Best Baby Washes 2021: A Comprehensive Review

Finding the perfect baby wash can feel overwhelming with so many options available. This comprehensive review explores six top-rated baby washes of 2021, meticulously examining their ingredients, benefits, and suitability for different skin types. From soothing sensitive skin to promoting healthy skin development, we delve into the unique qualities of each product to help you make an informed choice for your little one. We consider factors crucial for parents, including fragrance, hypoallergenic properties, and ease of use.This review covers a range of popular brands, including Baby Dove, Cetaphil, Aveeno, Babyganics, and Mustela. Each product is assessed based on its key features, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Whether your baby has sensitive skin, eczema, or simply needs a gentle daily cleanser, this review will guide you toward finding the perfect baby wash to ensure their delicate skin remains healthy, happy, and hydrated. Read on to discover which wash best meets your baby's unique needs and your family's preferences.

Pros And Cons

Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash & Shampoo (Rich Moisture)
  • Mild and moisturizing
  • Protects delicate skin
  • Replenishes moisture and nutrients
  • Tear-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Creamy lather
  • Leaves skin clean, moisturized, and soft
  • Made without dyes, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates
  • Suitable for newborns
  • Can be used as hand wash
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula
  • Gentle enough for infant skin
  • Soothing and calming benefits
  • Supports skin health, especially around nappy area
  • Suitable for babies prone to eczema and sensitive skin
  • Tear-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Rinses cleanly
  • Leaves a fresh fragrance
  • Pediatrician recommended
  • Zero percent parabens, colorants, mineral oils
  • Removes impurities while nourishing skin
Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel Hair & Body Wash
  • Gently cleanses without stripping natural oils
  • Softens skin
  • Soothes irritation with vitamin B5
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Minimizes risk of allergic reactions
  • Contains natural avocado perseus for hydration
  • Paraben, phthalate, and phenoxyethanol free
  • Lathers easily
  • Cleans thoroughly
  • Non-irritant
  • Leaves skin soft and not greasy
  • Scent isn't overpowering
  • Cost-effective
  • May be more expensive than other brands
Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract
  • Gently cleanses skin and hair
  • Rinses clean
  • Leaves a soft, fresh fragrance
  • Tear-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Safe for daily use
  • Contains natural oat extract for soothing and nourishing
  • Eases skin conditions like eczema
  • Rich lathering formula
  • Soap-free
  • Contains glycerin for hydration

Read more: 5 Best Baby Body Washes with Soothing Avocado Oil

Newborn Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash

Baby Dove's Tip to Toe wash is a top contender, boasting a rich, moisturizing formula ideal for delicate newborn skin. Its creamy lather is gentle yet effective, leaving baby's skin clean, soft, and delicately scented. This hypoallergenic formula is ophthalmologist, dermatologist, and pediatrician tested, ensuring safety for even the most sensitive skin.

Newborn Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash bottle
Newborn Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash bottle

The wash is free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, incorporating 100% skin-natural nutrients. Its suitability extends beyond bathing, making it a practical hand wash for caregivers as well. Available in a convenient 13-ounce bottle, this wash enhances bath time and is perfect for daily use.

Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo with Organic Calendula

Cetaphil's Baby Wash and Shampoo, infused with organic calendula, offers gentle cleansing and soothing benefits. Formulated for infants, this wash is especially suitable for babies with eczema or sensitive skin. Calendula, known for its soothing properties, helps support skin health, particularly in the diaper area.

Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo bottle
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo bottle

This tear-free, hypoallergenic formula rinses cleanly, leaving behind a fresh scent. Free from parabens, colorants, and mineral oils, it effectively removes impurities while nourishing the skin. Its pediatrician-recommended formula gently cleanses hair and skin without drying.

Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo

Aveeno's Gentle Wash and Shampoo, featuring natural oat extract, provides a gentle yet effective cleanse. Its tear-free formula leaves a soft, fresh fragrance while avoiding dryness. Recommended by pediatricians, this wash is soap-free and hypoallergenic, ideal for daily use.

Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo bottle
Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo bottle

The natural oat extract, carefully extracted from oat kernels, soothes and nourishes delicate skin. This extract also possesses moisturizing and soothing properties, potentially easing conditions like eczema. The rich lather rinses clean, leaving a light and fresh scent.

Close-up of the Aveeno product highlighting the oat extract
Close-up of the Aveeno product highlighting the oat extract

Babyganics Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash

Babyganics offers a foamy cleanser with a unique blend of oils (tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and raspberry seed) supporting healthy skin development. Its tear-free formula is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harsh ingredients. The chamomile verbena formula provides a refreshing scent and clean feeling.

Babyganics Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash bottle
Babyganics Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash bottle

Available in both fragranced and fragrance-free options, it caters to various sensitivities. The pump dispenser creates fluffy bubbles, simplifying cleaning and making the product last longer. Its gentle formula lathers well, rinses easily, and is suitable for use as a bubble bath.

Close-up showing the lather and bubbles of the Babyganics wash
Close-up showing the lather and bubbles of the Babyganics wash

Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel

Mustela's Gentle Cleansing Gel stands out with its natural avocado perseus, a unique molecule hydrating and maintaining skin's cellular richness. Hypoallergenic and free from parabens and other irritants, it minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. This gentle formula cleanses without stripping natural oils, leaving skin soft and soothed.

Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel bottle
Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel bottle

The gel lathers well but avoids excessive foam, making rinsing easy. Its pleasant, non-overpowering scent, combined with its effectiveness and long-lasting nature, makes it a cost-effective choice despite a slightly higher price point. It's ideal for gentle cleansing of both hair and body.

Highlighting the avocado perseus ingredient
Highlighting the avocado perseus ingredient

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Baby Wash

Each baby wash offers unique benefits, catering to various needs and preferences. Baby Dove excels in moisturizing and providing a delightful scent, while Cetaphil's calendula option soothes sensitive skin. Aveeno provides a gentle, pediatrician-recommended cleanse with its oat extract.

Montage of all the baby wash products reviewed
Montage of all the baby wash products reviewed

Babyganics offers a unique blend of oils for healthy skin development, and Mustela’s luxurious formula combines gentle cleansing with long-lasting hydration. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your baby's specific skin type, sensitivities, and your personal preferences. Consider factors like fragrance, ingredients, and budget when making your decision.