Choosing the right body wash for your little one can feel like a quest! Their delicate skin isn’t quite like ours, and what works for adults might be too harsh or irritating. You’re looking for something that cleans effectively, is super gentle, and ideally makes bath time a splash, not a struggle. That’s where finding the best body wash for kids comes in – one that’s tear-free, hypoallergenic, and loaded with skin-loving ingredients.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a carefully selected list of top-notch body washes designed specifically for children. Whether your child has sensitive skin, loves a good bubble bath, or needs a product that multitasks, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect addition to your family’s bath routine!
Why Choosing the Right Body Wash Matters for Kids
Kids’ skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, making it more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions. Harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, or even certain natural extracts can sometimes cause issues. A good kid-friendly body wash should:
- Be Gentle: Look for formulas that cleanse without stripping natural oils.
- Be Tear-Free: Essential for those splashes and suds that inevitably get into eyes.
- Be Hypoallergenic: Minimizes the risk of allergic reactions.
- Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes are often best avoided.
- Offer Hydration: Ingredients like oat extract, shea butter, or plant oils can help keep skin moisturized.
- Make Bath Time Fun: Pleasant (but mild) scents and bubbly capabilities are a bonus!
Our Top Picks for the Best Body Wash for Kids
Here are our detailed reviews of the 10 best body wash for kids available today:
1. Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Face & Body Wash With Oat
Aveeno is a trusted name, especially when it comes to sensitive skin, and their Kids Sensitive Skin Face & Body Wash lives up to that reputation. This product stands out for its careful blend of science and nature, specifically formulated for kids’ developing skin. Enriched with oat extract, it gently washes away dirt and germs without leaving skin feeling stripped or dry. It’s a fantastic choice for a daily cleanser, providing a gentle cleanse with a light, fresh scent that’s known to be as mild as fragrance-free options.
- Key Features:
- 18-fluid ounce bottle with oat extract.
- Designed for kids’ developing and sensitive skin.
- Cleanses without stripping natural oils.
- Tear-free formula gently washes away dirt & germs.
- Leaves skin moisturized and smelling fresh.
- Hypoallergenic and formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, and phenoxyethanol.
- Fragrance known to be as gentle as fragrance-free.
- Pediatrician- and dermatologist-recommended brand.
- Pros:
- Excellent for sensitive skin types.
- Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.
- Tear-free formula makes bath time stress-free.
- Free from many common irritants.
- Light, gentle scent.
- Cons:
- Those seeking completely fragrance-free might still prefer a different option.
- User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this wash for its ability to soothe dry, sensitive skin and its tear-free nature. Many note how soft and clean their children’s skin feels after use, making it a staple in their bath routine.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Fairy Tales Daily Cleanse Kids Body Wash, Everyday Body
Fairy Tales Daily Cleanse Body Wash is an everyday essential for families who prioritize natural ingredients and a deep yet gentle clean. What makes this body wash shine is its rich blend of nourishing ingredients like murumuru butter, quinoa, and avocado butter. It’s designed to cleanse effectively without stripping precious natural oils, leaving kids’ skin feeling fantastic all day long. Plus, the delightful papaya and pear scent makes bath time an inviting experience for your little ones.
- Key Features:
- Specially formulated for a deep clean without stripping oils.
- Rich, creamy, low lather formula that rinses quickly and completely.
- Loaded with murumuru butter, quinoa, and avocado butter for softening and moisturizing.
- Features a natural papaya and pear scent.
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
- No harsh chemicals or toxins.
- Part of a comprehensive kids’ care line.
- Pros:
- Deeply moisturizing and leaves skin soft.
- Wonderful natural scent.
- Free from a wide range of common allergens and harsh chemicals.
- Suitable for the entire family.
- Cons:
- Low lather might not appeal to kids who love lots of bubbles.
- User Impressions: Reviewers love the natural scent and how incredibly soft their kids’ skin feels after using this wash. Many appreciate the brand’s commitment to clean ingredients, making it a go-to for children with various sensitivities.
- See it on Amazon here
3. The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash |
The Honest Company consistently delivers on its promise of safe and effective products, and their 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash is a perfect example. This best-selling product simplifies bath time, cleaning both skin and hair with a gentle, tear-free formula. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and great for the whole family, coming in a variety of lovely naturally derived scents like CALM (Lavender), NOURISH (Sweet Almond), REFRESH (Citrus Vanilla), and a SENSITIVE (Fragrance-Free) option.
