenic formula.
12. Burt’s Bees Baby Buttermilk Soap
This soap is 100% natural, so there is no need to worry that there are chemicals that will get in contact with the skin of your baby.
The biggest selling point of this product is the buttermilk, an organic ingredient that is known for soothing the skin without causing irritation. It has a gentle lather and does not leave any sticky residue. This will leave the skin of kids feeling silky smooth and smelling fresh throughout the day.
Like the other soaps and body washes that are mentioned in this quick post, this also has a tear-free formula. Even if it gets into the eyes of kids while taking a bath, they won’t end up crying!
13. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap – Baby Unscented
Using only organic and vegan ingredients, you can be confident that this bar soap will be safe for kids. It has no detergents or other synthetic components that can irritate the gentle skin of your little ones.
To make it effective in soothing the skin of kids, some of the main ingredients that are used in the soap include palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and hemp oil.
It is also worth noting that this is a multi-use soap. Aside from bath time, you can also use it as a laundry wash or even for pest control.
Eco-friendly parents will also love how this soap is packaged with the use of 100% recycled post-consumer wrapper.
14. Aveeno Baby Cleansing Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Wash
The biggest selling point of this product is that it is specifically for kids who suffer from eczema. It has a mild formula that even pediatricians recommend. It even has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. You can be confident that experts approve of its use, and hence, there’s nothing to worry about.
This body wash contains colloidal oatmeal and oat essence. These are natural extracts that heal and moisturize dry skin.
To make it even safer for your little one, it is also good to know that it does not contain parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and dyes, among other harmful ingredients.
15. Baby Dove Derma Care Soothing Wash
At a young age, your baby’s skin is fragile. Using this body wash is excellent because it is gentle, making their skin less vulnerable to damage. It is also especially formulated to be used by those with eczema-prone skin.
With a unique colloidal ointment formula, it is no longer surprising that up to 90% of parents of children with eczema are recommending this product. It has distinct ingredients that nourish the skin and provide prebiotic moisturizers.
We also like how it comes with an air pump. This makes sure that the application is a snap while also minimizing waste. The pump easily controls the body wash that goes out of the bottle.
16. The Honest Company Purely Simple Fragrance-Free Shampoo + Body Wash
One thing that we like the most about this product is that it is a body wash and shampoo in one. It is made of gentle ingredients, so it is tear-free and will work even on kids with sensitive skin. We also love how it is unscented.
This product is made using ingredients derived from natural sources. That said, you will be happy to know that it does not contain parabens, dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde, among other potentially toxic ingredients.
17. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
With the sulfate-free formula of this body wash, it is perfect even for children who have sensitive skin. It will remove dirt and oils without dryness. With daily use, skin will feel softer and cleaner.
It also has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Like many of the products in this buying guide, it is free of toxic ingredients, including dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and sulfate.
If you are not yet convinced to choose this product, you might have a change of mind after knowing that even dermatologists are recommending this body wash.
18. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash>
A product developed by pediatricians, it has a soothing formula that is perfect for children with dry and sensitive skin, specifically those who have eczema.
Before the release of this product, it has been clinically tested to examine its components. Based on these tests, there are no irritants and other toxic components that can be harsh on kids.
Looking at its ingredients, this body wash and shampoo contains oatmeal extract, aloe vera, licorice root extract, and hyaluronic acid. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
19. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
For those who prefer a bar soap over a body wash, this is an excellent alternative. Its formula includes 5% moisturizing cream, which will effectively prevent dryness. Once the soap is applied, it will lock moisture in. It also has nourishing benefits.
While it does a tough job at cleaning dirt and impurities on the skin, it is gentle enough to prevent irritation. The best thing is that it does not strip the natural oils of the skin.
It is also worth noting that it is non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog the pores. Even adults can use the soap, especially for makeup removal.
20. Exederm Baby Bath Body Wash
As you would have noticed by now, many of the products in our recommendations are for kids who suffer from eczema. This is no exception. It also has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
The focus of the product is functionality and not its smell. Unsurprisingly, the manufacturer does not use fragrances. It is as pure as it can be. You will not also find parabens, colors, dyes, and other ingredients that can be harsh on the skin of young users.
21. Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel
The biodegradable formula of this product is one thing that makes it stand out. It thoroughly cleans without being harsh on the skin. It is also a shampoo and it won’t strip the scalp of its natural oils.
We adore this product because of its plant-based formula. Amongst its ingredients, one of the most notable is avocado perseose. This is a patented ingredient that protects and hydrates the skin. It forms an invisible barrier to prevent harsh elements from ruining the skin.
Another key ingredient that you will find in this product is Vitamin B5. This is also responsible for keeping the skin moist and healthy.
22. Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap
One of the highlights of this bar soap is the use of shea butter as the main ingredient. This is a great moisturizer, which will keep the skin of kids smooth, healthy, and well-hydrated.
Even if it has shea butter, it is fragrance-free. This means that there is no strong scent that the little ones may find irritating. It also goes to show that the manufacturer did not use artificial fragrances.
With its unique formula, it has a highly-effective exfoliating action. This makes it easy to get rid of dirt and impurities on the skin.
23. Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Gentle Baby Wash and Shampoo
It is almost impossible to talk about body washes and soaps for kids without mentioning this product. With its tear-free formula, bath time will be a lot more fun and relaxing.
This product comes with a hypoallergenic formula. This means that you can use it even on kids with sensitive skin without worrying about potential side effects.
Another good thing about this product is its pH-balanced formula. This is also the reason why it is gentle enough for most users.
24. Puracy Naturals Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
Over the years, Puracy became popular because of its diverse selection of products using natural ingredients. This body wash and shampoo has more suds and moisturizers than its previous formulas while making sure that it is ultra-gentle.
Being 99.5% natural, you don’t have to worry about ingredients with potential harsh skin effects. It has coconut-based cleansers and plant-based preservatives. The product also contains pink grapefruit essential oil and Himalayan pink salt. Plus, it has a citrus-based scent that is light, refreshing, and non-irritating.
25. Alaffia Everyday Shea Shampoo and Body Wash
With its lemon lavender profile, this is relaxing and refreshing. It is sure to be well-loved by kids and will make bath more fun! We also like the air pump packaging, which makes it easy to dispense while also minimizing waste.
A clean and fair-trade product, you can be confident that it uses only the best ingredients that are available. It is made by a social enterprise, which means that the business is committed to creating a more sustainable world.
26. SoCozy 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash for Kids
If value for money is what you are looking for, then this is one exceptional product worth considering. It is not only a body wash, but it also works as a shampoo and conditioner.
It is made by a company with almost two decades of experience, so we are confident that they know what they are doing. The body wash is free of all the nasty ingredients, making it gentle for young users, even if they have sensitive skin.
Some of the key ingredients that you will find in this product include kiwi extracts, Vitamin B5, and keratin. They work together to improve hair, skin, and scalp.
Useful Tips for Bathing Your Baby
Bathing a baby is not as straightforward as it seems. Especially if you are a new parent, it can be frustrating. Aside from using the right body wash and soap, below are some useful tips and tricks.
- Start by gathering all the supplies that you will need. Things will be a lot easier when you have everything easily accessible, especially when you won’t have a helping hand.
- Mind the temperature of the water. It should not be too hot or too cold. Keep it warm, which should ideally be at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not bathe your baby longer than necessary. All that you need is to wipe the dirt on the body before you are done.
- Hold your baby properly in the bathtub. Use one hand to hold your baby at the back and the other hand for bathing.
- Set the mood. Do it in a quiet and well-lit place. It should be as calm as possible. Otherwise, the baby may end up being fussy.
FAQs
Got questions about body washes and soaps for kids? We’ll answer some of them below.
What body wash do dermatologists recommend?
Some of the most popular body washes that dermatologists recommend are those from Cetaphil, Dove, Aveeno, CeraVe, and Cetaphil.
When can a baby start using regular soap?
It is best to use baby soaps and body washes until 12 months. If possible, stick to them longer so that you won’t be introducing harsh ingredients.
Should I bathe my baby everyday?
This isn’t necessary for babies. Nonetheless, if you cannot bathe them, make sure to wipe them daily to keep them fresh and clean. Three times a week will be more than enough for a baby bath.
Wrap Up
Your little ones have fragile skin, which is why they need only the best products for their bath time. Pay attention to the body washes and soaps that have been mentioned above to provide them with tender loving care and keep them away from harsh ingredients.
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