BABY CARE
Best Baby Shampoo
& Body Wash in Malaysia
Table of Contents
Selecting a suitable baby shampoo and body wash is not just about getting those tiny toes, fingers and hair squeaky clean. The most crucial aspect is to look at its ingredients and make sure it is baby safe and gentle on their delicate skin.
Here we are going to discuss two key factors when it comes to choosing the right product for your precious one
- The ingredients
- Your budget
Let’s get scrubbing!
How to choose the perfect baby body wash and shampoo?
Now you might know that it is essential to not just look at the marketing wordings, and you’re probably flipping over the bottle to look at the ingredient list, but how do you know what is safe for your baby’s skin? Here are a few things to consider.
Harsh Chemicals – Here are a few chemicals that we’ve discussed previously article on ingredients to avoid in baby product. In general, avoid parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and preservatives, as these irritate not just your baby’s skin, but some are even harmful to their health. These ingredients are commonly found in conventional shampoos and body washes for adults, but are too harsh on a baby’s skin.
Fragrances – There are two types of fragrance – synthetic and naturally derived. Synthetic fragrances are known to cause irritation or even trigger an allergic reaction. On the other hand, natural fragrances are made using essential plant extracts. However, under the regulation, both are categorized as “parfum” and “fragrance”. This might cause confusion for consumers as the only way to differentiate is at the remark section. Unfortunately, artificial fragrances are mostly used since they are cheaper than natural perfumes.
No-tears formula – Gentle no-tears formula is the key to having an enjoyable bath time with your baby. Make sure the shampoo or body wash are free from substances that might irritate your baby’s eyes.
Quick Tips
Before we dive in further, please be reminded that we will be focusing on ingredient lists instead of marketing wordings. As a rule of thumb, remember that all ingredients are listed according to their quantity —greatest to least—in the product.
Here’s the side-by-side comparison for daily use of shampoo and body wash – designed for normal skin. We will look into a different version for sensitive / eczema-prone babies. Now let’s decipher the ingredients of these commonly known brands.
Aveeno Baby
On the Bottle
- It contains soothing natural oat extract
- Suitable to be used as hypoallergenic baby wash
- Tear and soap-free
- Gentle for everyday use
Ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Price
Around RM55 for 532ML
Origin
Owned by Johnson & Johnson
Overview
It is not hard to notice that most of the ingredients are lab-made. In the 2021 CosDNA report identified synthetic fragrance, preservatives, and other synthetic substances. According to the report, the second ingredient – Cocamidopropyl Betaine is commonly used as a surfactant and foam booster. Oat – is listed as the last on the ingredient list.
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo
On the Bottle
- Gentle cleanser
- Certified organic calendula
- Tear-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizes baby’s skin
- Suitable for both face and body
- 0% Paraben, colourant, and mineral oil
- Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested
- Suitable for newborns
Price
Around RM60 for 339ML
Origin
Made in Germany
Ingredients
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Glycol Distearate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Laureth-4, Heliotropine, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).
Overview
This seems to be a gentle product but it is not after all. Having Sodium Laureth Sulfate at the top of the list, followed by synthetic preservatives, fragrance, and more. However, compared to Aveeno, Cetaphil has several natural substances: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder. a
Mustela No-rinse Cleansing Water
On the Bottle
- 98% ingredients of natural origin
- Dermatologist tested
- Suitable for face and diaper area
- Hypoallergenic and harm-free
Price
Around RM42.50 for 300ml
Origin
Made in France
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, glycerin, sodium benzoate, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, 1,2-hexanediol, allantoin, caprylyl glycol, parfum (fragrance), tartaric acid, sodium hydroxide, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, persea gratissima (avocado) fruit extract, propylene glycol, saponaria officinalis leaf/root extract.
Overview
Overall, the ingredient seems safe. The only ingredient that might raise concern is the fragrance, as it is not naturally derived, and does not state the source either. There is presence of non-naturally derived substances; however, nothing seems harmful.
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel - Hair and Body
On the Bottle
- Suitable for both baby and child.