- Key Features:
- Best-selling 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash.
- Tear-free and perfect for sensitive skin.
- Available in several naturally derived scents and fragrance-free.
- Made with chamomile extract, aloe, and natural botanicals/essential oils.
- Made without parabens, dyes, synthetic fragrances, silicones, sulfates, formaldehyde donors, and phthalates.
- Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free.
- Made in USA with naturally derived ingredients.
- Pros:
- Convenient 2-in-1 formula for head-to-toe cleaning.
- Excellent for sensitive skin and gentle on eyes.
- Variety of pleasant, natural scents, plus a fragrance-free option.
- Free from a long list of undesirable chemicals.
- Cons:
- Some families might prefer separate shampoo and body wash products.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the gentle yet effective cleaning power and the delightful, subtle scents. The tear-free aspect is a huge win for parents, and the fact that it’s “Honest” about its ingredients provides significant peace of mind.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap, Body Wash, Bubble Bath, Shampoo,
Talk about versatility! The Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap is a true multi-tasker, functioning as a body wash, bubble bath, and shampoo. This orange-scented delight brings a joyful burst of apricot essence and orange and chamomile essential oils to bath time. It’s crafted with care, being EWG verified and made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances, ensuring a wholesome experience for your little ones. Plus, it comes in a 100% recycled plastic bottle, showing commitment to both people and the planet.
- Key Features:
- (2) 32 Ounce 100% Recycled Plastic Bottles.
- Sweet and tangy orange squeeze scent with apricot essence, orange, and chamomile essential oils.
- Functions as body wash, bubble bath, and shampoo.
- EWG verified.
- Made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
- Family-owned B Corp committed to well-being and sustainability.
- Designed, developed, and manufactured in a zero-waste, solar-powered facility.
- Pros:
- Incredibly versatile 3-in-1 product.
- Pleasant, natural scent that kids love.
- EWG verified for safety and transparency.
- Eco-friendly packaging and production.
- Creates good bubbles for bath time fun.
- Cons:
- The specific scent, while natural, might not be preferred by all children or parents.
- User Impressions: Users love the convenience of the 3-in-1 formula and the cheerful orange scent. The fact that it’s EWG verified and comes from a sustainable company is a big plus for conscious consumers. Kids enjoy the bubbles it creates!
- See it on Amazon here
5. Dr Teal’s Kids 3-in-1 Elderberry Bath: Bubble Bath, Body
Dr Teal’s Kids 3-in-1 Elderberry Bath offers a unique blend designed to not just clean, but also to help boost and renew your child’s skin with elderberry and Vitamin C. This product is perfect for transitioning from a busy day to a relaxing evening, helping kids wind down. It doubles as a fantastic bubble bath, creating incredible suds under running water, or can be used as a straightforward body wash or shampoo. The pleasant scent adds to the overall calming experience.
- Key Features:
- Elderberry & Vitamin C to help boost & renew skin.
- Perfect before bedtime to help kids wind down.
- Functions as a bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo.
- Creates incredible bubbles.
- Pleasant, beautifully blended formula scent.
- Pros:
- Enriched with skin-benefiting ingredients like Elderberry and Vitamin C.
- Promotes relaxation and a smoother transition to bedtime.
- Versatile 3-in-1 product.
- Great for bubble baths.
- Cons:
- The specific scent, while pleasant, might not be universally appealing.
- User Impressions: Parents appreciate the multi-functional aspect and how it seems to help calm their children before bed. The elderberry scent is often described as soothing, and the bubbles are a definite hit with the kids.
- See it on Amazon here
6. SoCozy 3 in 1 Kids Shampoo + Conditioner + Body
SoCozy 3-in-1 Kids Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash is a powerhouse for busy parents seeking a comprehensive head-to-toe cleaning solution. This salon-quality formula not only gently cleanses but also conditions, making it an excellent choice for detangling knots and ensuring hair and skin are hydrated. Enriched with Keratin, Vitamin B5, and Kiwi Extract, it’s gentle, nourishing, and specifically designed to make bath time a fun, tear-free experience while removing dirt and grime.
- Key Features:
- Gently cleans, conditions, and washes away dirt and grime.
- Hydrating formula for clean hair and skin from head to toe.
- Enriched with Keratin, Vitamin B5, and Kiwi Extract.
- Gentle on skin & hair, helps detangle knots.
- Removes dirt while hydrating hair and skin.
