Best Softening Baby Shampoo of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Softening Baby Shampoo is the perfect product for parents who want to give their baby a gentle and safe cleaning experience. This shampoo is specially formulated with mild ingredients that cleanse without stripping away the natural oils of a baby's delicate scalp. Its unique formula is tear-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. With regular use, Softening Baby Shampoo helps to maintain the natural moisture balance of a baby's hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy-looking. Parents can rest assured that they are using a reliable and trusted product that is gentle enough for their little ones.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Johnson's Baby Shiny Soft TearFree Kids' Shampoo Cover #TOP 1
Johnson's Baby Shiny Soft TearFree Kids' Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo Cover #TOP 2
Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo Cover #TOP 3
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 Softening Baby Shampoo

#TOP 1

Johnson's Baby Shiny Soft TearFree Kids' Shampoo

Johnson's Baby Shiny Soft TearFree Kids' Shampoo Cover
Johnson's Shiny & Soft Kids' Shampoo with Argan Oil & Silk Proteins, Daily Kids’ Hair Wash Gently Cleanses & Boosts Natural Shine & Softness, No Added Parabens & Sulfates, 13.6 fl. oz

Johnson's Kids Shampoo is a 13.6-fluid ounce bottle designed to cleanse and promote long-lasting shine on your toddler's delicate hair. Enriched with silk proteins and argan oil, this gentle shampoo is perfect for smoothing and softening hair while boosting its natural shine. The formula is specially designed to be milder than adult products, making it hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes. It is also tear-free, as gentle to the eyes as pure water, and pediatrician and ophthalmologist tested. For the best results, use it with Johnson's Kids Shiny & Soft Conditioning Spray.

What We Like
Soft and shiny hair
No eye irritation
Pleasant, fresh scent
Good value for money
Easy to rinse
#TOP 2

Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo

BABY300
white
Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo Cover
Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo, Cleanses + Softens Hair, For Children of All Ages, 10.14 fl. oz.

The Paul Mitchell Tearless Shampoo is designed specifically for children of all ages, making bath time gentle and comfortable. Its tear-free formula means it won’t sting or irritate your child’s eyes, which helps make washing hair less stressful. The shampoo maintains a balanced pH level, ensuring it is mild and safe for delicate skin. Plus, it contains a special blend of natural plant extracts that help keep your child’s hair hydrated and soft. Ingredients like chamomile and coneflower are included to soothe and calm your little one during bath time, making this shampoo both gentle and comforting to use.

What We Like
Tear-free formula
Neutral pH balance
Hydrating botanical blend
Soothing chamomile extract
Coneflower calming effect
#TOP 3

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

0299.020015
white
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo Cover
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo, 13.5oz Pack of 2, Hypoallergenic, Gentle Enough for Everyday Use, Soap Free

Cetaphil Baby Wash is a gentle and hypoallergenic 2-in-1 formula designed for your baby's delicate skin and hair. With its tear-free formula, it creates a rich lather that cleanses your baby's skin and hair without drying, helping to retain moisture. The inclusion of Calendula from the marigold flower provides a soothing effect, moisturizing and softening sensitive skin while leaving a fresh scent. Dermatologist tested, this baby wash and shampoo is safe and gentle, free from parabens, colorants, and mineral oil that can irritate your baby's skin. With Cetaphil Baby Wash, you can ensure your baby's skin is clean, soft, and well-nourished every day.

What We Like
Gentle, mild scent
Moisturizing for sensitive skin
Lathers and cleans well
Long-lasting bottle
Softens skin and hair
#TOP 4

Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo

FratelliMustshampoo
Transparent
Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo Cover
Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo with Natural Avocado - Hair Care for Kids of all Ages & Hair Types - Tear-Free & Biodegradable Formula - 6.76 fl. oz.

Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo is a tear-free and biodegradable formula that gently cleans, softens, and detangles your baby or toddler's delicate hair. It contains 93% natural ingredients and cleanses without drying the scalp or stripping natural oils. This shampoo is ideal for daily use and safe for newborns.

