How To Choose the Best Baby Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

When your little one has sensitive skin, especially if they’re prone to eczema, it’s important to choose body care products with gentle ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation – and shampoo is no different. The scalp is a delicate area, and can be prone to dryness and sensitivity like the rest of the body.

Here are a few things to look for when choosing the best baby shampoo for little ones with sensitive skin:

1. Avoid sulphates and other harsh ingredients.

Sulphates (like sodium lauryl sulfate) are commonly used in shampoos and body washes as a surfactant – that is, they create a foamy lather that removes oil and cleanses the skin and hair. While these ingredients can leave that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling, they can also irritate children’s delicate skin.

Sensitive skin alternatives like our sulphate-free baby Shampoo & Body Wash are made with milder surfactants that still gently cleanse the hair and skin but carry a lower risk of causing dryness and irritation. It’s also free from other harsh ingredients like parabens and fragrances.

2. Go fragrance-free.

Both synthetic and natural fragrances should be avoided if your little one has sensitive skin, as they can cause irritation and damage the skin barrier. According to the National Eczema Association, fragrances are among the most frequently cited substances that cause skin reactions. They’re believed to account for a whopping 30-45% of reactions in cosmetic products! And unfortunately, manufacturers are not typically required to disclose what compounds make up their fragrances, which can make it hard to pinpoint potential allergens or irritants.

All Itchy Baby Co. products are fragrance-free and made with sensitive skin in mind.

3. Look for a tear-free baby shampoo.

If you’ve ever experienced that awful stinging and burning sensation that happens when you accidentally get shampoo in your eyes, you’ll understand why it’s so important to choose a tear-free baby shampoo (like our 4-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash) for your little one!

Tear-free shampoo is made with more gentle ingredients that are less likely to sting your little one’s eyes if it accidentally drips down their face while you wash their hair.

4. Choose a shampoo with nourishing ingredients.

Bath or shower time is not just a time to get your little one clean – it’s also the perfect opportunity to nourish their skin. Choosing a shampoo with added skin-nourishing ingredients is a great way to add a little extra goodness to their routine! Our fragrance-free Shampoo and Body Wash contains coconut oil, aloe vera and antioxidant-rich emu apple extract to help hydrate and nurture little skin from top to toe.

5. Always patch test first and rinse well.

Even the most gentle, natural skincare products still have the potential to cause a skin reaction, especially for sensitive little ones. This is why it’s always best to patch-test any new product in a small area before full use, watching for reactions over the next 24 hours. And when using a shampoo on your child, remember to rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove any product residue. 

Let's face it—washing a baby or toddler's hair can be challenging at the best of times. But we hope this blog helps you choose a gentle shampoo that not only leaves your little one's hair silky-soft but also helps create an enjoyable, skin-friendly bath routine. 

This blog post was brought to you and your baby with love by the Itchy Baby Co. team. X

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.