Offers a trusted, hypoallergenic formula with strong user satisfaction, priced reasonably for a specialty clean brand that competes with both mass-market and premium natural alternatives.
Price vs. rivals
Pricier
CheaperTypicalPricier
This product is priced slightly above typical mainstream baby washes, reflecting its premium natural positioning, but remains within a moderate range for comparable organic brands.
Ease of use
Excellent 95/100
The tear-free, fragrance-free formula and likely pump or squeeze bottle make it easy to use for all ages, with high customer satisfaction.
Overview
The Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash is a two-in-one, tear-free cleanser that’s plant-based and fragrance-free. It’s designed for babies and kids with sensitive skin, or for anyone who wants to avoid synthetic fragrance, sulfates, and parabens. At $10.96 for 10 fl oz, it costs more than drugstore standards but less than boutique natural brands. The catch? It works—but it’s not a miracle bottle. The trade-off is a thinner texture and less foam than what you’re used to.
Key Features
Plant-based formula – Instead of soap or harsh detergents, it uses coconut-derived cleansers. That means it won’t strip natural oils, but it also means you need more product to feel clean.
Tear-free technology – The formula is pH-balanced to avoid stinging eyes. It’s not a gimmick; owners tend to mention that bath time screams drop noticeably the first week.
Fragrance-free – No essential oils, no “natural citrus,” no cover-up scents. If your kid reacts to anything scented, this is the safe bet. The downside: it smells like nothing, which can feel weird if you’re used to baby powder scent.
Sulfate-free and paraben-free – Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is out, so there’s less risk of irritation for eczema-prone skin. You won’t get that big, fluffy lather. Expect a light, watery foam instead.
Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested – Common claim in this category, but Honest Company has a track record with the National Eczema Association. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a solid filter.
Two-in-one design – One bottle for hair and body. Great for lazy mornings or cramped shower caddies. Not so great if you want a separate conditioner—this is just a wash.
Fit for You
Your baby has eczema flare-ups and every scented soap makes them worse.
You’re a parent who wants one less thing to think about—grab one bottle, wash everything, done.
Your toddler fights bath time and the “no tears” promise actually seems to reduce the drama (at least a little).
You’re trying to go “cleaner” with your household products and don’t want to read a chemistry textbook on the label.
You have sensitive adult skin and want a body wash that won’t leave your back itching after a shower.
Uses
Think of the most common bath-time scenario: a wiggly baby, a slippery floor, and the clock ticking before bedtime. You pump a small amount into your hand, rub it gently into their hair, and rinse. The lack of suds can surprise you at first, but it rinses out fast—no long rinsing fights. That’s the main event. It also works for a quick head-to-toe wash after a messy meal or a diaper blowout. Because it’s fragrance-free, you can use it on a newborn without worrying about overwhelming their nose.
Adult use: I’ve known people in their 30s who buy this for their own face when they’re in a rosacea flare. It’s gentle enough for that, though you’ll use more than a dedicated face wash. As a body wash for dry skin, it gets the job done without leaving that tight, squeaky-clean feeling.
The bottle’s pump dispenser is decent—not the kind that seizes up three-quarters of the way through. But the 10 fl oz size means you’ll replace it every few weeks if you’re using it for two kids and yourself. Larger sizes exist, but not on all retailers.
Experience
First pump: the liquid is thin, almost watery. That’s typical for a sulfate-free cleanser, but it catches you off guard if you’re used to goopy baby washes. You might accidentally pour half the bottle in your hand the first time. Easy fix: pump slow.
On hair, it doesn’t lather. That’s fine—lather is mostly cosmetic. But it means you need to work it into the roots a bit more. On a baby with a full head of hair, it cleans fine. On a toddler who rolled in sand, you might do two rounds. On fine adult hair, it’s a decent shampoo but leaves no shine. It’s not a conditioner.
On skin, it feels like washing with a light lotion. No residue, no stickiness. Rinsing is quick. Drying afterward: skin doesn’t feel stripped, but it also doesn’t feel moisturized. You’ll still need lotion for dry patches.
The bottle is plain white, which fits the Honest Company aesthetic. The pump mechanism is standard—no leaks unless you store it on its side. The 10 fl oz size is smaller than a lot of drugstore bottles, but that’s the price of using clean ingredients. You’ll buy a new one roughly every 3–4 weeks if you bathe a baby daily and use a generous amount. If you’re only using it 3 times a week, maybe 6 weeks.
One small annoyance: the pump sometimes lets out a spurt instead of a smooth dose. Not a dealbreaker, but you’ll learn to pump over the tub rather than directly into your hand. And because it’s so thin, it can dribble down the bottle, making the label glue loosen. Keep it upright.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Genuinely tear-free – Owners mention accidentally getting it in a baby’s eyes and getting zero reaction. That alone justifies the price for many.
