CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo Review: Fragrance-Free Formula for Sensitive Skin?

This review delves into the CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo, a product marketed towards sensitive skin. Initial observations focus on the packaging – a simple, clear bottle allowing for easy content visibility. However, the reviewer notes a peculiar “gunky” consistency, raising questions about potential reformulation or the impact of storage conditions. The primary focus is on evaluating the product's performance as both a shampoo and a body wash, a dual functionality frequently found in baby products. The fragrance-free aspect is highlighted as a key selling point for individuals with sensitive scalps and skin.The review aims to provide an honest assessment of CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo's effectiveness and suitability for its intended purpose. It explores both the positive and negative aspects of the product, specifically addressing its performance as a shampoo in terms of rinsability and potential buildup, and its efficacy as a body wash in terms of cleansing and moisturizing properties. Ultimately, the review concludes with a recommendation based on the observed strengths and weaknesses of this dual-purpose product.

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

Initial Impressions and Packaging

Upon first glance, the CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo appears to be a simple, clear bottle. The label indicates it's a new product, though I've potentially used it before, suggesting a possible rebranding or reformulation. The bottle itself is quite basic, but the clear packaging allows for easy visibility of the product's consistency and remaining quantity.

The CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo bottle shown for the first time.
The CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo bottle shown for the first time.

Interestingly, even after using a significant portion of the bottle, it retains a slightly 'gunky' appearance, perhaps due to prolonged exposure to a humid shower environment. This could indicate some thickening or changes to the formula over time, and the lack of initial information on its freshness leaves one wondering whether some reformulation has occurred.

Close-up of the slightly gunky bottle after considerable use.
Close-up of the slightly gunky bottle after considerable use.

Shampoo Performance: A Disappointing Result

My primary goal was to test this product as a fragrance-free shampoo, a rare find in the market. While it boasted almost complete fragrance-free properties, it significantly lacked in other critical areas.

Speaker highlighting the fragrance-free aspect.
Speaker highlighting the fragrance-free aspect.

The shampoo's biggest drawback is its poor rinsability. It left a substantial, thick, filmy residue in my hair, creating unwanted weight and buildup. Despite multiple attempts with varying water temperatures, the result remained the same. This would be especially problematic for individuals with fine or thin hair, children included.

Speaker describing the difficulty in rinsing the shampoo from hair.
Speaker describing the difficulty in rinsing the shampoo from hair.

Body Wash Performance: A More Positive Experience

In contrast to its shampoo performance, the CeraVe Baby Wash fared better as a body wash. Although it took a little longer to rinse than some other body washes, it delivered a satisfying clean without drying out my skin.

Speaker discussing the body wash's effectiveness.
Speaker discussing the body wash's effectiveness.

The gentle formula proved particularly effective in cleaning my feet, including the often-overlooked areas between the toes and around the ankles. The slightly emollient quality contributed to a hydrating effect. It performed as a gentle, moisturizing body wash, particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin.

Speaker highlighting its effectiveness on feet.
Speaker highlighting its effectiveness on feet.

Overall Conclusion and Recommendation

The CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo presents a mixed bag. Its nearly fragrance-free formulation is a significant advantage for those with sensitive skin. However, it's a definite no-go as a shampoo due to its poor rinsability and buildup.

The speaker summarizing the review
The speaker summarizing the review

As a body wash, however, its performance is considerably better. It provides a gentle clean, moisturizes the skin, and excels at cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, I recommend the CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo for body washing only and not as a hair cleanser.

Final shot of the product
Final shot of the product