While everyone has a unique parenting style, we can all agree on one thing: We want the best for our babies. This includes the products we put on their soft, sensitive skin! Most baby products on the market contain toxins, chemicals, and other fillers that strip skin of natural oils. There are many great organic options out there, but they can quickly drain your bank account. This Homemade Baby Shampoo with Essential Oils is budget-friendly and all-natural. A little goes a long way!
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Drugstore Baby Shampoo: Not Child’s Play!
Drugstore baby shampoos are full of hidden toxins. The sad thing is these chemicals are how the manufacturers fulfill their promises of “extra lather” and “new baby scent.” It’s time to stop letting companies win big at the expense of our little one’s skin! Let’s explore a few of the toxic ingredients in your average baby shampoo.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is what gives baby products extra suds. Unfortunately, this chemical is harsh on the skin. SLS is mutagenetic, which means it damages DNA. It’s also linked to cancer. (1)
Synthetic Fragrances
Recreating that fresh baby scent doesn’t come cheap! Synthetic fragrances are made with any number of undisclosed ingredients. This means you’ll never know what toxins are hiding in that powdery scented shampoo. To learn more about the dangers of synthetic fragrances, check out this post.
Formaldehyde
Another cancer-linked ingredient, formaldehyde, is used to preserve shampoo. This is one of the most shocking toxins you’ll find in products! Skin absorbs what we put on it, so it’s no surprise that formaldehyde can cause significant skin irritations.
The Easiest DIY You’ll Ever Make
Making Homemade Baby Shampoo with Essential Oils is one of the easiest DIYs out there! If you want to keep it simple, you can use just two ingredients: Castille soap and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio. You could have a fantastic shampoo with just those two things!
But, if you want to make it fun, you have options. You can add ingredients that will fill your tub with bubbles and give your shampoo that fun baby smell we all crave. These additions create a shampoo that lathers even better than drugstore versions.
Ingredients for Safe Baby Shampoo
This shampoo needs just four simple ingredients. I love making this recipe because it is a multi-tasker! You can use it as a body wash or shampoo for any family member. It can be a total life-saver if you run out of adult shampoo! I find I use less of this shampoo, so the bottle lasts a long time. Here’s what you need to make this budget-friendly DIY.
Organic Castile Soap: Castile soap is vegetable-based and free of toxins. It’s biodegradable, so it’s great for the environment! It’s incredibly moisturizing because it contains coconut and olive oil. I recommend using Dr. Bronner’s if you can. This brand is high-quality, and they have a specific “baby” variation that’s unscented and includes extra oils, like hemp.
Distilled Water: I recommend using distilled water in all of my recipes, food, or DIY. Tap water contains harmful chemicals that have been linked to obesity, congenital disabilities, and so much more. Our family uses a water filtration system. It tastes excellent and hooks right up to the tap! Plus, you can install it on your own.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are the cherry on top of a great DIY! Lavender is one of the best EOs for skin! It has antibacterial properties and smells amazing. I love using lavender in children’s body care products because it has a calming effect. When paired with chamomile, your child is sure to get their beauty rest! Bonus: Mom gets an aromatherapy session too.
Glycerin: Glycerin is an optional addition, but it adds lots of bubbles to your child’s bath! As parents, we are the magic-makers in our child’s life, and suds are so intriguing to them. Bubbles are an easy way to add that extra touch of love to your little one’s day.
3 Custom Shampoo Ideas
My Homemade Baby Shampoo can also be used as a body wash. You’ll want to customize it to fit your baby’s unique skin. Here are a few options.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an inexpensive moisturizer. It works to create a protective barrier on the skin! If your little one struggles with eczema, I recommend adding one tablespoon of vitamin E because it helps with inflammation and itching. (2)
Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a great shampoo addition if your little one needs just a little extra moisture. It’s soothing, can help treat bacterial skin infections (3), and has a tremendous cooling effect. I love using products that have aloe vera after a day in the sun! It’s so refreshing. Just one tablespoon will do the trick.
Herbal-Infused Oil
An herbal-infused oil is different than our well-loved essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated, while herbal-infused oils contain just a little bit of essential oil and other compounds from the plant. These oils are great for medicinal purposes!
Herbal-infused oils often include heavier oil, such as olive. This makes them highly effective in treating dry skin. If you live in a harsh winter climate, one tablespoon of this ingredient is going to make a massive difference in your baby’s skin!
Homemade Baby Shampoo in 2 Easy Steps
As I said, this DIY is one of the easiest you’ll ever make. It comes together in just two steps.
- 1 cup Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap
- 1 cup distilled water
- 10 drops lavender essential oil or chamomile essential oil
- 1 teaspoon glycerin (optional for more bubbles)
- Optional ingredients for different skin types
- Organic aloe vera gel – start with 1 tablespoon
- Vitamin E oil – start with 1 tablespoon
- Herbal infused oil – start with 1 tablespoon
- Supplies:
- Small mixing bowl
- Glass bottle with pump for storage
- In a small bowl, mix the liquid castile soap, water, essential oils, glycerin, aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and herbal infused oil (if using).
- Store in a glass bottle with a pump.
- Use as needed.
If you like to make your own natural products for your baby, check out this homemade diaper rash and this DIY Baby lotion.
Step One: Mix the Shampoo
In a small bowl, mix the liquid castile soap, water, essential oils, glycerin, aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and herbal infused oil (if using).
Step Two: Store for Easy Dispensing
Store your shampoo in a glass bottle with a pump. Essential oils can break down plastic, and you don’t want that on a baby’s skin! I suggest using a dark-colored jar if possible. Darker-colored glass gives the oils automatic protection from light.
Pro-tip: Don’t underestimate the power of natural ingredients! My storage container always overflows with bubbles.
