Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash Review

Overview

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is a 2-in-1 liquid cleanser designed to work as both baby shampoo and body wash. It is marketed as 98 to 99 percent natural origin, pediatrician tested, and free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS. For many parents, it sits in the sweet spot between conventional drugstore washes and more expensive boutique natural brands.

The formula is based on mild, plant-derived surfactants that create a light lather without the strong stripping effect you get from classic sulfates. Burt’s Bees positions this as a tear-free, everyday wash suitable from newborn through toddler and beyond. It comes in a clear, slightly golden liquid with a light, honey-like scent.

In daily use, this shampoo and wash does a solid job of removing sweat, spit-up, and sunscreen without leaving most babies squeaky-dry. Hair tends to feel soft and clean, though long or curly hair will still need a separate conditioner or detangler. The light fragrance is pleasant to many parents, but it is not fragrance-free and may be too noticeable for extremely scent-sensitive households.

Price-wise, Burt’s Bees Baby usually sits in the mid-range. It costs more than basic store-brand baby wash but less than many premium organic lines. Because it is concentrated and works as a head-to-toe product, a single bottle can last several months for one baby if you are not over-pumping.

Overall, it is a practical, gentle option that suits most babies with normal or mildly sensitive skin. The key question is whether its light fragrance and level of moisture match your child’s skin, hair, and your family’s preferences.

Who it’s for

This shampoo and wash is a good fit if you want one bottle that can handle both hair and body without a long ingredient list. It is especially useful for parents who are looking to move away from heavily fragranced mainstream brands but are not ready to spend on high-end natural formulas. If you like a soft, cozy scent during bath time, Burt’s Bees Baby will likely appeal to you.

Babies and toddlers with generally normal skin, or mildly dry skin that responds well to lotion after bath, tend to do best with this product. It can also work for some sensitive-skin kids, because it avoids harsh sulfates and common irritants like phthalates and parabens. Many families also use it interchangeably on older siblings who want something gentler than adult body wash.

There is a fragrance-free version of Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, but the classic formula reviewed here does include a light fragrance. If your child has very reactive, eczema-prone skin, or if anyone in the household is extremely sensitive to scents, you may want to choose the fragrance-free variant or a completely unscented, hypoallergenic baby wash instead.

It is not the best standalone choice for kids with very thick, curly, or easily tangled hair. The formula cleans without heavy conditioning, so those hair types typically need a separate conditioner, leave-in cream, or detangling spray to prevent knots and breakage.

Adults sometimes use this as a gentle body wash or a minimal face cleanser. If you prefer simple, lightly scented products and do not need intense oil removal, it can double as a budget-friendly, family-shared wash.

How it feels and performs

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash has a slightly thick, syrupy texture that pours easily but does not run everywhere the moment it hits your hand. One pump typically dispenses enough for a full baby body wash, especially for infants and small toddlers. It feels silky between the fingers and starts to lather once you add water and friction.

The lather is moderate rather than super foamy. You will see bubbles, but not the big, fluffy suds you might get from traditional sulfate-based cleansers. On the plus side, the mild lather rinses quickly and is easier to remove from fine baby hair, which helps you get bath time done without endless rinsing.

On baby skin, the wash generally feels gentle and non-stripping. After rinsing, most parents notice that skin feels clean but not tight. If you skip lotion, you may still feel some dryness on naturally dry patches like ankles, knees, and cheeks, especially in winter or in homes with dry heating. For best results, it pairs well with a simple, fragrance-free baby lotion right after towel-drying.

On baby hair, it cleans well enough to remove cradle-cap flakes, milk residue, and sunscreen with a bit of gentle massaging. Fine, straight hair usually dries soft and fluffy. Wavy or curly hair can feel a little dry at the ends if you do not follow with a conditioner or detangling spray, since this is not a conditioning shampoo.

The scent is one of the product’s most noticeable features. The original formula has a gentle, warm smell that most people describe as a mix of honey, baby powder, and light botanicals. It is not overpowering and tends to fade as hair and skin dry, but some parents with fragrance sensitivities still find it more noticeable than they prefer in a baby product.

Burt’s Bees advertises this as tear free, and the surfactants are on the mild side. In real-world use, many parents report that it does not cause major eye stinging if a small amount of suds drifts toward the eyes, especially when quickly rinsed. That said, it is not a magic shield against eye irritation. If a concentrated squirt or a lot of lather gets directly into the eyes, most kids will still rub or complain a bit until it is rinsed away.

Rinsing is relatively quick, which matters when you are trying to keep a slippery baby from getting chilled. The wash does not leave a waxy film on the skin, and there is no strong residue on the tub. In hard-water areas, you might notice slightly less lather and a tiny bit more work to fully rinse, but performance remains solid.

The packaging is generally parent-friendly. Common sizes come in a clear plastic bottle with a pump top that can be used one-handed while you support your baby with the other arm. The pump is sturdy and does not tend to clog. As the bottle gets low, you may need to tilt it or remove the pump to get the last bit out.

In terms of value, most families find that a 12-ounce bottle lasts around 2 to 3 months for one baby with regular baths, assuming one to two pumps per bath. If you have multiple kids sharing it or like extra bubbles, you will go through it faster, but it is still fairly economical compared to buying separate shampoo and body wash products.

