Did you know that our skin produces a greasy substance called sebum to protect our hair? This sebum hydrates the hair and prevents it from becoming dry and brittle. As a result, your tresses appear soft, smooth, and shiny.
However, an accumulation of sebum can leave your hair looking dull and greasy. So, it becomes necessary to get rid of it.
But here’s the thing: sebum is hydrophobic. It can’t be rinsed away with water because, well, water and oils don’t mix. And that’s where a shampoo comes in.
Shampoos contain molecules called surfactants that lower the surface tension between water and the sebum, allowing them to mix together. So, when you rinse the shampoo out with water, the sebum is rinsed away as well.
Now that you know how shampoos work, it’s about time we answered the question: can adults use baby shampoo? And the answer is yes. Adults can use baby shampoo.
That being said, it’s important that you understand the difference between “regular shampoos” and “baby shampoos”. Most regular shampoos use strong cleansing agents, most often lauryl sulfates, to clean your hair. These cleansing agents can irritate your eyes and can also dry out your strands.
Baby shampoos, on the other hand, use milder foaming agents to clean the hair. That’s why they don’t cause irritation and are so much gentler. They’re often labeled tear-free. What’s more, they don’t strip moisture out of your strands, so your hair feels a bit softer.
Should You Really Be Using a Baby Shampoo?
Okay, so baby shampoos are much gentler on your hair than regular ones. And that’s great. But keep in mind, baby shampoos don’t lather as much. So, they’re not exactly a powerful grease cutter. If you’re someone with super greasy hair, then baby shampoos might not be a great choice. In such a case, you should buy a regular shampoo.
However, if your locks are not greasy, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t use one. In fact, for someone with a dry and sensitive scalp, baby shampoos might be the perfect solution. They don’t contain harmful chemicals, don’t strip the moisture out from your hair, and don’t irritate the scalp, unlike most shampoos.
5 Best Baby Shampoos for Adults
1. Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash
First up on our list is this gentle baby wash from Dove. Now, we really love this product because it’s a multi-tasker. It doubles as baby shampoo and does a really good job of cleaning the hair.
The formula contains skin-friendly ingredients, so it’s totally safe on the skin. It’s also tear-free, so it won’t irritate the eyes. Also, the formula is infused with glycerin that makes it highly moisturizing.
But what’s really interesting about this product is the fact that a number of adults actually use this baby shampoo because it’s so much gentler and free of harmful chemicals. It doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.
If you have a dry and sensitive scalp, your hair absolutely gonna fall in love with this product. All thanks to its moisturizing properties. What’s more, if you plan to use it on your little baby, it’s one of the best options available on the market. Many parents trust this product with their babies.
It has over 14,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, which is a testament to its efficacy. The best part? It’s really affordable. You don’t have to shell out big bucks for this amazing product.
2. Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo
Cetaphil is a wildly popular brand known for its gentle and scent-free products. The derms recommend Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser for people suffering from skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
This baby shampoo from Cetaphil is no exception. It’s crazy gentle on the scalp and does live up to its hype. It’s made with organic calendula that hydrates your scalp and helps get rid of dandruff. Plus, it also contains antioxidants that fight free radicals.
Then there are other moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and glycerin that seal the moisture. The formula is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and tear-free. It also doesn’t contain mineral oil.
If your scalp is really picky, this baby shampoo might be an excellent choice for you. And it’s easy on the wallet as well.
3. Babo Botanicals Calming 3-in-1 Shampoo
Are you a sucker for all-natural and organic products? Then reach for Babo Botanicals Calming 3-in-1 Shampoo. It contains lavender that deep conditions the hair and reduces dandruff while adding a healthy shine.
It has a pleasant chamomile scent that’s really calming and relaxing. You can say it’s one of the best smelling baby shampoos that you can use for yourself or your baby.
There’s also an inclusion of other amazing ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. Both these ingredients are excellent moisturizers. They nourish your hair and prevent damage.
If you don’t like putting harmful chemicals on your hair, this baby shampoo will do the trick for you. That being said, it’s still formulated for babies. So, you might have to lather twice to make sure it cleans your locks well.
Finally, the formula is clinically-tested and hypoallergenic. You no longer have to worry about irritation that often comes with harsh shampoos.
4. Johnson’s Tear-Free Baby Shampoo
When it comes to baby cosmetics, Johnson & Johnson reign supreme. And Johnson’s Tear-Free Baby Shampoo is among the best of the best. Chances are you’ve already used this shampoo when you were a kid.
The brand states that this shampoo is designed to be as gentle to the eyes as water. And it’s no BS. It’s really that gentle.
For those with a sensitive scalp, this baby shampoo will be a life-changing product. It’s formulated without parabens, phthalates, and dyes. Upon application, your locks will be soft, shiny, and healthy.
It does have a little fragrance but it’s not overpowering. If you’re willing to look past the fragrance, you’ll love everything about this product. The price is also impossible to beat. At around $7 for an 800 mL-bottle, you get the most bang for your buck.
It doesn’t lather much, so you’ll have to use it generously to get the job done. Also, if your hair is super dirty, then you should go with a regular shampoo.
5. Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo
Made with natural oat extracts, Aveeno Baby Shampoo is another excellent choice for adults. Oat extracts alleviate scalp dryness and soothe irritation. It also nourishes your hair.
The formula is lightly-scented, and the sweet smell lingers even after you’ve stepped out of the bath. It rinses off really well and doesn’t leave a residue.
It has a rich lather, so it does a nice job of cleaning your hair. What’s more, this hypoallergenic formula is as gentle as they come. Scalp irritation and dryness will be a thing of the past with this shampoo. Seriously, it will never dry out your hair.
The formula is so gentle that even if you have sensitive skin, you can use it every day without any worries. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best baby shampoos that adults can use.
The Final Verdict
Okay, so we’ve established that adults can use baby shampoos. And if you’re tired of putting harmful chemicals on your head, you should use one too. They’re a safer alternative to harsh sulfate-based shampoos. With baby shampoos, you don’t have to worry about damaging your strands or stripping your hair of moisture.
Plus, you can expect healthy and shiny hair that’s so full of moisture. So, which of these shampoos are you gonna try? Let us know in the comments below.
