Baby Shampoo + Body Wash
Cleanest Baby Wash
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Only 13 ingredients — one of the most minimalist baby washes available
- +EWG Verified with dermatologist and pediatrician approval
- +Proprietary sugarcane-derived squalane moisturizes during the cleansing step
- +Completely fragrance-free with zero synthetic or natural scent additives
- +Sugar-derived surfactants are among the gentlest cleansing agents in cosmetic chemistry
- +Suitable for newborns, eczema-prone babies, and adults with sensitive skin
- −Pump bottle can be awkward to operate one-handed during bath time
- −Thinner consistency and less lather than conventional baby washes
- −More expensive than mass-market baby wash brands
- −11.8 oz bottle depletes faster than larger competitor bottles
- −Limited availability compared to ubiquitous drugstore baby brands
The full review.
About Pipette
Amyris is a biotech company known for brewing squalane from sugarcane instead of extracting it from shark livers. Their adult skincare brand, Biossance, built a cult following on that innovation. When the scientists behind those clean adult products examined the baby products aisle, they found a paradox: the gentlest marketed products often had the least transparent ingredient lists. Pipette is their answer—a baby care line using the same ingredient rigor as their adult skincare, starting with this shampoo and body wash.
Formula
The formula is simple. Thirteen ingredients. This is not marketing fluff; the full INCI list fits on a Post-it note. Water. Three sugar-derived surfactants. Glycerin. Glycolipids. Squalane. A pH adjuster. A conditioning agent. Three preservatives. A chelating agent. That is the entire product. While baby washes routinely contain twenty to forty ingredients including synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, Pipette’s minimalism shows what a baby wash actually needs.
Reality
The cleansing system uses decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside—sugar-derived, non-ionic surfactants that are among the mildest cleanser types in cosmetic chemistry. Unlike sulfate-based surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate) that strip the skin’s lipid barrier, these sugar-based alternatives clean through gentler mechanisms that preserve infant skin’s developing barrier function. This matters for babies, whose stratum corneum is still maturing and whose skin pH is still stabilizing.
Glycolipids add a third biosurfactant dimension—naturally occurring molecules that combine sugar and lipid structures to clean while supporting the skin’s lipid architecture. This is an unusually sophisticated surfactant choice for a baby wash, reflecting the biotech expertise of Amyris’s formulators.
Squalane is the headline ingredient and Pipette’s direct inheritance from Biossance. Sugarcane-derived squalane is molecularly identical to the squalene human skin naturally produces as a key component of the lipid barrier. In a baby wash, this means the cleansing step deposits moisture instead of just removing dirt. This differs from conventional baby washes that clean effectively but leave skin needing immediate moisturization. After rinsing this product, baby skin feels soft rather than tight or squeaky.
Glycerin—the most well-studied humectant in dermatology—provides additional moisture retention during the wash. The combination of glycerin pulling water into the skin surface and squalane providing emollient lipid protection creates a dual hydration system for babies prone to dryness or eczema.
The formula is fragrance-free. It has no essential oils, no synthetic fragrances, and no ‘natural scent.’ Most baby washes—even those marketed as gentle—include fragrance. For babies with eczema, contact dermatitis risk, or developing immune systems that do not need extra chemical exposure, fragrance-free is the appropriate standard.
The preservation system uses sodium benzoate and sodium dehydroacetate—mild, widely used preservatives that maintain product safety without parabens or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. The EWG Verified mark confirms every ingredient meets their strictest safety criteria, providing third-party validation in a market where ‘clean’ claims are often self-defined.
How to Use
The wash dispenses as a clear, slightly viscous liquid that foams into a modest lather. Parents used to the thick, bubbly foam of conventional baby washes may feel the product is not ‘doing enough.’ This is a recalibration of expectations: the voluminous lather of sulfate-based products is a sensory experience, not a measure of cleaning efficacy. This product cleans thoroughly—dirt, drool, food, and diaper residue wash away—without the theatrical foam.
Packaging
The pump bottle is functional but some parents find it awkward to operate with one hand while holding a squirming baby. This is a minor packaging consideration for bath time.