How to use for best results

For newborns and young infants, start with a very small amount, about the size of a pea or dime, in your hand or on a soft washcloth. Add water to lather lightly, then gently wash the scalp and body, avoiding direct contact with the eyes. Rinse thoroughly, paying extra attention to folds in the neck, thighs, and under the arms where residue can hide.

For toddlers and older babies with more hair, pump the wash into your hands first, lather, then apply to the scalp. This helps distribute it more evenly and reduces the chance of a concentrated squirt landing near the eyes. Massage the scalp gently, especially around any areas with flakes, then rinse until the water runs completely clear.

If your child has dry or eczema-prone skin, keep baths relatively short and lukewarm instead of hot. Use just enough product to get the job done, then rinse well and follow immediately with a fragrance-free moisturizer. This routine helps lock in hydration and can offset any mild drying effect from cleansing.

For kids with longer or curly hair, use Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash mainly at the roots and scalp, then gently pull the suds through to the ends without over-scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a kid-friendly conditioner or a detangling spray to keep hair soft and manageable.

If you plan to share the bottle as an adult, treat it like a gentle body wash or second-step cleanser. It is fine for light daily use, but it may not fully remove heavy makeup, styling products, or thick mineral sunscreens without an additional cleansing step.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Gentle, plant-derived cleansers that are milder than traditional sulfate-based baby washes
• Works as both shampoo and body wash, which simplifies bath time and cuts down on clutter
• Light, cozy honey-baby scent that most families find pleasant and not overpowering
• Pediatrician tested and free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS
• Rinses easily from fine baby hair and delicate skin, which shortens time in the tub
• Parent-friendly pump bottle that can be used with one hand

Cons

• Contains fragrance, so it is not ideal for highly fragrance-sensitive families or some eczema-prone babies
• Moisturizing but not rich, so very dry skin still needs careful follow-up with lotion or cream
• Only lightly conditioning, which means longer or curly hair often requires a separate conditioner or detangler
• Tear-free in marketing, but concentrated product in the eyes can still cause mild irritation
• More expensive than basic store-brand baby washes, although still mid-range overall

Final verdict

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is a strong all-around choice for families who want a gentler, more naturally leaning bath product without going fully fragrance-free or luxury-priced. It cleans effectively, rinses quickly, and usually leaves baby skin and hair soft rather than stripped. The mild honey-like scent makes bath time feel cozy without turning the bathroom into a perfume cloud for most people.

It performs best for babies and kids with normal to mildly dry skin and straightforward hair types. If your child has very reactive, eczema-prone skin, or if your household avoids fragrance entirely, you will want to look at the fragrance-free version or a more specialized gentle wash. Likewise, if your child has long, thick, or highly textured hair, plan on adding a separate conditioner or detangling product.

If you are comfortable with a light scent and want one pump bottle to handle head-to-toe washing, Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is easy to recommend. It is not perfect for every skin concern, but for many families it offers a practical balance of gentle ingredients, pleasant scent, and reasonable value.

See also

If you are comparing this wash with other gentle formulas, start with our guide to gentle kids’ shampoos and body washes parents can use too and see how it lines up against the options in our roundup of best kids body washes for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

• Explore more kids shampoos for sensitive scalps and tangle-free hair if your child struggles with knots or irritation.
• Check out the best fragrance-free baby products that double as adult staples if your household avoids added scents.
• If tangles are a daily battle, see our guide to tear-free detangling sprays for kids to pair with your chosen shampoo.

FAQ

Is Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash safe for newborns?

Yes, Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is labeled as suitable for newborns and is pediatrician tested. The surfactants are on the mild side, and the formula avoids common concerns like parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS. That said, every baby is different, so it is wise to start with a small amount, rinse very thoroughly, and watch for any redness or irritation, especially in the first few uses.

Does Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash work for eczema-prone or very dry skin?

This wash can work for some babies with mild dryness or occasional eczema patches, especially when followed with a good fragrance-free moisturizer. However, it does contain fragrance, which can be a trigger for certain eczema-prone or highly sensitive kids. If your child has frequent flare-ups or very reactive skin, consider the fragrance-free version or a wash specifically marketed for eczema-prone skin, and always check with your pediatrician or dermatologist.

Can adults use Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash too?

Many adults happily use Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash as a gentle body wash, especially if they prefer lighter scents and simpler formulas. It can also work as a basic face or hand wash for normal to slightly dry skin. However, it may not be strong enough to fully remove heavy makeup, thick sunscreens, or a lot of hair styling products on its own, so you might still need a separate cleanser or shampoo for those jobs.

Is Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash truly tear free?

The product is marketed as tear free, and its mild cleansing agents are less likely to sting than harsher shampoos if a little lather drifts near the eyes. In practice, many parents find that minor eye contact causes little or no discomfort, especially when rinsed quickly. Still, if a concentrated amount gets right into the eyes, most children will feel some irritation, so it is best to tilt the head back during rinsing and avoid squirting product directly onto the forehead.

How long does a bottle of Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash last, and is it worth the price?

For one baby taking regular baths, a standard 12-ounce bottle typically lasts about 2 to 3 months if you use one or two pumps per bath. Families with multiple kids will go through it faster, but it can still be more economical than buying separate shampoo and body wash for each child. Given the gentle formula, solid performance, and head-to-toe convenience, many parents feel that the mid-range price is justified, especially if the product works well with their child’s skin and hair.

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