yes, for most babies. California Kids calendula shampoo and bodywash is a mild wash you can use on hair and body, and it’s made for sensitive skin. Quick heads up, though: it’s really the California Baby calendula wash. A few shops just list it as “Kids.”
Table of Contents
If you’re pregnant and your baby list is getting long, this is one of those things that keeps popping up. So let me walk through it like I’d explain it to a friend.
The wash is plant-based. The brand says it has a 100% bio-based USDA certification, which basically means everything in it except the water comes from plants. For cleaning, it uses soap bark and plant-based glucosides, not the harsh stuff. One doctor-led review said it’s free of sulfates and fake fragrance. The smell is lavender and clary sage, and it’s pretty light.
Calendula is the main thing. It’s a marigold flower, and people have rubbed it on skin for hundreds of years. In Europe, the medicines regulator has approved calendula extracts as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation. There’s aloe in the bottle too, which is why people reach for it when baby’s skin looks dry or a little red.
Now, is it safe for a newborn? The brand says yes, and a pediatrician’s review found it gentle enough for the newest baby’s hair, face and body. But every baby is different, so please do a patch test. Dab a little on the inside of baby’s arm. Wait a day. If the skin looks normal, you’re good to go. Calendula is related to daisies, and one study found about 2% of dermatitis patients reacted to marigold. Not common, but you’d want to know before you wash a whole baby. And if your little one has eczema, talk to your pediatrician first.
How you bathe matters too. Use a small squirt, not a big glug. Use warm water, not hot. And skip the daily bath. The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies only need a few baths a week, because too much washing dries out their skin, even with a gentle soap. Lots of doctors also like a plain moisturizer right after bath time while the skin’s still a bit damp.
People who use it mostly like how easy it is. One bottle, whole baby. That’s less clutter on the bath shelf and one fewer thing to buy. One reviewer said it lathers nicely and still soothes the skin.
What do they not like? Not much, honestly. Some people say the bottle runs out fast. Others don’t love lavender. If that’s you, there’s an unscented Super Sensitive version from the same brand.
Quick FAQs
Can adults use it?
Yes. It’s made for the whole family.
Can I wash baby’s face with it?
The brand says it’s fine for the face. Just keep it out of the eyes.
Is it sulfate-free?
The brand says so, and the review I mentioned agrees.
How often?
Whenever you give a bath, which is usually just a few times a week.