What We Like
Gentle and tear-free formula
Contains natural ingredients
Cleanses without drying the scalp or stripping natural oils
#TOP 5

Ricitos de Oro Lavender Baby Shampoo 3-Pack

FETEGT2155
Clear
Ricitos de Oro Lavender Baby Shampoo 3-Pack Cover
Ricitos de Oro Lavender Baby Shampoo | Nourishes & Softens Baby Hair, Gentle Lavender Scent, Tear Free Formula, Promotes Better Sleep, Includes Rattle Cup, Natural Ingredients, Size 8.45 oz, 3-Pack

The Ricitos de Oro Lavender Shampoo is a gentle and nourishing option for your baby's delicate hair. It softens and smooths hair, making it easier for you to manage daily. The calming lavender scent helps create a relaxing bath time atmosphere, which can soothe your baby and encourage better sleep. You’ll appreciate that this shampoo is free from parabens, ensuring it’s safe and gentle on sensitive skin without harsh chemicals. Plus, its hypoallergenic and tear-free formula means fewer worries about irritation or discomfort, making bath time a calm and pleasant experience for both you and your little one.

What We Like
Hair nourishment and softening
Calming lavender scent
Paraben-free formula
Hypoallergenic and tear-free
#TOP 6

Aquatural Organic Baby Shampoo

Aquatural
KINZ.AQUA.BABY.SHAMPOO-1
Aquatural Organic Baby Shampoo Cover
Aquatural Organic Baby Shampoo - Plant-Based, Vegan & Gentle for Toddler, Moisturizing, Softens Hair - Girls & Boys Newborns, Kids Shampoo Natural for Sensitive Skin (10.14 fl oz)

The Aquatural Baby Shampoo is gentle and nourishing, perfect for babies and toddlers of all ages. Its organic ingredients help moisturize and softly cleanse your child's skin and hair, leaving it feeling smooth. With over 97% natural content and a balanced pH, this shampoo is ideal if your child has sensitive skin. You won't have to worry about tears during bath time because its kid-friendly formula is designed to be gentle on the eyes. Plus, it has a calming natural lavender scent. This plant-based, vegan shampoo is free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, making it safe for everyday use.

What We Like
Organic ingredients
Gentle on sensitive skin
Tear-free formula
Natural lavender scent
Vegan and chemical-free
#TOP 7

Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo

723234
white
Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo Cover
Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Tearless Shampoo, Cleanses + Softens Hair, For Children of All Ages, 33.8 fl. oz.

The Paul Mitchell Tearless Shampoo is designed to be gentle on your child’s eyes thanks to its mild, neutral pH formula, helping to avoid irritation during bath time. It contains a special mix of plant-based ingredients that work to keep your child's hair hydrated and soft by locking in moisture. The shampoo is also enriched with chamomile and coneflower extracts, which are known for their calming and soothing effects, making it a comforting choice for kids of all ages. This product makes hair washing a more pleasant experience for both you and your child.

What We Like
Tear-free formula
Neutral pH balance
Hydrating botanical blend
Calming chamomile extract
#TOP 8

mushie Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

MUS260007
mushie Baby Shampoo & Body Wash Cover
mushie Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | Gentle Formula for Delicate Skin | Certified Organic | Made in Denmark, 13.53 fl oz (Fragrance Free)

The mushie Baby Shampoo Wash is specially made for your baby’s sensitive skin and scalp, helping to keep it soft and hydrated without causing dryness. This gentle formula is perfect for everyday use, making bath time safe and soothing for your little one from birth onward. Crafted in Denmark, this product is certified organic and allergy-friendly, giving you peace of mind about what you’re putting on your child’s skin. You can easily add a small amount to bath water or apply it to hair, then rinse well for a clean, moisturized finish. Pair it with Mushie Baby Oil or Lotion for extra softness.

What We Like
Gentle formula for sensitive skin
Certified organic and allergy-friendly
Suitable for daily use from birth
Made in Denmark with quality standards
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our softening baby shampoo research, we found 24 softening baby shampoo products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 311,256 customer reviews through our big data system to write the softening baby shampoo list. We found that most customers choose softening baby shampoo with an average price of $10.38.

The softening baby shampoo are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of softening baby shampoo, including Johnson's Baby, Paul Mitchell, Cetaphil, Mustela, Ricitos de Oro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.