QUICK SUMMARY
Homemade baby shampoo gives you control over the ingredients touching your baby's sensitive skin. Mama Z's simple recipe uses organic unscented Castile soap, distilled or purified water, optional glycerin and skin-supportive add-ins, plus essential oils when appropriate for your child's age and needs.
The biggest advantage is simplicity: no synthetic fragrance blend, no unnecessary dyes, and no mystery ingredients. But “natural” does not automatically mean irritation-free. Infant skin is still developing, Castile soap is alkaline, essential oils must be chosen carefully for babies, and any water-based DIY needs extra attention to cleanliness and microbial contamination. (1, 2)
The complete Homemade Baby Shampoo recipe below is preserved exactly as Mama Z published it. For babies and very young children, keep the formula as simple and gentle as possible, avoid the eyes, and stop using it if you notice redness, dryness, itching, or irritation.
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!
That is why I love simple DIY swaps. When I make a baby wash myself, I know exactly what went into the bottle, I can skip synthetic fragrance, and I can customize the ingredients to fit our family's needs.
This Homemade Baby Shampoo with Essential Oils is budget-friendly, easy to make, and versatile enough to double as a body wash. A little goes a long way.
There is one important reality to keep in mind, though: baby skin is not just smaller adult skin. It is thinner, more permeable, and still developing, which is why gentle ingredients, age-appropriate essential oils, careful dilution, clean storage, and watching your baby's individual response all matter. (1)
This is a family-tested DIY recipe, not a claim that every natural ingredient is right for every baby. Keep it simple, use wisdom, and pay attention to your little one's skin.
Table of Contents
Drugstore Baby Shampoo: Not Child's Play!
Conventional baby shampoo formulas vary widely, so I do not think it is accurate to say every drugstore baby shampoo is “full of toxins.”
What I do think is worth paying attention to is the ingredient list.
Infant skin can be more vulnerable to irritation than mature adult skin, and pediatric skin-care research generally favors mild cleansers that do not unnecessarily disrupt the developing skin barrier. Fragrance and preservatives are also among the more common cosmetic contact allergens in children. (1, 3)
Here are three ingredients or ingredient categories parents often ask about.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is a surfactant that helps cleansers remove oil and create lather.
Older versions of this article said SLS is mutagenic and linked to cancer. The evidence does not support that claim.
The legitimate concern with SLS is irritation. In fact, researchers routinely use SLS experimentally to induce irritant contact dermatitis because sufficiently strong or prolonged exposure can increase redness, transepidermal water loss, and skin-barrier disruption. (4)
That does not mean every SLS-containing wash is automatically harmful. Finished-product concentration, contact time, the complete formulation, and the individual child's skin all matter.
For a baby with very dry, reactive, eczema-prone, or easily irritated skin, I still prefer a simpler and gentler cleansing routine.
Synthetic Fragrances
Recreating that “fresh baby” scent usually requires a fragrance mixture.
Fragrance ingredients are a well-established cause of allergic contact dermatitis, and recent research confirms that fragrance allergens remain common in cosmetic products marketed to children. In a 2023 analysis of 1,179 children's cosmetic products, more than half were fragranced and about one-quarter contained allergens from the standard fragrance-mix groups. (3)
That does not mean every fragranced product will cause a reaction. It does mean that choosing fragrance-free or carefully scented products can be a smart way to simplify exposure, especially for babies with eczema, fragrance sensitivity, or a history of skin reactions.
To learn more about synthetic fragrances, check out this post.
Formaldehyde and Preservatives
Formaldehyde is a known irritant and carcinogen at sufficient exposure levels, but it is important to distinguish that from saying conventional baby shampoo is routinely preserved with free formaldehyde.
Some cosmetic preservatives can release small amounts of formaldehyde, and preservation systems deserve scrutiny when you are trying to simplify your baby's personal-care routine. At the same time, modern children's products vary, and a 2024 analysis of “clean” children's personal-care products did not find formaldehyde among the sampled products. (5)
Here is the part DIY families cannot ignore: preservatives have a real job. Water-containing products can support bacterial and fungal growth if the formula is not adequately preserved. FDA specifically identifies contaminated water, ineffective preservation, packaging, storage, and consumer use as routes for microbial contamination in cosmetics. (6)
So I would rather read labels carefully than treat every preservative as automatically bad.
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: Castile 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.
One thing to know before you make it: Castile soap is true soap and is naturally alkaline. Pediatric skin-care literature generally favors mild cleansers that do not significantly disrupt normal infant skin pH. Alkaline soap has been shown to raise infant skin pH more than water or mildly acidic cleansers. (2, 7)
That does not mean you cannot use this recipe. It means your baby's skin gets the final vote.
If you notice dryness, redness, itching, increased eczema, or repeated irritation, discontinue it and consider an unscented, pH-balanced cleanser formulated specifically for infant skin.
Important Water-Based DIY Safety Note
This recipe contains water and does not include a validated broad-spectrum preservative system.
Distilled water helps you begin with water that is free from many minerals and impurities, but it does not make the finished shampoo self-preserving. Once water is mixed with soap and optional botanical ingredients and the bottle is handled in a warm bathroom, microbial contamination becomes possible. (6)
Use very clean tools and containers, keep the pump closed, avoid introducing bathwater into the bottle, and make fresh batches rather than assuming an indefinite room-temperature shelf life. Discard the product if the smell, color, or texture changes.
Because this formula has not been microbial challenge-tested, I cannot give you a scientifically validated shelf life.
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 Unscented Castile Soap: Castile soap is vegetable oil-based and gives this DIY its cleansing action without synthetic fragrance. Many liquid Castile soaps are made from combinations of oils such as olive and coconut.
