If you’re a mom and you have been meaning to make an organic baby shampoo for your little ones, you’re not alone. My sister has attempted many times to make one for her kids. However, she’s always strapped for time, so using the gentlest commercially available baby shampoo and body wash is what works for now.
Should you want to make one, please be aware that there are also conflicting views on how to make a homemade shampoo without triggering adverse skin reactions in children, especially on a baby whose scalp is susceptible to redness and itching.
Note: Don’t worry, we have got your covered. We have an organic baby shampoo recipe outlined at the end of this article if you’re in a hurry.
It’s also worth mentioning that even natural ingredients can cause adverse reactions in humans. Natural or organic does not always mean they’re safe. Not all chemicals are dangerous for as long as they are used in the right amount and formulation. Nonetheless, choosing natural and toxic-free personal care products is still ideal for babies.
Based on a study, most baby shampoos still contain 10 to 21 chemicals. Many hair products on the market, even those labeled as “very gentle for babies” can contribute to the following health risks (outlined below). Additionally, even though baby shampoos contain less harmful chemicals than those of adults, they still negatively impact a baby’s well-being.
Note: We have rounded up a small list of safe and gentle baby shampoos and body washes that you can use during those days when you’re swamped with work or too caught up to make a 100% natural baby shampoo for your tiny tot. If you’re interested, here’s a list of our best shampoos and body washes for babies.
Effects of Chemicals in Hair Shampoos on Babies
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A chemical found in most baby shampoos not only irritates the scalp, it also causes major skin eye irritation. The amount of concentration also varies; the more substantial the amount, the more severe the irritation.
- Artificial Fragrance
Baby products that are labeled as “mildly scented” can still cause skin irritation, especially to kids with sensitive scalp. Additionally, perfumed products can cause respiratory issues, discomfort, and allergic reactions in children with perfume sensitivity.
- Preservatives
To prolong and keep mold and yeasts from contaminating shampoos, hair products for kids need to contain preservatives, such as parabens. They are often used as they are the cheapest and most effective option in the bunch. And though they are considered safer than other preservatives, they still carry some health risks, such as the following: disruption of the body’s immune system, increased susceptibility to breast cancer, and tumor development, among other health risks. And if you’re pregnant and using paraben-laden products, it has the potential to disrupt your baby’s growth in your womb.
Considering how harmful these chemicals are to our little ones, many of us can’t help but concoct our homemade baby shampoo, finding natural ingredients that we can mix to keep our baby safe from toxic ingredients.
In formulating our homemade baby products, some things need to be considered. For instance, failing to use the right amount of ingredients or the wrong PH formulation for your baby’s skin can result in undesirable outcomes. In essence, caution is required when concocting a DIY shampoo formulation for babies or any personal care products for that matter.
One thing that’s also alarming when making homemade baby shampoo is the shunning of preservatives in the formulation. Preservatives can be harmful, but avoiding them can be just as bad. The solution? Use the safest possible preservative available, such as Sharomix 705 –a preservative blend made from organic acids dissolved in benzyl alcohol.
Note: If you intend to use it within a day or two, it’s okay not to use preservatives.
Why Should We Use Natural Preservatives in Baby Shampoo?
As mentioned earlier, chemical preservatives, such as parabens can affect a baby’s health, especially in huge amounts. Using natural preservatives would be ideal. Some moms would prefer using preservative-free shampoo on their little ones, but doing so could also pose a risk.
You see– without preservatives, molds and yeast can proliferate. One mom swears she used a preservative-free, all-natural ingredients recipe for five years and never saw molds on it.
The thing is — bacteria and mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, and they could start to proliferate once you add water to the formulation. So, if you have no plans of emptying your homemade baby shampoo within a day or two, you better use a preservative to keep bacteria at bay.
Most of the baby shampoo recipes I found online don’t use natural preservatives. Good thing, I came across this DIY baby shampoo recipe, which I think is one of the safest baby shampoo recipes to make for your little one; it has natural preservatives and a 5.5 pH value that is safe for baby’s skin.
How to Make Organic Baby Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp?
Here are the materials and steps to follow in making a safe, homemade hair shampoo for your littles.
Materials
Immersion blender
28 g distilled water
20 g aloe juice
20 g rose water
15 g coco glucoside (or decyl glucoside)
10 g coco betaine
4.25 g glycerin (or glycerin-based extract)
2 g xanthan gum
.75 g Sharomix 705 (or another natural preservative in amount needed)
If you want to make this shampoo smell better, you can add an essential oil into the mix, such as lavender and other mild essential oils of your choice. However, they can be quite concentrated, so ensure you only add a small amount, around five (5) drops. The oils must be diluted properly to avoid allergic reactions in children with high sensitivity to fragrances.
Essentials oils must also be of good quality and bought from reputable stores to avoid unwanted side effects.
Note: Do not add artificial fragrances found in most baby shampoo products as they can negatively impact your baby’s health.
Steps in Making Organic Shampoo for Babies With Sensitive Scalp.
- Pour the 4.25 g of glycerin glycerine into a separate container
- Dust or put 2 g of xanthan gum powder over the glycerine. Gently mix the two together until thoroughly blended–set aside.
- Slowly and gently mix the following into a separate bottle: 28 g distilled water, the 15 g coco glucoside, 10 g coco betaine, 20 g rose water, 20 g aloe juice, and the .75 g Sharomix 705
- Start adding them ( the three ingredients outlined in number 3) into the glycerine and xanthan gum mixture. Please check on the texture and consistency after adding each ingredient, ensuring you get your desired viscosity.
- Pour the finished product into a shampoo dispenser bottle, or any pump dispenser of your choice.
The good thing about this DIY baby shampoo is that— it can be used as a gentle baby wash and as a mild shampoo for your baby’s sensitive scalp.
Important: Even if the recipe outlined above is made of natural ingredients, it’s still best to do an allergy test before using an ample amount on your baby’s scalp. Every baby is different. Some have allergic reactions even to natural ingredients. I, for example, have an adverse skin reaction to coconut. You can use other alternatives if that’s the case. So, dear momma, let’s keep precautions in mind when doing DIY on baby-related products to ensure your baby’s sensitive scalp is free of any skin irritants.