History of Baby Shampoo

Shampoo is a cleaning agent used to remove dirt and oils from hair. Baby shampoo is a mild gentle shampoo that is specially formulated to be less harsh on baby skin. The concentration of chemicals and the ingredients used are such that babies do not have adverse reactions. Since babies do not get very dirty, baby shampoo is perfect for washing their hair without causing damage.

History of shampoo

The word shampoo is derived from an Indian word champi which means massage. This kind of head massage was first introduced by an entrepreneur called Sake Dean Mohamed in England. At first, soap was widely used to wash hair but users did not appreciate the build up it caused. Shampoo was developed when soap makers started boiling soap and water together with herbs and fragrance to add a sense of luxury.

Baby shampoo

Baby shampoo was developed due to the necessity of having something mild and gentle for babies that was also effective in cleaning their hair gently. Based on the same ingredients used in regular adult shampoos, the formulation in baby shampoos is such that it is not irritating to baby skin. Baby shampoo was first developed by Johnson & Johnson, a company founded by three brothers who also developed Synol soap, the first ever soap to be manufactured for large production.

Formulation of baby shampoo

Though baby shampoo uses regular cleaning agents like sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate, the dilution used is such that the product does not sting the eyes or cause a burning sensation. The pH of baby shampoo is around 6-7, which is in between the pH of adult shampoo and regular soap.

The surfactants used are formulated to be less irritating than those in regular shampoos. Baby shampoos also do not use highly viscous or foam-building agents, which further reduce the sting caused by the shampoo.

Criticism of baby shampoo

Ingredients used in baby shampoos are often criticized for containing carcinogens and toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. According to a study by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, some of the biggest brands, including Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo and Baby Magic lotion, tested positive for 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde, or both. The FDA does not have any safe limits established for these chemicals in shampoos and other cosmetics. However, a study by the FDA in 1982 said that 1,4-dioxane can penetrate human skin when used in lotion and shampoos over a period of time.

Baby shampoo for adults

Baby shampoo has also been used by adults to who want a mild solution for their hair. Damaged adult hair which has been chemically treated or routinely exposed to the sun can benefit through use of baby shampoo since it has low chemical concentration. A common home remedy for treating dandruff in adult hair is washing the hair with baby shampoo, applying oil to the hair, and washing it again with baby shampoo. The low pH in baby shampoo helps in treating the dry scaly scalp and helps in reducing dandruff.