Price
At $11.99 for 11.8 fl oz, Pipette costs more than mass-market baby washes (Johnson’s, Aveeno Baby, etc.) but less than luxury baby brands. The price reflects EWG Verified certification, biotech-derived squalane, and the 13-ingredient formula. For parents wanting a cleaner option after reading conventional baby wash ingredient lists, this is one of the most transparent options available.
Works for
Many adults with sensitive or reactive skin use this as a body wash. The ultra-gentle surfactant system, squalane, and lack of fragrance make it suitable for anyone whose skin struggles with conventional cleansers—from post-procedure care to severe eczema management.
Summary
Pipette did not invent baby wash. They applied biotech-level ingredient rigor to a category that relied on tradition and marketing. Thirteen ingredients. Zero fragrance. EWG Verified. Sugarcane squalane. This baby wash is a mission statement—and for parents wanting the absolute minimum between their baby’s skin and a clean ingredient list, it delivers.
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water/Aqua/Eau, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Glycolipids, Squalane, Citric Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Gluconate
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
The surfactant system in this formula — decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside — uses the gentlest class of cleansing agents in cosmetic chemistry. Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) are non-ionic surfactants from glucose and fatty alcohols. Studies in the International Journal of Toxicology confirm their low irritation potential, even at high concentrations. Because they are non-ionic, they lack the charge that makes anionic surfactants (sulfates) strip lipids — a benefit for gentle cleansing instead of aggressive degreasing.
Infant skin requires this ultra-gentle approach due to unique dermatological needs. Research in Pediatric Dermatology shows neonatal skin has a thinner stratum corneum, higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and a developing acid mantle compared to adult skin. The skin barrier takes 12-18 months to fully mature; during this time, harsh surfactants can disrupt barrier development and increase sensitization risk.
Squalane works as a cleansing-step moisturizer because it is biocompatible with human skin. Squalene (the unsaturated precursor) makes up approximately 12% of human skin surface lipids, and the hydrogenated squalane used here mimics this natural component. Studies show topical squalane application improves skin hydration markers and reduces TEWL — benefits that matter when a cleansing step might otherwise compromise the lipid barrier.
Research supports the humectant and barrier-supportive properties of the glycerin component. Studies in the British Journal of Dermatology show glycerin penetrates the stratum corneum and maintains hydration for long periods. In a rinse-off product like this baby wash, glycerin's rapid skin penetration during the brief contact period provides hydrating benefits even after rinsing.
Dermatologist Perspective
Pediatric dermatologists recommend fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansers for infant skin, especially for babies with eczema or atopic dermatitis. Board-certified dermatologists call the sugar-derived surfactant system in this formula the gold standard for gentle cleansing, noting that the squalane provides moisturizing benefits most baby washes lack. Dermatologists emphasize that the developing infant skin barrier is more permeable and susceptible to disruption than adult skin, making the minimalist ingredient approach — fewer ingredients means fewer potential sensitizers — a sound dermatological strategy.
Where it fits in your routine.
Dispense a small amount onto hands or a washcloth during bath time. Gently lather over baby's wet skin and hair, avoiding direct contact with eyes (though the formula is tear-free). Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Can be used daily for bath time. Follow with Pipette Baby Lotion or another gentle moisturizer if baby has dry or eczema-prone skin. A little goes a long way — one to two pumps is typically sufficient for a full baby bath.
At $11.99 for 11.8 fl oz, Pipette costs about 2-3x more per ounce than mass-market baby washes like Johnson's or Aveeno Baby. This price covers EWG Verified certification, biotech-derived squalane, zero fragrance, 13 ingredients, and sugar-based surfactants instead of sulfates. For parents who want ingredient transparency and minimal chemical exposure for their infant, this clean baby care product offers strong value. The formula also works as a gentle adult body wash, extending its use beyond the nursery.
Parents seeking the cleanest, most transparent baby wash for newborns and infants—especially those with sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin—will find this ideal. It also works for adults with very sensitive skin needing an ultra-gentle fragrance-free body wash, and parents who prioritize EWG Verified products and minimal ingredient lists.