- Ideal for daily use from birth onwards, including babies newly discharged from neonatal care.
- Suitable for newborn, baby and child’s delicate skin and scalp
- Tear-free formula
- Made with organically farmed avocado
- 93% ingredients of natural origin
Price
Around RM37.90 for 500ml
Origin
Made in France
Ingredients
Aqua/water/eau, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Coco-glucoside, Peg-150 Distearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycol Distearate, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric Acid, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract.
Overview
It is not rare when brands claim to have certain precious ingredients in their products, but only to have a limited amount of it added. This is a good example; avocado is highlighted as the hero ingredient but is stated last on the list. Everything else seems fine. The only ingredients that were flagged are the synthetic fragrance and Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
SebaMed Children's Shampoo
On the Bottle
- For delicate skin
- The best protection from the first day
- Combats irritation, nourishes, and hydrates the scalp
- Chamomile soothes and calms the scalp
- Coco Glucosides conditions and softens hair for easy combing
- Leaves hair soft, silky, and naturally fragrant
- No teas formula
- Recommended for babies and children with skin conditions
- 100% soap and alkali-free
- Dermatologically tested
Price
Around RM93.90 for 750ml
Origin
Made in Germany
Ingredients
Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Chamomilla recutita extract, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Lactate, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-3 Distearate, PEG-150 Distearate, Laureth-2, Alcohol, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Overview
It is not hard to notice several ingredients that are likely to cause skin irritation – synthetic parfum, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, etc. They naturally derived only a few substances.
Weleda Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash
On The Bottle
- Gently cleanses and cares
- Delicate skin and hair
- Certified Natural Body Care
- Prevents dryness
- Maintains skin’s protective layer
- Gentle on baby’s eyes
- Baby’s scent remains intact
- Dermatologically proven very skin-friendly, even on sensitive skin and cradle-cap
Price
Around RM68 for 200ml
Origin
Made in Switzerland
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Coco-Glucoside, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond), Alcohol, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame), Glycerin, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Calendula Officinalis, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Limonene*, Linalool*.
* From natural essential oils
Overview
A clean and gentle cleanser – they have packed the product with Coco-glucoside (a mild, washing-active substance that’s suitable for sensitive skin) and sweet almond oil followed by alcohol as a replacement of synthetic preservative, stabilizer and a series of naturally derived ingredients. The only ingredient that was flagged was Parfum, however Weleda only uses a mixture of natural essential oils – synthetic fragrances are not used. They have also packed it with Sweet Almond and Sesame Oil, which are highly moisturizing.
CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo
On the Bottle
- No nasties and tear-free
- Daily baby skincare with mild foams
- A hydrating cleanser for face and body
- Essential ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
- National Eczema Association Acceptance
- Hypoallergenic
Price
Around RM65 for 237ml
Origin
Manufactured by L’oreal Group
Ingredients
Water, decyl glucoside, polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate, niacinamide, cocoglycerides, cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, ceramide np, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, carbomer, glyceryl oleate, sodium benzoate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, cholesterol, phenoxyethanol, coco-glucoside, tocopheryl acetate, citric acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, phytosphingosine, ethylhexylglycerin.
Overview
Even though it is listed as hypoallergenic and certified by the Eczema Association doesn’t mean it is best for babies. This product contains Sodium Benzoate and Phenoxyethanol as preservatives. Nothing much natural to be mentioned from the list of ingredients either.
California Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash
On the bottle
- Gentle
- 100% Plant-Based
- Non-drying
- Calming blend
- Suitable for babies, kids, and adults
- Gentle enough for everyday use and is recommended for sensitive, irritated, or extremely dry skin
- Sulfate-free, non-stripping, and extremely biodegradable
- It contains organic and sustainably grown vegan ingredient
Price
Around RM121.30 562ml
Origin
Made in the USA
Ingredients
Water, decyl glucoside1, lauryl glucoside1, glyceryl oleate1, glycerin1, sodium levulinate, ocimum basilicum (basil) leaf extract, pimpinella anisum (anise) seed extract, quillaja saponaria extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, xanthan gum2, phytic acid3, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, yucca schidigera root extract, lavandula angustifolia (French lavender) and salvia sclarea (clary sage), aloe vera barbadensis leaf juice, hydrolyzed quinoa protein.