- Cruelty-free, free from Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Synthetic Colors or Dyes, Propylene Glycol, Gluten, Wheat, & Nuts.
- Salon quality haircare from a brand with over 20 years of expertise.
- Pros:
- Excellent for detangling hair while cleaning.
- Rich in nourishing ingredients.
- Free from a long list of common irritants.
- Makes bath time efficient and enjoyable.
- Provides professional-quality care at home.
- Cons:
- Some might find the price point slightly higher than conventional kids’ washes.
- User Impressions: Parents love the conditioning aspect, noting how much easier it is to comb through their children’s hair after using this. The gentle, clean scent is also frequently praised, along with its overall effectiveness for sensitive skin.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Dr Teal’s Kids 3-in-1 Sleep Bath: Bubble Bath, Body Wash
Another fantastic option from Dr Teal’s, the Kids 3-in-1 Sleep Bath, is specially formulated with melatonin and an essential oil blend to help calm the mind and encourage relaxation. This is the ultimate bath time companion for winding down after a long day, preparing kids for a peaceful night’s sleep. Like its elderberry counterpart, it works wonderfully as a bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo, all while being free of parabens and phthalates and proudly cruelty-free.
- Key Features:
- Melatonin & essential oil blend to help calm the mind & encourage relaxation.
- Perfect before bedtime to help kids wind down.
- Functions as a bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo.
- Creates incredible bubbles.
- Pleasant, beautifully blended formula scent.
- No harsh ingredients: paraben and phthalate-free.
- Cruelty-free vegan formula.
- Pros:
- Specifically designed to promote relaxation and sleep.
- Versatile 3-in-1 for comprehensive cleaning.
- Great for bubble baths, adding fun to the calming routine.
- Free from parabens and phthalates, and cruelty-free.
- Cons:
- The sleep-inducing properties might not be desired for morning baths.
- User Impressions: Many parents swear by this product for its ability to help their energetic kids settle down for bed. The gentle, calming scent combined with the fun bubbles makes it a nightly ritual that both parents and children look forward to.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Face and Body Wash with Oat
This twin pack offers double the goodness of the Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Face & Body Wash. It’s the same fantastic formula enriched with oat extract, providing a gentle yet effective clean for your child’s delicate skin. Ideal for families who want to stock up on a trusted product, this body wash is designed to be gentler than adult products, cleansing without stripping natural oils. It maintains its tear-free, hypoallergenic, and free-from-harsh-chemicals promise, ensuring a fresh and moisturized feel.
- Key Features:
- Twin pack of two 18-fluid ounce bottles.
- Enriched with oat extract for sensitive skin.
- Gently washes away dirt & germs without drying skin.
- Designed for kids’ developing & sensitive skin.
- Tear-free formula.
- Hypoallergenic and free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, and phenoxyethanol.
- Light scent known to be as gentle as fragrance-free.
- Pediatrician- and dermatologist-recommended.
- Pros:
- Great value with the twin pack.
- Highly effective for very sensitive skin.
- Tear-free and non-drying.
- Trusted brand recommended by professionals.
- Cons:
- Might be a larger initial purchase for those just trying it out.
- User Impressions: Loyal users appreciate the twin pack for its convenience and value. They consistently praise its gentleness on sensitive skin and its ability to leave skin feeling moisturized and healthy, confirming why it’s a go-to choice.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Dial Kids 3-in-1 Body+Hair+Bubble Bath, Lavender Scent, 32
Dial Kids 3-in-1 Body+Hair+Bubble Bath brings waves of bubbly fun to bath time with a comforting lavender scent. Specially made for kids, this formula is safe and gentle for every child, from head to toe. Tested by Pediatric Dermatologists, it’s designed with parents in mind to be gentle on delicate skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. The tear-free, hypoallergenic formula is free from parabens, phthalates, and silicones, and comes in a 100% recyclable bottle.
- Key Features:
- Specially made for kids as a 3-in-1 Body, Hair, & Bubble Bath.
- Comforting lavender scent.
- 32 Fl Oz bottle in 100% recyclable plastic.
- Tested by Pediatric Dermatologists, gentle on delicate skin.
- All-in-one formula leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Tear-free and hypoallergenic.
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, and silicones, and free of synthetic fragrances.
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available.
- Pediatrician-dermatologist tested for peace of mind.
- Comforting lavender scent aids in relaxation.
- Great for sensitive skin and tear-free.
- Eco-friendly recyclable bottle.
- Cons:
- Those sensitive to any fragrance, even natural, might need to proceed with caution.