Because Castile soap is alkaline, watch how your baby's skin responds. If it leaves skin dry, tight, red, or irritated, this may not be the right cleanser for your child.
Distilled Water: I recommend distilled or purified water for DIY body-care recipes because it gives you a more consistent starting point and avoids the mineral, disinfectant, and contaminant differences that can occur from one household water supply to another.
Distilled water is not a preservative, though. Once it is added to a homemade cosmetic, the finished product still needs careful handling and storage. (6)
Essential Oils: Essential oils are the cherry on top of a great DIY when they are appropriate for your child's age and skin. Lavender is one of my favorite oils for children's body-care products because of its gentle aroma and long history of skin and relaxation use. Roman and German chamomile are other favorites for gentle family blends.
For babies and very young children, simpler is better. The complete recipe card below includes Mama Z's broader list of children's essential-oil options, but that does not mean every oil on the list is appropriate for every age. Peppermint should not be applied near the face of infants or young children because menthol can adversely affect breathing, and eucalyptus products require special caution around little ones. (8)
If your baby has eczema, asthma, fragrance sensitivity, very reactive skin, or a history of topical reactions, starting with the unscented version is a wise option.
For more detailed essential-oil dilution guidance, see our essential oil dilution guide.
Glycerin: Glycerin is an optional addition that helps the formula feel smoother and can contribute humectant properties. It can also support the bubbly texture children enjoy during bath time.
As parents, we are the magic-makers in our children's lives, 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 emollient and antioxidant commonly used in skin-care formulas.
If your little one struggles with dry or eczema-prone skin, I recommend adding one tablespoon for extra moisturization. I would not describe topical vitamin E as a proven eczema treatment, however. A dermatology review found that controlled clinical evidence for many topical vitamin E claims is limited, and vitamin E itself can occasionally cause contact dermatitis. (9)
Think of this as a moisturizing customization. For persistent or worsening infant eczema, work with your child's healthcare professional rather than relying on a shampoo additive alone.
Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a great shampoo addition if your little one needs just a little extra moisture. It has a long history of soothing topical use and a cooling feel that can be refreshing after time outdoors.
Laboratory research has also found antibacterial activity from aloe extracts against several organisms isolated from skin infections. That was an in vitro study, not evidence that aloe gel in homemade shampoo treats a bacterial skin infection in a baby. (10)
Just one tablespoon will do the trick for this customization.
If your baby has signs of a skin infection, such as spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or worsening tenderness, get appropriate medical care rather than treating it with a DIY wash.
Herbal-Infused Oil
An herbal-infused oil is different from our well-loved essential oils.
Instead of being produced by distillation or expression, an herbal-infused oil is made by steeping plant material in a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or another fixed oil. The carrier extracts some of the plant's oil-soluble compounds. It does not necessarily contain essential oil at all.
Herbal-infused oils can be beautiful additions to dry-skin formulas because the carrier oil adds emollient fatty acids while the infused herbs contribute their own plant compounds.
If you live in a harsh winter climate, one tablespoon of this ingredient can make a noticeable difference in how moisturizing the finished wash feels.
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.
The recipe card below is preserved exactly as published.
One safety reminder before you make it: the recipe card includes a broader list of essential-oil combinations for children. For an infant, choose the gentlest age-appropriate option or make the shampoo unscented. Keep the finished product out of baby's eyes and mouth, and store concentrated essential oils completely out of children's reach.
Homemade Baby Shampoo
Quantity
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic unscented liquid castile soap
- ½ cup purified OR distilled water
- 32 drops essential oils*
- 1 teaspoon organic vegetable glycerin (optional for more bubbles)
Instructions
- 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, see notes).
- 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.
- Use as needed.
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.
If you want a separate formula designed around older children and sensitive skin, see Mama Z's homemade body wash for kids. For adult hair and scalp needs, our homemade shampoo and conditioner article keeps those intents separate from this infant-focused recipe.
References
- Kim BE, Leung DYM. “Skin Barrier Function in Neonates and Infants.” Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2025;17(1):32-47. PubMed.
- Blume-Peytavi U, Cork MJ, Faergemann J, Szczapa J, Vanaclocha F, Gelmetti C. “Bathing and cleansing in newborns from day 1 to first year of life: recommendations from a European round table meeting.” J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2009;23(7):751-759. PubMed.
- Botvid S, et al. “Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products marketed for children in Denmark.” Contact Dermatitis. 2023;89(5):374-381. PubMed.
- Di Nardo A, Sugino K, Wertz P, Ademola J, Maibach HI. “Sodium lauryl sulfate induced irritant contact dermatitis: a correlation study between ceramides and in vivo parameters of irritation.” Contact Dermatitis. 1996;35(2):86-91. PubMed.
- Brumley C, Banks T, Arora P, Ophaug S. “Are ‘clean' products safe for children? An analysis of contact allergens in ‘clean' children's products from a popular retailer.” Pediatr Dermatol. 2024. PubMed.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Microbiological Safety and Cosmetics.” FDA.
- Gfatter R, Hackl P, Braun F. “Effects of soap and detergents on skin surface pH, stratum corneum hydration and fat content in infants.” Dermatology. 1997;195(3):258-262. PubMed.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety.” NCCIH.
- Keen MA, Hassan I. “Vitamin E in dermatology.” Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. PubMed.
- Arbab S, et al. “Comparative study of antimicrobial action of aloe vera and antibiotics against different bacterial isolates from skin infection.” Vet Med Sci. 2021;7(5):2061-2067. PubMed.
