Check Out The Best Kids' Shampoos Of 2023

Choosing the best kids shampoos of 2022 wasn't easy, just like it isn't easy to know what shampoo is the best and safest for your child. The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep site is a great resource to compare various products and ingredients to see what is safe. While it's a beneficial site, you have to know what you're looking at, and sometimes, a list of suggestions comes in handy.

That's why we put together this list. As a parent, you don't want something that burns the eyes (thanks parabens and sulfates), and you know that the shampoo needs to smell appealing to your little one. You want something safe that works with their hair type. And ideally, you want something easy, possibly a 3-in-1 combo shampoo. But it also has to work, and certain shampoos do that better than others. The following list shares the best shampoos for babies, teens, curly hair, dandruff and many more specific situations. Of course, there's also the best overall for the family winner too.  Here are the best kids shampoos of 2022.

Everyone Kids Soap 3-in-1 Shampoo

This 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash and bubble bath comes in some stellar scents, using essential oils like lavender. The coconut oil helps soothe skin and provides enough lather for washing. The EWG also verifies this product, meaning it meets stringent safety and chemical-free standards. It is hypoallergenic, non-GMO, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and synthetic fragrance-free. Plus, it's made in the USA! It is not recommended for kids under two, and some children who are sensitive to essential oils may have a reaction or feel it's not tear-free. 

Best for Baby: California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash

Yes, it's one of the more expensive ones on the list, but it's worth it. This shampoo gets high marks as a product frequently used by Neonatal & Pediatric Intensive Care Units, so you know it's going to be safe. Made with irritant-free ingredients and free of common allergens, it works for almost any skin. It is a plant-based shampoo and made in the USA. It not only helps combat eczema, but it also moisturizes the skin. If you need a cheaper option, try our runner-ups, Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo or Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract. 

Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Lice Shampoo

Lice. It's a fact of life for kids, especially ones of school-age. But, this shampoo is clinically proven to be 96 percent effective against head lice. It cleanses and protects using rosemary, citronella and tea tree oil, which all repel the little bugs. It is gluten, soy, dairy and nut-free, making it a safe choice for kids with certain allergies. And, the jojoba and chamomile are moisturizing and soothing to the scalp, so it won't over-dry your child's hair like some lice shampoos can. Safe for everyday shampooing even when there are no lice to be found. 

Thinkbaby After Swim Baby Shampoo & Body Wash Chlorine Remover

If you have a child that loves to swim, you know how weighed down their hair can get after being in a pool. Chlorine can wreak havoc on hair, so removing it can help keep hair healthy. With Thinkbaby's shampoo, you can remove chlorine and other chemicals with a tear-free, EWG verified shampoo. It's free of parabens and phthalates, cruelty-free, and great for sensitive skin. Other great options include Babo Botanicals Purifying Swim & Sport Shampoo and SoCozy Kids Swim 3-in-1 Shampoo.

Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo

Not only is this shampoo priced right, but it's also tear-free. The best part of this shampoo for kids is that it's made especially for curls and tangles. It is infused with Shea butter, coconut oil and honey, all of which smooth hair to detangle and bounce back to beautiful curls effortlessly. They also have conditioner and curling cream, among other products. It is sulfate, silicone, mineral oil and paraben-free. The only downside to this option is that it may be irritating to sensitive skin or scalps. Curl Peace Ultimate Detangling Shampoo came in a close second, and is specially made for hair that tangles easily.

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash

When a shampoo is gentle enough to be used on babies, you know it has got to be tear-free. Burt's Bees did a great job making not only something that is fragrance-free, but is 98.9 percent natural, so it's safe for even the littlest bodies. It's also great for sensitive skin of any age as the formula is non-irritating and naturally moisturizing. One other great perk? It has been pediatrician tested and clinically proven to be safe and effective for daily use. Add the baby oil or lotion to complete the set. Of course, if you're a Johnson & Johnson fan, they also have a tear-free shampoo and body wash to check out. 

SoCozy Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo

This shampoo, conditioner, and wash-in-one cleans and adds moisture back into your child's hair and body. SoCozy is a company with over 20 years of experience when it comes to kids’ hair. This formula adds in keratin, vitamin B5 and kiwi extract to help strengthen and add smoothness and shine. It is non-toxic and free from many of the 'dirty' ingredients that parents try to stay away from. This shampoo may burn some sensitive eyes, so it's not entirely tear-free. Bonus: It is also a great choice for managing tangles or kids with curls. 

Best 2-in-1: Fresh Monster Toxin-Free Hypoallergenic 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo & Conditioner

This 2-in-1 has it all. It cleans, conditions, uses all-natural scents from botanical extracts and it is made with a safe formula that is gentle on the eyes. Fresh Monster doesn't test on animals, and the shampoo is free of toxins, sulfates, parabens, dyes and BPA. Parents love that it leaves hair feeling clean while also adding some shine and softness, making it easy on tangles. If you don't need the conditioner add-in, they also have a 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash. Our second-place choice? Suave Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo Conditioner Bodywash, which makes things even more convenient by adding all three cleansers to one bottle. 

The Bottom Line

It's time for some tear-free, suds-filled, clean-hair bathing. Now that you know what the safest and best kids’ shampoos of 2022 are, you're all set. These brands also make great conditioners, and sometimes body washes too. Happy bathing!.

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