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J& J wash and shampoo is perhaps the most famous baby shampoo in the world.. but it is a shampoo I would still not use on my own kids.

Why?

It’s the ingredients. While they have reformulated and today’s version is definitely “Better” than prior ones, it still has a few ingredients of concern which i would prefer to avoid using on my young children… and here is the thing: why no when there are plenty of better options that don’t contain these concerning ingredients?

What ingredients?
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
J & J says: “Used to gently cleanse baby's hair and scalp. Naturally derived from coconut or palm oil. “

But also: its a well known and studied allergen. Not ideal for the sensitive and delicate skin of a baby

- PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
J&J: “Our synthetic ingredient derived from lauric acid helps gently cleanse baby's hair and scalp. Laurie acid can also be found naturally in”

But also: its an ethoxylated ingredient which can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen ( Ethylene oxide is listed on Prop 65 list as a developmental toxicant and a male and female reproductive toxicant) , and 1,4- dioxane, which can readily penetrates the skin. 1,4-dioxane is listed as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

PEGs enhance penetration of other ingredients

- PEG-150PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE
J&J: “Helps give product thickness.”

But also: its an ethoxylated ingredient which can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen and 1,4- dioxane, which can readily penetrates the skin.

- Phenoxyethanol
Another ethoxylated ingredient that could be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide. The FDA in the past has warned consumers to not use ( another) baby shampoo because of the presence of phenoxyethanol which could “ depress the central nervous system and could cause vomiting and diarrhea”

As I mentioned, J&J has come a long way in making their baby formulations better than before. They remove quaternium-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from all of its baby products worldwide and reduce 1,4 dioxane in all of its baby products to less than 4 parts per million (ppm).  

They also list fragrance ingredients that are present in products at concentrations of 0.01 percent or greater, on their website

But, I am much stricter with personal care products designed for babies. For me, when there are plenty of better options available, I just prefer to skip this one

Better Options (prices as of 2/2024)
Primally pure baby bar ( body wash solid bar, plastic free)
4 oz for $12
* 10% discount code : 3LITTLEPLUMS using above link

California baby sensitive
8.5 oz for $17.99

Attitude 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash
16 fl Oz for $14.95

Made of
10 oz for $12.99 at Target

Earth Mama Organics Simply Non-Scents Castile Baby Wash
5.3 oz for $15.20

Kiss kiss goodnight Prebiotic jelly to milk cleanser and Balm to Milk Baby Wash
4.4 fl oz for $25
Use discount code AIDASPICKS for 15% off

Pipette fragrance free Baby Shampoo + Wash
Hypoallergenic wash
11.8 oz for $8.99

Under Luna HShampoo
8 oz for $36

Baeo baby bare bar
$23 for 4 oz

Use discount code “AIDAPICKS”

Carina organics
8.4 oz for $15

Aleavia Enzymatic Body Cleanse | Prebiotic Body Wash
ALEAVIA
16 pz for $24