- User Impressions: Families love the familiar Dial brand reliability and the soothing lavender scent that helps calm kids. The tear-free aspect and the fact that it’s dermatologist-tested make it a popular choice for daily use, leaving kids clean and relaxed.
- See it on Amazon here
10. ATTITUDE Shampoo and Body Wash for Kids, EWG Verified
ATTITUDE’s Shampoo and Body Wash for Kids is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize transparency and truly clean ingredients. This EWG VERIFIED™ 2-in-1 product meets the Environmental Working Group’s strict health standards, assuring you of its safety and quality. Formulated with 97% natural-origin ingredients, including soothing blueberry leaf extract, it creates a creamy, rich lather. The delightful pear & vanilla scent is a hit, and it’s vegan, dermatologically tested, and comes in a recyclable bottle that can be refilled, reducing plastic waste.
- Key Features:
- EWG VERIFIED™ for strict health standards.
- Made with 97% natural-origin ingredients; free from silicones or SLES.
- Infused with soothing blueberry leaf extract.
- 2-in-1 kids shampoo and body wash, gentle enough for the whole family.
- Pear & vanilla scent with warm musk notes.
- Vegan, dermatologically tested, and cruelty-free.
- Recyclable HDPE #2 bottle, refillable with eco-refill options.
- Pros:
- Highest standard of ingredient safety with EWG VERIFIED™.
- Mostly natural-origin ingredients.
- Soothing blueberry leaf extract benefits skin.
- Pleasant, natural pear & vanilla scent.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options.
- Cons:
- Some families might find the pear and vanilla scent a bit strong if they prefer very mild or unscented products.
- User Impressions: Parents who are highly conscious of ingredients are loyal to ATTITUDE because of its EWG verification. They rave about the gentle yet effective cleaning and the lovely, kid-friendly scent. The sustainability efforts are also a major selling point.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Your Questions About Kids’ Body Wash Answered
Choosing the best body wash for kids can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some common ones we hear from parents:
Q1: How do I know if a body wash is truly “tear-free”?
A1: Look for labels explicitly stating “tear-free” or “no tears.” These formulas are specifically designed to have a pH level similar to tears, minimizing irritation if they accidentally get into your child’s eyes. It’s always best to test a small amount first, though!
Q2: What ingredients should I avoid in a kids’ body wash?
A2: For sensitive skin, try to avoid parabens, phthalates, sulfates (like SLS/SLES, which can be harsh), strong synthetic fragrances, dyes, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Natural ingredients are often preferred, but remember that even natural extracts can sometimes cause sensitivity in very delicate skin.
Q3: Is a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 shampoo/body wash good for kids?
A3: Absolutely! For many parents, multi-functional products like a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) are incredibly convenient, saving time and space in the shower. They’re often formulated to be gentle enough for both hair and skin, making them a popular choice for the best body wash for kids who need an all-in-one solution.
Q4: My child has very dry skin. What should I look for?
A4: If your child has dry or eczema-prone skin, prioritize body washes that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and rich in moisturizing ingredients. Look for components like oat extract (colloidal oatmeal), shea butter, ceramides, or natural oils (like avocado or coconut oil). Using a gentle, hydrating cleanser is key, followed by a good moisturizer.
Q5: How much body wash should I use for my child?
A5: A little goes a long way! For a typical bath, a dime-sized amount (or a pump for liquid washes) is usually sufficient. You can add more if you’re using it for a bubble bath, but for cleaning, less is often more to prevent residue and conserve product.
Q6: Are natural or organic body washes always better for kids?
A6: While natural and organic ingredients are often excellent choices, they’re not automatically superior or hypoallergenic for everyone. Some natural ingredients (like certain essential oils) can still be irritating to highly sensitive skin. Always check the full ingredient list and opt for products that are dermatologically tested and free from known allergens, whether natural or synthetic.
Q7: Can I use adult body wash on my kids?
A7: It’s generally not recommended. Adult body washes often contain stronger detergents, fragrances, and active ingredients that can be too harsh, stripping, or irritating for a child’s delicate skin and eyes. Stick to products specifically formulated for children for their comfort and skin health.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Perfect Body Wash for Your Little One
Finding the best body wash for kids means balancing effectiveness with gentleness, and hopefully, a touch of fun! From the soothing properties of oat extract to the versatility of 3-in-1 formulas, there’s a fantastic option out there for every child. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision and leads to many happy, bubbly bath times for your family!