We Ask a Dermatologist: What’s the Difference Between Kid and Adult Shampoo?

Dr. Thy Huynh, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist and a member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. She is also an assistant professor in both dermatology and pediatrics and a full faculty member at the School of Graduate Studies in Health Science at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her research includes alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis and skin trends among others.

Not necessarily—as long as you check the ingredient list to see what’s included in the product, Dr. Huynh explains. Shampoos are typically made of four key ingredients: surfactants (this is what cleans and removes grease from your hair), conditioning agents (for hydration), unique ingredients to target specific hair concerns (a lack of volume and dryness, for example) and fragrances (so they smell nice). As long as you choose a family shampoo that’s both hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free—i.e. the shampoo has fewer allergy-inducing ingredients, which minimizes irritation—it should be A-OK for kids and adults to use the same product.

According to Dr. Huynh, the key difference between a kid’s shampoo and an adult’s is that a kid’s shampoo is much gentler and contain fewer harsh ingredients (i.e., things like phthalates, parabens, sulfates and fragrances). The result is a milder formula, which is better designed for developing skin. After all, a baby or child’s skin barrier is much thinner and more sensitive than an adult’s. A kid’s shampoo is also much less likely to strip away natural oils or cause irritation and dryness.

Yes! Kid’s shampoo is especially great for adults who might be navigating sensitive skin or scalp issues like the sudden onset of eczema or chronic dryness, says Dr. Huynh. What’s especially beneficial about kid’s shampoo is that the pH level is closer to the natural levels on our scalp, so it’s easier to maintain a better balance and scalp health over time. (Note: Many adult shampoos are alkaline—meaning their pH is higher than 7—which can cause ultimately cause irritation.)

It is. You’ll find when regularly using a kid’s shampoo that it’s less drying and irritating, while still properly cleaning your hair. (It may also require a bit more product to get a thorough cleanse since it’s a milder formula.) Adults can also expect fewer bells and whistles when it comes to targeting specific hair concerns. In other words, a kid’s shampoo probably won’t improve thinning or color-stripped hair, just two examples. Many kid’s shampoos also tend to use natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile and calendula to aid your hair’s natural moisture balance.

Ideally, you’ll wait until your kids are grade-school age to start using adult shampoo on them, says Dr. Huynh. “You especially want to avoid adult shampoo on toddlers if they have sensitive skin or eczema,” she explains. “Adult shampoos are more acidic and drying.” Her recommendation is to start using them sparingly for a good rinse, but only after they hit elementary school. And if you’re scanning the labels quickly for ingredients to avoid, look out for cocamidopropyl betaine, fragrances, formaldehydes and methylchloroisothiaszolinone, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Parent editors at PureWow—myself included—have tested a range of baby and kid shampoos over the years. A few favorites that meet the criteria outlined by Dr. Huynh include Pipette’s Baby Shampoo & Wash ($20), which is hypoallergenic, moisturizing and available to buy sans fragrance. It’s also made with plant-derived ingredients such as squalane, which gives hair a hydration boost. Another go-to: California Baby Super-Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash ($18), which is designed for babies, kids and adults with sensitive skin.

Bottom line: You can borrow from your kid’s shampoo in the shower and may see improved results for your own hair and scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin. On the flip side, babies and kids should ideally stick with products that are specifically made for them since their skin barrier is still developing.