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Homemade Natural Baby Shampoo - Easy DIY Recipe
Updated: Nov 19
As parents, we all want the best for our little ones, and that includes their bath time routine. Many baby shampoos on the market contain synthetic ingredients that can be harsh on a baby's delicate skin and hair. This is why many parents are turning to natural alternatives, like homemade baby shampoo. Making your own baby shampoo not only allows you to have control over the ingredients that go into it, but it's also an affordable and eco-friendly option. In this blog post, we will share a simple recipe for making your own homemade natural baby shampoo that is gentle, nourishing, and safe for your baby's delicate skin. Let's get started!
How often to wash your baby?
Babies have delicate skin that is more sensitive and much thinner compared to adult skin, and it is important to keep their skin clean and healthy. However, it's also important to not over-wash them, as it can strip their skin of natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. So, how often should you wash your baby?
The frequency of bathing your baby depends on several factors such as their age, activity level, and skin type. Newborns do not need to be bathed every day, and in fact, it is recommended to only give them sponge baths until their umbilical cord stump falls off. After that, you can start giving them full baths, but it's not necessary to do it every day. Bathing them once to twice per week is usually enough for babies who aren't crawling yet.
As your baby becomes more active and starts crawling, you may want to increase the frequency of their baths to prevent any rashes or irritations caused by sweat and dirt. However, even then, it's not necessary to bathe them every day unless they get particularly dirty or messy from for example diaper blowouts.
Ultimately, it's important to pay attention to your baby's skin and adjust the frequency of their baths accordingly. If their skin seems dry or irritated, you may want to reduce the frequency of their baths or switch to a gentler baby soap or shampoo. If you have concerns or questions about how often to bathe your baby, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician.
Ingredients to avoid in baby shampoo
When it comes to choosing a baby shampoo, it's important to be aware of the ingredients used and avoid any that can be harmful to your baby's delicate skin and eyes. Here are some ingredients to watch out for and avoid when choosing a baby shampoo:
Sulfates: Sulfates are a common ingredient in many shampoos and soaps, but they can irritate a baby's delicate skin and eyes.
Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances are often added to baby shampoos to make them smell nice, but they can be irritating to a baby's sensitive skin.
Parabens: Parabens are a type of preservative that has been linked to hormonal imbalances and other health concerns.
Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible to prevent breaking and is also used as a gelling agent in shampoos and are known to affect your health.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a preservative that has been linked to cancer and can even damage DNA.
Propylene glycol: Propylene glycol is a petroleum-derived ingredient that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Alcohol: Some types of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol, can dry out the hair and skin. Look for ingredients with "alcohol" in the name, such as isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
By avoiding these ingredients, you can help keep your baby's skin and eyes safe and healthy. It's always a good idea to read the labels carefully when you are not DIYing so you are aware of what you put on your own and your baby's skin.
Ingredients in this baby shampoo
Water is an essential component of haircare products because it helps to hydrate the hair and improve its elasticity, softness, and manageability. Water is a natural solvent that can dissolve and distribute other ingredients in haircare products, such as conditioners, surfactants and humanctants. When water is applied to the hair, it helps to open up the cuticle layer and allows the other ingredients in the product to penetrate the hair shaft more easily. Water also helps to rinse away dirt, oils, and other impurities from the scalp and hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Overall, water is a crucial ingredient in haircare products and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, nourished hair.
Decyl glucoside is a mild and gentle surfactant that is commonly used in hair care products due to its ability to effectively clean the hair without causing dryness or irritation. It is derived from renewable resources, such as corn and coconut. Decyl glucoside is also known for its ability to increase the foaming and lathering properties of shampoos and conditioners. Additionally, this ingredient is considered to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, making it a safe and eco-friendly option for hair care. Overall, decyl glucoside is a versatile and effective ingredient that can help to create gentle, yet effective hair care products that are safe for both the user and the environment.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant that is commonly used in shampoos and other personal care products as a foaming agent and mild cleanser. It is derived from coconut oil making it a natural yet gentle ingredient. Despite its natural origins, some people may still experience skin irritation when using this ingredient. This is often due to impurities present in it like 3-dimethylaminopropylamine so make sure you choose your ingredients from a respectable supplier to avoid impurities. Generally speaking, cocamidopropyl betaine is not an allergen and is considered to be a relatively mild and safe option. It is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a popular choice among consumers who prioritize sustainability.
Panthenol is a popular ingredient in baby hair care products because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Also known as pro-vitamin B5, panthenol is a water-soluble vitamin that is easily absorbed by the hair and skin. When applied to the hair, panthenol helps to strengthen the hair shaft and improve its elasticity, making it less prone to breakage. It also helps to hydrate the hair and scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness. In addition to its benefits for hair health, panthenol can also be found in skin care products and is known to promote wound healing and soothe irritated skin. When it comes to choosing a baby hair care product, look for ones that contain panthenol to help keep your baby's hair healthy and moisturized.
Glycerin is a common ingredient in many baby hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners. It is a natural humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the hair, making it a great ingredient for babies with dry or sensitive scalps. Glycerin can also help to detangle and soften hair, making it easier to comb or brush. Glycerin is not a known allergenic making it a great choice for babies and is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Overall, glycerin can be a beneficial ingredient in baby hair care products, helping to keep their hair soft, moisturized, and healthy.
Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in many hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. It is a natural thickener and stabilizer derived from fermented sugar, and it helps to give these products their thick, creamy texture. Xanthan gum also has the ability to bind with water molecules, which helps to keep hair hydrated and moisturized. In addition, it can help to improve the spreadability of hair care products, making them easier to apply and distribute evenly throughout the hair. Xanthan gum is also safe and non-irritating, making it a popular choice among consumers who are looking for natural and gentle hair care products. Overall, xanthan gum is a versatile ingredient that can help to improve the texture, performance, and overall effectiveness of many hair care products.
Preservative
Preservatives are added to haircare products to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast, which can spoil the product and potentially cause health problems when used. Haircare products, like shampoos and conditioners, contain water and other ingredients that can provide a nourishing environment for these microorganisms to grow. Preservatives help to extend the shelf life of the product and ensure that it remains safe for use until it is finished. While preservatives are an essential part of ensuring the safety and quality of haircare products, it's important to choose products that use safe and non-toxic preservatives, especially for baby shampoos or for people with sensitive skin. As we are making a shampoo that is as natural as possible we also choose a natural preservative. Biogard and Cosgard are both great options as an eco-friendly preservative.
Recipe
Ingredient | Percentage | 50 gram batch |
63% | 31,5 gram | |
20% | 10 gram | |
7% | 3,5 gram | |
2% | 1 gram | |
5% | 2,5 gram | |
2% | 1 gram | |
Preservative | 1% | 0,5 gram |
Instructions |
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Storage & Shelf-life
This shampoo contains a high amount of water so you must include a broad-spectrum preservative to prevent microbial growth. Even with the use of a preservative, this lotion will eventually spoil as our tools are not sterile laboratories. So, if you notice any change in color, scent, or texture, stop using it and make a fresh batch.
Substitutions |
Be aware that making substitutions will change the end product. While these changes won’t break the recipe, you will get a different product than I did.
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