For daily bathtime, the honest company shampoo and body wash offers a tear-free, 2-in-1 cleanser designed for sensitive baby skin and fine hair. Most parents use two pump presses per bath to clean an infant comfortably. This formula balances plant-derived cleaning agents with soothing moisture, but choosing the right scent and bottle size depends on your child’s skin tendencies.
Table of Contents
How to use this shampoo and body wash
This product is a liquid cleanser that combines baby shampoo and body soap in a single bottle. It cleans the scalp, hair, and body without stripping away natural moisture. The formula is made for babies, toddlers, and adults who have easily irritated skin.
A common myth is that plant-based washes don’t clean as well as conventional soaps. In reality, plant-based surfactants bind directly to surface oils and lift them off the skin when rinsed with water. This wash creates a mild lather rather than a dense foam, which protects the skin barrier. The trade-off is simple: you won’t get huge, bubbly suds like traditional washes, but you avoid harsh drying agents.
Who this is NOT for: older kids or adults who use heavy styling waxes or silicone hair oils, since this formula can’t strip away heavy product buildup.
The basic method
- Run warm bath water between 98°F and 100°F, checking the temperature with your wrist or a bath thermometer.
- Wet your baby’s hair and body using a small cup or a damp cotton washcloth.
- Dispense one pump (about a nickel-sized amount) into your hands for washing the body.
- Rub your palms together for three seconds to spread the wash, then gently massage your baby’s torso, arms, and legs.
- Apply a second dime-sized pump to your hands and gently work it through wet hair from front to back.
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with clean water for roughly 20 to 30 seconds, taking care to shield the eyes with your free hand.
- Wrap your baby in a dry towel immediately and pat the skin dry without rubbing roughly.
The single judgement call that separates a good result from a bad one is water temperature. If the water runs too hot, the skin dries out regardless of how gentle the wash is; if it’s too cool, the cleanser doesn’t rinse away cleanly. If your baby develops severe, weeping skin flare-ups, stop home washing experiments and consult a licensed pediatrician.
Key numbers and settings at a glance
Bathtime routines shift as a child grows, so adjusting your wash amounts keeps skin healthy.
| Situation | What to use | How long | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn sponge bath | 1 small pea-sized drop on wet cloth | 2 to 3 minutes | Chilling or shivering |
| Infant tub bath | 1 to 2 pumps total | 5 to 10 minutes | Dry patches on knees |
| Toddler regular wash | 2 to 3 full pumps | 10 to 15 minutes | Soap left behind ears |
| Sensitive scalp flare-up | 1 pump of Fragrance-Free | 2 minutes on scalp | Redness along hairline |
| Post-swim chlorine rinse | 2 pumps Sweet Orange Vanilla | 3 to 4 minutes | Lingering chemical smell |
What separates good results from bad ones
Preparation and Application Order
Parents who get the best results always wash the hair last. Baby scalps lose heat quickly when wet, so washing hair at the start leaves your child shivering during the rest of the bath. Start with the neck and torso, wash the diaper area next, and finish with the head right before taking your baby out.
Rinsing and Skin Checks
Check the skin folds around the neck, thighs, and behind the ears while rinsing. Soap residue left in these folds traps moisture and causes chafing. A common mistake people actually make is leaving dried cleanser around the neck folds; it costs them days of treating red, irritated raw spots with diaper creams. Don’t scrub the skin with rough sponges—gentle hands or a soft muslin cloth work best.
Common problems and quick fixes
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Flaky, dry scalp after drying | Water was too hot or soap wasn’t fully rinsed | Lower bath temp and rinse for 15 seconds longer |
| Red bumps on the chest | Skin reacted to added scent oils | Switch to the Fragrance-Free bottle version |
| Hair feels sticky after bathing | Too much wash used for the hair volume | Cut amount to half a pump next time |
| Baby rubs eyes during rinse | Water carried soap directly into eye area | Wipe eyes immediately with a wet, soap-free cloth |
Product safety standards
Baby washes sold in the United States must comply with personal care regulations overseen by the government. The FDA cosmetic safety regulations govern product labeling, ingredient safety, and manufacturing cleanliness for cleansers sold across state lines. Honest formulates this product without sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or phthalates. If an infant swallows a large volume of bath soap or develops hives, contact the national Poison Control center or visit an urgent care center immediately.
Bottle storage and care
Store the bottle on an upright shelf outside the direct shower stream. Water seeping into the pump spout can dilute the bottle contents over time. The company stamps a period-after-opening symbol on the packaging, which shows how many months the product remains fresh once unsealed; check the label on your bottle. If the formula changes color, turns watery, or smells sour, throw it away and open a new bottle.
When to use a different approach
This gentle wash isn’t suitable for treating medical skin conditions. If your infant has active cradle cap with thick, greasy yellow scales, this everyday cleanser won’t break up the crusts; use an over-the-counter cradle cap shampoo with salicylic acid or pyrithione zinc instead. If a child has severe atopic eczema with broken, bleeding skin, skip scented cleansers entirely and switch to a soap-free, non-foaming cleansing oil.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults use this shampoo and body wash?
Yes, adults can use this wash for daily face, body, and hair cleaning. It cleans effectively without stripping natural sebum, making it helpful for adults who struggle with easily irritated skin. However, it won’t remove heavy silicone hair serums or long-wear makeup.
Is the honest company shampoo and body wash tear-free?
Yes, this wash uses an eye-safe, tear-free formula tested by dermatologists and pediatricians. While it won’t sting like regular adult soaps if some splashes into the eyes, you should still rinse your child’s eyes with fresh water if direct contact occurs.
How long does an 8.5-ounce bottle last?
About six to eight weeks when bathing an infant three times weekly using two pumps per bath. If you bathe your baby daily or use it on an older child with thicker hair, expect the bottle to last roughly four weeks.
Why does the wash look cloudy?
Temperature fluctuations can cause certain ingredients in the formula to become cloudy or slightly thick. This natural separation doesn’t affect product safety. Simply place the closed bottle in a bowl of warm tap water for three minutes to clear it up.
What happens if you use too much wash?
Using too much wash leaves a light, filmy coating on the hair and skin that attracts lint. It also takes longer to rinse away completely, extending bathtime and drying out your baby’s skin barrier. Stick to one or two pumps per bath.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still unsure, grab a small trial bottle first to see how your little one’s skin reacts. It’s a gentle way to test if the formula fits your routine before committing to a larger size. You’ll feel much better once you’ve found the perfect match for their delicate bath time.
Related guides