Safe for eczema-prone skin – No fragrance, no drying sulfates, no common irritants. It earns its shelf space in the sensitive-skin aisle.
Versatile enough for adults – If you’re dealing with contact dermatitis or just want a no-nonsense body wash, this works.
Minimal ingredients – Short ingredient list, you can pronounce most of them. The formula is transparent, which matters when you’re paranoid about what goes on your child.
Rinses clean quickly – No residue left in the tub, no film on the baby’s skin. Bath time ends faster.
Cons
Price per ounce is high – At roughly $1.10 per fl oz, it’s triple the cost of Johnson’s or Aveeno Baby. If you go through a bottle every three weeks, it adds up.
Thin texture feels wasteful – The watery consistency makes it easy to use more than necessary, especially with a squirmy baby. You’ll burn through it faster.
No lather means you can’t tell where you’ve washed – On a dark-haired toddler, you might miss a patch of shampoo. On your own body, it’s fine but a little unsatisfying.
Not a true shampoo + conditioner – This is a wash only. Tangly hair needs separate conditioner. The “shampoo” part is gentle but won’t detangle.
Pump can be finicky – A few pumps stick or sputter out a gob. It’s a common complaint in reviews, and it’s annoying enough to mention.
Advantages
Over drugstore standards like Johnson’s or Aveeno, this wins on ingredient safety. No hidden fragrance allergens, no SLS, no formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. That’s the main edge. Compared to other “natural” brands like Babyganics, the formula is simpler and the fragrance-free version is easier to find in stock.
If you’re comparing Honest Company vs Burt’s Bees shampoo, Burt’s uses essential oils for scent, which can still irritate some kids. Honest Company’s fragrance-free option is the better pick for truly sensitive skin. Burt’s also tends to foam more, but that doesn’t matter if it triggers a reaction. The Honest Company bottle is pricier but often on sale in multipacks.
As a best natural baby wash, this is a strong contender because it’s widely available (Amazon, Target, Honest’s own site) and consistently gets high ratings. The 4.7-star average from over 10,000 reviews isn’t an accident. People buy it again because it works where scent-free is non-negotiable.
Who Should Buy
Parents of newborns or babies with eczema or allergies – This is the category it was built for. You need a fragrance-free baby shampoo review that says “yes, it’s safe and gentle.” This is it.
Adults with very sensitive skin – If you break out from anything with perfume, try this as a body wash. It’s cheap enough to test, gentle enough not to set off a flare.
Anyone looking for best baby shampoo for sensitive skin – It’s among the top-tier options. Pair it with a fragrance-free lotion and you’re set.
Skip it if: you want lots of suds, a rich shampoo smell, or a bargain price. Also skip if you need a detangling conditioner—this isn’t that. Buy a separate natural conditioner instead.
FAQ
Is the Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash worth it?
Yes, if sensitive skin is your main concern and you can stomach the price per ounce. For a newborn with no skin issues, cheaper options work fine. But for eczema or fragrance allergies, this bottle earns its keep.
How long does the 10 fl oz bottle last?
For a single baby bathed daily with a moderate pump, expect three to four weeks. Two kids or an adult using it? Closer to two weeks. It’s a small bottle—buy the larger pack on Amazon if you can.
Is Honest Company shampoo and body wash safe for newborns?
Pediatrician-tested and formulated for the most sensitive skin, it’s one of the safer options. Just keep in mind that “tear-free” doesn’t mean zero irritation for every child—individual reactions happen, but they’re rare.
Does it have any fragrance or smell?
Not this version. The fragrance-free variant contains no added essential oils or scents. Some people describe it as a faint “clean soap” smell that vanishes after rinsing. If you want scent, Honest makes a lavender version too.
Is it really tear-free?
Based on ingredient chemistry and thousands of customer experiences, yes. The formula avoids common sting-causing surfactants. It’s not a guarantee for every kid, but it’s the closest you’ll get without going completely water-only.
How does Honest Company compare to Burt’s Bees baby shampoo?
Burt’s Bees uses essential oils for fragrance and has slightly more foam. Honest Company’s fragrance-free option is better for highly reactive skin. Both are sulfate-free and plant-based. If price matters, Burt’s is cheaper per ounce. If ingredient simplicity matters, Honest wins.
Final Verdict
If you’re hunting for a fragrance-free baby shampoo that actually avoids tears and doesn’t aggravate eczema, the Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash delivers. The downsides are real: you’ll pay more, use more, and miss the lather. But for a child who reacts to everything else, that trade-off is small. It’s a solid pick for the sensitive-skin crowd, and it makes bath time less stressful. Just don’t expect it to double as conditioner or smell like a nursery. It does exactly what it promises, no extra marketing noise. Yes, this Honest Company shampoo review says buy it if you need it—just know what you’re giving up.
Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash vs the Best Natural Baby Washes in 2026
The Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash (Fragrance-Free) sits in the middle of the pack price-wise at about $11 for 10 ounces. It’s a solid pick if you’re looking for a certified tear-free, fragrance-free formula that actually lives up to the promise. But the baby wash aisle is crowded with alternatives that do different things well. You need to know where the trade-offs are—lather strength, scent, skin tolerance, and cost. Let’s line them up.
Product
Price Range
Key Strength
Key Weakness
Best For
Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash (Fragrance-Free)
Around $11
True tear-free formula; pump bottle is convenient
Thin lather; can leave some babies’ scalps a bit dry
Parents who want a no-frills, fragrance-free option with reliable mildness
Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
$9–$11
Rich lather from coconut oil; pleasant natural scent
Contains essential oils that may irritate super sensitive skin
Families who like a light natural scent but avoid synthetic fragrance
California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash
$15–$18
Extremely gentle even for eczema-prone skin; thick consistency
Expensive; pump mechanism tends to clog
Babies with diagnosed skin conditions or allergies
Aveeno Baby Daily Care Wash & Shampoo
$7–$9
Oat formula soothes dry patches; budget-friendly
Not labeled tear-free; leaves a slightly soapy residue
Parents on a budget who want moisture-rich, gentle wash
Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash vs Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
The obvious starting point for any Honest Company shampoo review: how does it stack against Burt’s Bees? Burt’s Bees lathers noticeably better—you need less product to cover a full head of hair, and the coconut oil base makes it feel more like a “real” soap. But that’s also the catch. Burt’s Bees uses essential oils (lemon, orange, and a few others) for its scent, which is mild and natural—but it’s still a potential irritant if your baby has reactive skin. The Honest Company version is truly fragrance-free, meaning zero added oils, so it’s the safer bet for newborns or anyone with patchy eczema. Both are roughly the same price (under $12), but the tear-free claim on Honest is certified and tested; Burt’s Bees says “gentle enough for baby” without the official tear-free label. In practice, both stung my toddler’s eyes less than drugstore options, but if you’re paranoid about that one accidental splash, Honest wins.
Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash vs California Baby Super Sensitive
California Baby is the premium alternative you reach for when the pediatrician says “try something even milder.” The Super Sensitive formula is thicker—almost a gel—and it lathers up with less water than Honest Company shampoo. But here’s the thing: that thickness can leave a coating on fine hair, making it look greasy after a few days. Honest Company’s thinner wash rinses out clean, which is better if your baby has oily scalp or thick hair that needs a real rinse. The price gap is real: California Baby runs $15–$18 for the same 10 ounces, nearly double the cost per ounce. Is it worth it? If your baby has diagnosed eczema or allergies, yes—it’s notably more soothing on angry patches. But for everyday use with normal baby skin, Honest Company’s tear-free body wash does the job for less money, and the pump on the Honest bottle doesn’t clog the way California Baby’s does after a few months.
Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash vs Aveeno Baby Daily Care Wash & Shampoo
Aveeno is the budget workhorse, usually under $8. Its oat-based formula is great for dry patches—you’ll notice less flaking on elbows and knees after a week of use. But it’s not labeled tear-free, and in my experience it does sting if it gets in eyes. That’s the biggest differentiator for the Honest Company product: if your kid squirms and you’re constantly worried about splashback, the tear-free certification is a genuine relief. Aveeno also leaves a faint soapy film on the skin that you have to rinse thoroughly, especially in folds. Honest washes off completely without any residue. On the flip side, Aveeno is more moisturizing overall—the Honest formula can feel a bit drying on hair, so you might need a separate conditioner for longer locks. This comparison really comes down to whether you prioritize tear-free peace of mind (go Honest) or budget-friendly moisture (go Aveeno).
So is Honest Company shampoo worth it? If you want a fragrance-free baby shampoo that’s genuinely tear-free and backed by a brand that doesn’t skimp on ingredient transparency, yes. It’s the best baby shampoo for sensitive skin when you need zero scent and zero worry during bath time. But if your baby has specific dryness or eczema, skip it and grab California Baby Super Sensitive instead—it’s more expensive, but it calms flare-ups better. For the best natural baby wash on a tight budget, Aveeno wins with its soothing oats, as long as you’re okay with a little eye sting. And if you like a light natural scent and richer lather, Burt’s Bees is a fine alternative—just check that your baby’s skin doesn’t react to the essential oils first.
Ready to decide on the Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash?
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