- sustainable palm fruit kernel and/or coconut
- sourced from corn (non-GMO)
- sourced from rice
Overview
As per the marketing claims, this product contains a list of naturally derived ingredients, such as Basil Leaf Extract, Pimpinella Anisum Seed Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, etc. Overall safe and 100% plant-based without any harsh chemicals.
Buds Everyday Head to Toe Cleanser
On the Bottle
- Gentle with amino acid and sugar-based cleanser
- Soothing and hydrating with Aloe Vera
- Certified organic by Ecocert
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Safe, mild, and effective
Price
Around RM65.90 for 225ml
Origin
Made in Malaysia
Ingredients
Aqua/water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium coco glucoside tartrate, coco glucoside, glyceryl oleate, xanthan gum, citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil*, tocopherol, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, parfum/perfume, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, limonene**, linalool**.
“Parfum made from essential oils
*Ingredients from Organic Farming
**Natural constituent of essential oils
Overview
This product does not contain any substance that seems harmful to your baby. However, it is also worth mentioning that it contains Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate as a foaming agent, so if you prefer bubbles during your baby’s bath time, this is the go-to safer option compared to conventional brands.
Nature’s Baby Organics, Shampoo and Body Wash
- Lavender Chamomile
On the Bottle
- Leaves hair soft and luxurious
- Free of SLS, Parabens and Glutens
- Hypoallergenic
- Formulated by Mother Nature
- Made with the highest quality botanicals, essential oils, and luxurious moisturizers to pamper your baby’s tender hair and skin without drying
Price
Around RM70.84 for 473ml
Origin
Made in the USA
Ingredients:
Organic Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Additional Ingredients: Decyl Glucoside (Coconut & Palm Kernel Derived), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut Derived), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (Coconut Derived), Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Coconut Derived), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Wheat, Gluten Free), Dimethyl Lauramine Oleate (Safflower Seed Oil Derived), Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids (Oat Protein), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Panthenol Pro Vitamin B-5), Tocopherol Natural Vitamin E), Capryloyl Glycine (Amino Acid), Glycine Amino Acid), Citric Acid (Natural pH adjuster), Gluconolactone (And) Sodium Benzoate ( NSF Approved Preservative), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil
Overview
The ingredients are pretty similar to Buds Everyday Head-to-Toe – while it contains Aloe Vera as a moisturizer, it also contains additional ingredients such as Sodium Benzoate as preservatives, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate. What’s different is that they have included more nourishing ingredients, such as Shea Butter, Safflower Seed Oil, Vitamin E, and Matricaria Flower oil.
In Summary
This research on all the common brands found in the market once again reminded us that profit-oriented companies could go beyond anything to cut costs – even when it comes to products that we use on babies. It is our role as consumers to know what to pick up and which side to choose.
The Best Product
In a nutshell, if you are looking for a brand with the cheapest price – Mustela and Aveeno stand out with RM0.08 – RM0.10 per ml. But if you are looking for a high quality brand, truly made with natural ingredients, go with Weleda and California Baby.
Why Green Products?
Choosing natural products is an act of defiance against a system that has long held its own interest above our own. Choose a brand that focuses on creating products with the best ingredients instead of a brand that’s best at using marketing wordings. If you are wondering about the side-effects of these ingredients to avoid, kindly refer here.
If you think that toxic ingredients in mainstream baby products are too minuscule to have any bad effects. Have you ever considered the cumulative impact of these products, day after day? It is your baby. Your money. So speak up. Defend your right to have clean products with your power as a consumer. Your baby deserves the best.
Good luck, mamas! We hope this comparison helps you in finding the right fit. If you have other brands in mind that were not covered here, comment below, and we will look into it!
