Shop for the best shampoos for toddlers made in the USA. These toddler shampoos USA Love List recommends are also safe for everyone, from baby to adult.
Best American Made Shampoos for Toddlers
When I became a mother, I had little knowledge about reading labels on baby products I was buying. I just assumed that baby products were safe because they were on the shelf. Plus, I will admit, I equated fragrances from certain baby shampoos and lotions as “clean.”
Today, however, we have so much information at our fingertips, and that knowledge is power. Power to choose safe ingredients in our babies, toddlers, and kids' skincare and shampoo products. Power to avoid harsh chemicals.
After all, a child has very delicate skin and hair that are much thinner than an adult’s hair and skin. It needs extra care, and the products we apply can make all the difference in their health.
We’ve rounded up some of the safest shampoos for toddlers. Plus, they can share these products with their siblings and parents. Whether your toddler or kids’ hair is curly or straight, whether he/she has fine hair or frizzy hair, we feel confident in recommending the best baby shampoo on our list.
(We’re using baby, toddler, and kids’ shampoos interchangeably as our selections are safe for all ages, including grown-up kids!)
Check out this related article! American Made Baby Products: The Ultimate Source List
What to Look for in Baby and Toddler Shampoos
When choosing a safe and gentle formula shampoo for your kids, there are several things to look for:
- Mild Ingredients: Look for a baby shampoo that contains mild and non-irritating ingredients, such as natural plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula.
- pH-Balanced: Your child's skin is more alkaline than adult skin, so choose a shampoo with a pH that's close to your child's natural skin pH. This will help to maintain your child's skin barrier and prevent dryness.
- Tear-Free: While it would be nice to have all tear-free shampoo for your toddler, some great shampoos on our list are not tear-free. Tear-free means the shampoo won’t sting if it gets into the eyes.
- Hypoallergenic: Choose a shampoo that is hypoallergenic, which means it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
- Recommended by Pediatricians: Consider a shampoo that has been recommended by pediatricians, as they have experience with what ingredients and formulations are safe and effective for little ones.
- No Animal Testing: If you are concerned about animal welfare, look for a shampoo that is cruelty-free and not tested on animals. All the shampoos we recommend are cruelty-free.
By looking for these features, you can ensure that you’re providing the utmost care for your child’s delicate skin and hair.
What to Avoid in Toddler Shampoos
When choosing a safe and gentle baby shampoo, it's important to look for products that are free from harsh ingredients and potential irritants. Here are some ingredients to avoid in baby shampoo:
Sulfates
Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even hair damage. Look for a toddler shampoo that is sulfate-free.
Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances can contain potentially harmful chemicals that can irritate the scalp and trigger allergies or sensitivities. Look for a shampoo that is fragrance-free or made with natural fragrances.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that have been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. Look for a baby shampoo that is free from parabens.
Phthalates
Phthalates are plasticizers that can be found in some kids’ shampoo formulations. They have been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. Look for a kids’ shampoo that is free from phthalates.
Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives
These preservatives can release small amounts of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into the shampoo. Look for a toddler shampoo that is free from formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Related article: Five Petroleum Free Baby Products We Love
Other Ingredients
Tea Tree Oil
While tea tree oil is an essential oil with natural antimicrobial and soothing properties, it also can be harsh on a toddler’s scalp. You don’t necessarily have to avoid this specific ingredient, but make sure tea tree oil has a lower concentration. It should be listed as one of the latter ingredients. You can also dilute the shampoo.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are not necessary for the making of a quality toddler shampoo. Using essential oils is a personal preference.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
While not harmful to most people, this ingredient can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. If your child has sensitive skin or a history of allergies, you may want to avoid shampoos that contain this ingredient.
We’ve done the work for you to help you avoid these harsh chemicals and potential irritants.
Related article: Best Children's Pajamas Made in the USA
Why Choose Made in the USA Toddler Shampoo?
Choosing a baby shampoo made in the USA can provide several benefits, including:
Safety and quality standards: Products made in the USA are subject to strict safety and quality standards set by the FDA, which means that they are less likely to contain harmful ingredients or contaminants.
Transparency: American companies are often more transparent about the ingredients and manufacturing processes used in their products, which can make it easier for parents to make informed decisions about the products they use on their babies.
Local economy support: Choosing products made in the USA can support the local economy and create jobs in the US.
Environmentally friendly: American-made products are often subject to more stringent environmental regulations, which means that they are less likely to have a negative impact on the environment.
Shorter transportation distances: Products made in the USA don't have to travel as far to reach consumers, which means that they have a smaller carbon footprint and may be more sustainable.
