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Is baby shampoo antibacterial?

Is baby shampoo antibacterial?

Baby shampoos are mild washing products meant to be used on the hair and scalp of a baby. Since babies have delicate skin, these shampoos do not contain any chemical or other ingredient likely to cause discomfort to the baby's scalp. But are baby shampoos antibacterial, too? Let's find out.

What is Antibacterial?

Antibacterial means that which can be active against, or have resistance to, bacteria. Antibacterial materials contain some type of chemical that will reduce the amounts of bacteria in existence or prevent them from replicating. Some conventional antibacterial substances used in skin care products are triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, and benzethonium chloride.


Difference Between Baby Shampoo and Regular Shampoo

Though the usual hair shampoos wash the hair, they use sulfate and parabens to increase foam formation and enhance preservation. These elements can damage hair by removing its natural coat of oils and causing inflammation to sensitive skin.  


On the other hand, baby shampoos are hypoallergenic, gentle products that do not contain these unfriendly chemicals. They use mild soaps to wash a baby's thin hair as well as the baby's sensitive scalp. Of course, baby shampoos also do not have an acidic or alkaline content; instead, they mirror water to not interfere with the infant's scalp's pH.

Are Baby Shampoos Antibacterial?

Popular brands of baby shampoos do not contain triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in many products. Instead, they use mild natural products such as corn cob and coconut to wash hair without using harsh chemicals to strip it. Their formulas also do not contain chemicals that can prove abrasive to a baby's eyes and skin.

But some baby shampoos have antibacterial ingredients such as Citricidal or botanicals that can kill bacteria. Still, the baby shampoo is gentle on the hair.

Using Antibacterial Baby Shampoo

Suppose you want to use an antibacterial baby shampoo. In that case, they are commercially for sale with natural products like botanical extracts and essential oils to kill bacteria. People should avoid using the shampoo because it causes an allergic reaction that may result in skin rashes.

Even though antibacterial in baby shampoos kills germs that cause infection, use it sparingly to avoid building resistance among bacteria in the long run. Periodically require it, not daily usage is best for this tool.

Gentle Alternatives

In fact, the baby shampoos come with a mild formulation that is safe for the baby's tender scalp and skin without adding antibacterial. They effectively clean hair and wash it out easily without removing hair's sebum.

Apart from shampooing with an ultra-mild baby wash, other ways to keep germs at bay include:

  • Commercially known as scalp stimulation, where by scrubbing the hair with a soft brush when washing with shampoo to remove dirt and oils which may breed bacteria. 
  • Switch between rinsing with lukewarm water rather than hot water while shampooing. 
  • Wringing instead of rubbing the wet hair with a towel
  • Bathing without using hot water after wash or, allowing hair to dry naturally other than using hairdryer.
  • Shearing hair frequently, wash hair accessories and replacing brushes to avoid build-up of bacteria over several days.  

When to Use an Antibacterial Baby Shampoo

While regular baby shampoo suits most needs, an antibacterial formulation can help when:

  • When your baby has a minor skin complaint such as cradle cap where bacteria make the symptoms worse.
  • Relatively rarely, your baby gets occasional bacterial or fungal scalp infections 
  • You want to ensure hair and scalp get a clean slate after contact with sickness, especially during flu season.
  • You reside in hot and humid climates where bacteria grow more quickly.  

However, before you use antibacterial baby wash for such cases, it is advisable to consult your paediatrician. Though antibacterial parts can kill germs that cause infection, they may not be appropriate for all the newborns. 

Issues with Normal Antibacterial Shampoo You Might Be Wondering?

Frequent use of antibacterial shampoos has severe cleansing agents and chemicals supposed to be used on an adult and not safe for babies' scalp. 

Common issues with using a regular antibacterial shampoo on babies include:

  • Interfering with the ph balance of a baby's hair and the scalp
  • Leading to allergic reactions 
  • Parabens and sulphates are other chemicals which used in a body product, are too harsh for a baby.  
  • Touching the eyes by mistake and getting it into the eyes – stinging sensation.

While it may be helpful in antibacterial properties, it is dangerous for baby’s sensitive skin and even their hair. Do not use strong products, which should only be reserved for children's skin.

In Conclusion

Baby shampoos are mild wash for children having antibacterial functions perhaps the triclosan in most cases. Its nature makes it suitable for most baby’s sensitive scalps. However, some of the baby shampoo brands extracts that have bactericidal properties and are ideal for occasional use. Antibacterial washes can be effective in controlling minor infections but should not be overused and parents should always seek advice from your paediatrician with regard to what baby products are advisable to use. The shampoos of choice should be a baby wash without antibacterial and only the gentle baby wash for the hair and scalp for everyday use.

About Ajay Kakar

Mr. Ajay Kakar is an expert in dermatology with extensive experience. His expertise lies in the realm of essential oils and carrier oils, and he understands how these natural oils can work wonders for our skin and body. With a forward-thinking mindset, he has been a pioneer in introducing groundbreaking skincare products. Mr. Kakar is a dedicated entrepreneur who believes in the importance of focus, vision, strategy, development, innovation, and top-notch quality. His commitment to improving skincare through innovation is truly remarkable.

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