What is the Best Organic Shampoo for Kids?

Buying shampoo for your kid can feel a bit like a minefield – Do you look for organic? Natural ingredients? Fragrance-free?

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Gentle? Hypoallergenic?

There are a ton of options out there and with all the sneaky marketing jargon it can be tricky to make an informed decision.

For that reason, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you understand what makes a good natural kids’ shampoo.

We’ve also included our top picks for the best organic shampoos for kids, including both fragrance-free and naturally scented options.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick list:

Best unscented organic kids’ shampoos

Best naturally scented organic kids’ shampoos

Benefits of using a natural shampoo

First of all, why use a natural or organic shampoo instead of your basic conventional shampoo?

Conventional shampoos often contain a cocktail of not-so-great ingredients (aka harsh chemicals) that some parents (like ourselves) would rather avoid.

When you hear someone say “harsh chemicals,” they’re talking about ingredients like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, PEGs (polyethylene glycols), and other unnecessary ingredients that have no business in your kid’s shampoo bottle.

These ingredients can cause skin irritation (especially for kids with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema), eye irritation, and even respiratory problems for some – not something you want to be lathering your kid up in.

Some argue that a true 100% organic shampoo doesn’t exist. While that may be technically true (that’s a whole can of worms for a different day), I think most will agree that there are certainly plenty of better-for-you options.

For the sake of clarity, when we say “organic shampoos,” we are referring to those products that leave out the less-than-desirable ingredients mentioned above.

Another benefit of choosing a natural shampoo is they tend to be a better choice for the environment.

So, if you’re looking for a healthier option for your child (and the planet), a natural shampoo is a great choice.

What to look for when choosing an organic shampoo

When shopping for a good natural or organic shampoo for your child, there are a few things you’ll want to scan for when you’re looking over labels.

Look for products that are made without phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors (seriously, why do you need colored shampoo – Who cares what color it is?), etc.

You may also want to look for products that are made without common allergens such as gluten, peanut, dairy, and soy, but that’s totally up to you.

If addition, you may want to check the shampoo’s EWG rating. The EWG is a great resource that rates the safety of ingredients in personal care products.

The lower the score, the better. You can search for products on EWG’s website here.

The best organic shampoos for kids

At the time of writing this, all products below have been awarded the EWG Verified mark, meaning they have fully met the EWG’s expectations and standards.

To put it simply, these are the best of the best and have the stamp to prove it!

Let’s get to it.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Wash

If you’re looking for a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and body wash, the Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Wash is an excellent choice.

It’s made with natural oat protein, shea butter, and cocoa butter that will keep your baby’s skin soft and moisturized without all the nasty ingredients.

All it takes is a few drops into your hands, lather it up, and your little one will be squeaky clean in no time.

Pros	Cons
Hypoallergenic	Some parents like it better as a body wash than a shampoo due to tangling
Plant-based
Gluten, soy, and dairy-free
EWG verified
A little goes a long way

Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash

Pipette’s Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is another option we really like.

It’s formulated with clean, plant-derived ingredients that are gentle on babies’ hair and skin.

Plus, it’s free of sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially toxic ingredients.

And, it’s EWG verified, so you can be sure it’s safe for your little one.

Pros	Cons
Hypoallergenic	The pump could be better
Plant-based
EWG verified
Parents have had good results with eczema-prone skin

EllaOla Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

The EllaOla Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is uniquely formulated with quality plant-based ingredients, including vitamin and mineral-rich superfoods.

This coconut-derived hypoallergenic cleanser will not strip away your baby’s natural oils and is thoroughly tested to ensure high standards.

You won’t find any fragrance or sulfates in this shampoo.

And, you can sleep soundly at night knowing your baby’s shampoo is EWG verified and has earned the National Eczema Association Seal as well.

Pros	Cons
Hypoallergenic	The bottle is small for the price
Plant-based
EWG verified
National Eczema Association Seal
Lathers well and won’t irritate eyes

Evereden Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

If you’re looking for a natural baby shampoo that’s gentle enough for everyday use, the Evereden Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is another unscented option we love.

Its non-drying formula is made up of hydrating oils, including coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and avocado oil – No sulfates here! These plant-based oils work together to soothe and nourish your baby’s delicate skin.

The Evereden non-toxic baby shampoo really is a nice head-to-toe-cleanser.

Pros	Cons
Plant-based	May make some hair types hard to brush afterward
EWG verified
National Eczema Association Seal
Tiny amount goes a long way

Hello Bello Extra Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash

Now, as far as scented shampoos go, we are impressed with the Hello Bello lavender shampoo for several reasons.

First of all, it’s EWG verified (at the time of writing this, of course – Keep in mind this can change if the company decides to change its formula).

Made with jojoba seed oil and a blend of botanical extracts, this shampoo will leave your child’s hair clean and smelling fresh.

It’s scented with lavender essential oil, so you can enjoy a nice, light scent without any synthetic fragrance. There are also no sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or common allergens in this formula.

To use, simply splash baby with a little bit of warm water, give them a good massage, and rinse!

Pros	Cons
Hypoallergenic	Packaging can be hit and miss
Plant-based
Made without common allergies (gluten, peanut, and dairy-free)
EWG verified
Great scent

made of Foaming Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

If you’re a fan of citrusy scents, then you’re going to love the made of Sweet Orange Foaming Baby Shampoo & Body Wash.

This product is NSF Organic Certified and EWG Verified, making it one of the best organic shampoos for kids.

It’s made from 77% organic and 23% natural ingredients, so you can feel good about using it on your little one.

Plus, it’s non-GMO, soy-free, nut-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free, and it doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances.

Parents have also expressed how this one is very helpful for cradle cap, so if that’s something you’re experiencing right now with your baby, consider giving it a try.

Pros	Cons
NSF organic certified	Smell isn’t as delicious as it sounds (but still decent)
EWG verified
Plant-based
Non-GMO, soy-free, nut-free
Helpful for cradle cap

ATTITUDE 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash for Baby

If you’re still on the hunt for a scented baby shampoo with natural ingredients, the ATTITUDE 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash is worth checking out.

It’s ECOLOGO certified as a sustainable and biodegradable product, which is awesome.

The formula is hypoallergenic and is enriched with blueberry leaf extract, which helps keep baby’s scalp healthy and hydrated.

Parents have also pointed out that it smells and lathers great, which can be hard to find for a non-toxic product – Definitely a plus!

Pros	Cons
Hypoallergenic	Can be irritating to the eyes
EWG verified	The pump is hit and miss for some
Plant and mineral-based
Smells amazing and lathers well

Finding the best organic shampoo for kids can sometimes be a daunting task, but it’s worth taking the time to do your research.

In this post, we’ve outlined several of our favorite options, all of which are EWG verified and most are free from common allergens.

So, whether you’re looking for an unscented option or one that smells amazing, there’s sure to be a perfect choice for your family!