Customer service: In doing our research, we talked to several customer service representatives. They all were quick to respond, they were clear in their information, and they were helpful and friendly.
Money savings: Most USA companies offer a reduced shipping rate. Others have a subscription process where you can save when you sign up for ongoing orders. You may be allowed to cancel anytime. Some companies offer savings on bundled products.
Related article: Talc Free Powder: American Made Talc Free Body Power, Baby Powder & Dry Shampoo
Is Honest Company Made in the USA?
Honest Company, owned by Jessica Alba, can be found online and in big box stores. Even some smaller, nutrition-based grocery stores carry this brand. However, Honest Company is manufactured in Asia.
Here are the best toddler shampoos made in the USA that USA Love List recommends.
Best Shampoos for Toddlers Made in the USA
Do you know of a shampoo safe for babies, toddlers, and kids made in the USA not listed? Leave a comment below, and we’ll check it out! We continue to update our lists.
Babo Botanicals
Founder Kate Solomon named her company, Babo Botanicals, after her son’s favorite stuffed bunny. With an interest in nutrition, nature, and sustainable agriculture, Solomon used her interests and knowledge to make products that are safe for all little humans. The Fragrance Free Shampoo and Wash is ideal for babies, toddlers, and kids with sensitive skin. It’s enriched with nourishing shea butter and 23 other plant-based ingredients. Two other highlighted ingredients include cocoa butter and aloe vera which make the shampoo extra moisturizing. This shampoo gets two thumbs up from the pediatricians who have tested it. An added feature includes the container, a post-consumer recycled plastic bottle.
Enjoy 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for the Babo Botanicals newsletter and you purchase directly through the Babo Botanicals website.
- Shop select Babo Botanicals products on Amazon.
- Shop Babo Botanicals at Walmart.com.
babyganics
Babyganics was founded by two dads who wanted the best hair and skin care for their kids, so they removed all the bad stuff and left the fun and good stuff in their shampoo. Babyganics offers several shampoos for kids, but we’re highlighting the foaming shampoo and body wash that’s fragrance free. It’s been tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, according to the babyganics website. Not every ingredient is organic, but every ingredient is safe. Some ingredients include cucumber extract, chamomile extract, aloe leaf, and avocado fruit extract. Babyganics also has a shampoo and conditioner (2-in-1) for curly hair.
California Baby
California Baby was founded by a mom in 1995 and continues to grow in popularity, thanks to many positive online reviews. These products are blended and manufactured in Los Angeles, California, in the company’s family-owned and operated facility.
California Baby has several shampoos, but we recommend the super sensitive shampoo and body wash. This choice is a 100% plant-based toddler shampoo that’s free of common allergens such as peanuts, oat, dairy, and gluten. There’s no added fragrance, and it’s very gentle.
Shop the California Baby website and receive 10% off your first order. You’ll also qualify for free shipping on purchases $69 and up.
CRUNCHI
I was introduced to CRUNCHI, an American-made prestige brand, through its amazing skin care and cosmetics line. If its Crunchi Littles line is as awesome as its face care, then our toddlers are in for a treat! The 3-in-1 Bathtime Bar is clinically tested to be safe and gentle on your baby’s skin. It’s chock full of wonderful ingredients like organic palm oil, organic coconut oil (a natural moisturizer), organic shea butter, vitamin E, and more!
CRUNCHI’s co-founder, Melanie, is a family nurse practitioner and mom who builds her brand with a lot of knowledge. While you’re shopping for your toddler, treat yourself to some different products from their skincare line, too!
Check this out: Best Organic Baby Clothes Made in the USA
Dr. Bronner's
The Dr. Bronner's brand has been around for a really long time, and many people love these Castille soap products! The Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is fragrance-free and is good for sensitive skin. It is NOT tear-free. It has several certifications, including leaping bunny, non-GMO verified, certified vegan, and more.
Receive free shipping on orders over $45. Receive 15% off your first order when you sign up for Dr. Bronner’s newsletter and order via their website.
Earth Mama Organics
Earth Mama Organics started over two decades ago in Oregon, built on the premise that nature is our pharmacy. Today, you can find Earth Mama Organics products in numerous health stores and boutiques. I recently picked up some of the Simply Non-Scents castile soap for my newborn granddaughter, and it’s a big hit in the family! Castile soap is not tear-free, so careful around the eyes! However, this shampoo is safe and moisturizing. It contains coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, calendula, and more.
The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database gives this choice the lowest hazard ratings a product can achieve.
