How Effective is Baby Shampoo on Adults?

Have you ever wondered if adults can use baby shampoo? Let’s explore how effective these formulas are when it comes to cleansing and caring for adult hair and what you can expect when using baby shampoo.

Is It Okay to Use Baby Shampoo on Adults?

Short answer: yes! Most baby shampoos feature very mild detergent that doesn't irritate eyes or skin. In fact, baby shampoo is often used by adults with dry hair or dry scalps as a gentle way to wash their hair without harsh chemicals or ingredients.

The Science Behind Using Baby Shampoo on Adults

Baby shampoos are formulated with gentle surfactants that are less irritating to the skin and eyes, as well as little to no perfumes, preservatives, or color additives. Their formulas are also heavily diluted with water. This results in a gentle, mild formula that won’t exacerbate allergies or skin sensitivities.

Adult shampoos are formulated for adult skin and feature a more acidic pH level, while baby shampoos are closer to a neutral pH level of 6-7. Adult shampoos are also more likely to have sulfates and harsher surfactants to create lather.

What Kind of Baby Shampoo Works Best for Adults?

Look for these ingredients or formulas if you’re thinking about using baby shampoo on adult hair.

For Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, look for baby shampoos that have a "no tear" formula. These shampoos are typically free of artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, or parabens, and they're often hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

For Dry Skin or Scalp

Look for baby shampoos that use mild, nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera and glycerin, which lock in moisture and hydrate skin and scalps. 

Baby Shampoo vs. Regular Shampoo

What are the differences between these two products? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each to learn which one can work best for you.

• Gentle Ingredients

Baby shampoo is made for delicate skin and hair, which means milder formulas and sensitive ingredients. This is ideal for adults with sensitive skin or dry scalps, but if you're looking to target specific issues such as dandruff or thinning hair, choose an adult shampoo that has been specifically formulated for these conditions.

• Less Effective On Oily Scalps

Since babies produce limited amounts of sebum, baby shampoos only need mild cleansing agents. Since babies produce limited amounts of sebum, baby shampoos only need mild cleansing agents. If you have oily hair, you may need a stronger cleaning formula to effectively clean an oily scalp.

• More Shampoo Required

Because of their gentle, mild formulations, adults may often need to use more baby shampoo to achieve good results, as opposed to regular shampoo which is created with adult hair in mind.