Parents who want thicker, high-lather baby washes, those on a budget using mass-market baby washes, or anyone who wants scented bath products for their baby's bath time experience (a scented version is available separately).
Product details.
Clear, slightly viscous liquid that lathers into a gentle, creamy foam. Thinner than conventional baby washes but produces adequate lather.
Completely fragrance-free — no natural or synthetic scent
Recyclable BPA-free plastic pump bottle. 11.8 fl oz / 351 mL. Also available in a Vanilla + Ylang Ylang scented version.
The wash is a clear, lightweight liquid that foams into a gentle lather. Parents used to thick, heavily fragranced baby washes may find this minimal. Skin and hair feel clean and soft after rinsing, without the squeaky-clean feeling that shows over-stripping.
1-2 months with daily baby bath use
12 months
All Year
The backstory.
Pipette was born from a frustration shared by the scientists at Amyris, the biotech company behind Biossance. Having developed sugarcane-derived squalane as a skin-identical moisturizer for adult skincare, they realized that baby products — which should be the safest of all — were lagging behind in ingredient transparency and formulation quality. Pipette launched in 2019 with a commitment to using the fewest possible ingredients from the purest sources, with every product meeting EWG's stringent verification standards.
About Pipette
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)Amyris, Inc. launched Pipette in 2019. This biotech parent company also owns Biossance. Pipette uses Amyris's proprietary sugarcane-derived squalane and has EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, dermatologist-tested, and pediatrician-approved certifications. Every product uses minimal ingredients from pure sources.
Common myths.
Baby wash must create a thick, bubbly lather to clean effectively
Lather is a sensory cue, not a measure of cleaning efficacy. The sugar-derived surfactants in this formula clean as effectively as sulfate-based alternatives but are gentler on the skin barrier. The moderate lather this product produces removes dirt, drool, and food from baby skin and hair.
All baby products are automatically gentle and safe
Many conventional baby washes use sulfates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives that irritate developing skin. Pipette's 13-ingredient formula, EWG Verified status, and zero fragrance set a higher standard for formulation minimalism than most mainstream baby brands.
FAQ.
Is Pipette Baby Shampoo safe for newborns?
Yes — the formula is dermatologist tested, pediatrician approved, hypoallergenic, and EWG Verified. It uses only 13 ingredients — all plant-derived and fragrance-free — making it one of the safest baby washes for newborn skin. The sugar-based surfactants are among the gentlest cleansing agents.
Is Pipette good for eczema-prone babies?
This fragrance-free, sulfate-free, minimalist formula works for eczema-prone skin. Squalane moisturizes during cleansing, and sugar-derived surfactants disrupt the skin barrier of eczema-prone babies less. Always use an eczema-appropriate moisturizer after bathing.
Is Pipette Baby Wash tear-free?
Yes — the formula is tear-free. The mild, non-ionic sugar-based surfactants (decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside) have lower eye irritation potential than traditional anionic surfactants. No baby wash is completely sting-free if it gets directly into the eyes.
Can adults use Pipette Baby Shampoo?
Many adults with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin use Pipette as a body wash or facial cleanser. The ultra-gentle surfactant system and squalane help skin that reacts to conventional body washes. The fragrance-free formula works for anyone with scent sensitivities.
What is the squalane in Pipette Baby Wash?
Pipette uses sugarcane-derived squalane, the same proprietary ingredient used by Biossance. Squalane mimics natural skin lipids to provide moisture during cleansing. This squalane is plant-derived, sustainable, and skin-identical, unlike the mineral oil or petroleum-derived alternatives in many baby products.
What the community says.
"Gentle enough for newborn skin"
"Leaves skin soft without dryness"
"Minimal, transparent ingredient list"
"Good lather despite being sulfate-free"
"No fragrance or irritating additives"
"Pump can be difficult to use with one hand during bath time"
"More expensive than mass-market baby washes"
"Thinner consistency than some parents prefer"
"Only 11.8 oz bottle which depletes faster than larger competitors"