Hello Bello
The brainchild of actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, Hello Bello confirms its Premium Baby Shampoo and Wash is made in the USA. It comes in both fragrance free and natural fragrance selections. It’s made with aloe, oat, calendula, and green tea extracts. It’s also tear-free and dermatologist-tested.
- Shop Hello Bello at Amazon.
Related article: Made in USA Baby Clothes, Toddler Clothing: An Ultimate Source List
The Mane Choice
Registered Nurse Courtney Adeleye founded The Mane Choice in Alabama to help the multicultural consumer with its diverse curl patterns. However, anyone can use the Hair to Toe Moisturizing Body Wash and Shampoo.
This toddler shampoo is a tear-free formula. It’s infused with Vitamins D and E, and a little “TLC.” Other ingredients include white willow bark and cucumber. Although a great shampoo for everyone, The Mane Choice is one of the best kids’ shampoos for those with curly hair.
Shop the The Mane Choice website and receive free shipping on orders of $50 and up.
Nature's Baby
Nature’s Baby Organics are developed and manufactured in California in certified organic facilities. This company makes pH-neutral shampoos for kids and is dermatologist-tested. While its shampoos and washes are infused with essential oils for certain natural fragrances, all the selections contain organic aloe, calendula, and chamomile for sensitive skin. They’re also vegan.
Order from Nature’s Baby Organics website and free shipping on all domestic orders. The more products you order, the greater the percentage off your purchase. You also receive discounts when you subscribe to the company’s program.
- Shop Nature's Baby Organics Shampoo and Body Wash at Amazon
- Shop Nature's Baby Organics at Walmart.
Original Sprout
Original Sprout makes its Hair and Body Babywash in California using vegan, all-natural, clean, and non-toxic ingredients. Key ingredients include calendula, rosemary, and arnica. This selection is great for sensitive skin and fine hair, and it helps alleviate eczema and cradle cap. Everyone in the family can use this gentle shampoo!
- Shop Original Sprout on Amazon
- Shop Original Sprout Babywash at Target.
Pipette
Pipette was created in 2019 to give parents a solution that actually works for their babies’ sensitive skin, without compromising on safety or sustainability. The company makes wonderful products (We currently own some Pipette products!) using clean, non-toxic, and gentle ingredients. You'll find ingredients such as plant-based squalane, plant-derived glycerin, pomegranate sterols, and calendula extract. Their tear-free shampoo has an optimal pH of 5.5-6.5, and there are no synthetic fragrances.All Pipette products are proudly made in the USA, in Southern California!
Related article: American Made Baby Nursery Furniture and Nursery Accessories
Puracy
Puracy has a slew of family-friendly products, from safe home cleansers to personal care products and items for kids. It was founded by two dads, based in Austin, Texas, and everything is made in the USA. The company makes Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash. These are naturally fragranced, vegan cleansers for newborns, infants, toddlers, and kids. They’re tear-free and safe to use, given its pH-balanced score of 5.5. One distinct feature is your toddler can be rinsed with only one cup of water. The Puracy Baby Shampoo and Body Wash has been crafted by a team of biochemists using 98.8% plant and naturally-derived ingredients.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum is now owned by American corporation SC Johnson but continues to make its products in the USA. Sun Bum calls its kids' products "Baby Bum." The company offers three child shampoos, all three with natural fragrances. They also contain sea minerals, coconut oil, banana, aloe, and white ginger. Sun Bum also is leaping bunny and PETA certified.
Tubby Todd Bath Co.
Tubby Todd Bath Co. is based in California and started in 2013 when the founder, a mom, couldn’t find a product that helped her son’s eczema. Today, it makes numerous kid-safe products, including products for moms, too! BTW: Tubby Todd makes an all-over ointment my daughter swears by for her little guy. She has tried, it feels like, every brand out there but keeps coming back to Tubby Todd. “It’s the only thing that works!” she said. These are 100% natural products and are safe for everyday use.
The Hair + Body Wash comes in several natural fragrances, or you can buy the fragrance free selection. One nice thing about the Tubby Todd website is that it features an ingredient chart that briefly highlights what the ingredient is, why it’s in a certain product, and in which products that ingredient is used. Tubby Todd offers a 100% worry-free guarantee.
Enjoy free shipping on orders of $55 and up when you order through the Tubby Todd website.
Check out these other baby, toddler, and kid-related products!
- The Best Baby Gifts Made in the USA
- American Made Baby Blankets
- Made in USA Clothing for Kids : The Ultimate Source List
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