Myth about baby shampoo.
Why Johnson’s Baby Shampoo Is NOT a Substitute for Body Wash (Even with Oils Added)
There’s a growing trend online recommending people ditch body wash and “just use baby shampoo with some rosehip and apricot oil.” On the surface, it sounds harmless, even clever. But let’s break this down with real formulation science and skin physiology.
MYTH:
"Instead of buying expensive shower gels, just use baby shampoo and add oils like rosehip or apricot. It’s cheaper and more natural."
FACT:
It doesn’t work like that. Skin is an organ, not a kitchen bench. Here’s why this DIY hack is fundamentally flawed:
1. pH Mismatch Damages Skin Barrier
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo pH: ~7.0 (alkaline)
Healthy skin pH: 4.5–5.5 (acidic)
Baby shampoo is designed to match the pH of tear fluid, not skin. Adult body skin thrives in an acidic environment to support its microbiome, enzymatic activity, and barrier repair. Using a higher pH product repeatedly raises the skin’s surface pH, weakening its barrier and making it more prone to irritation, dryness, and infection.
2. Surfactants Are Not Created Equal
Johnson’s uses ultra-mild surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine, intended to gently clean a baby’s scalp, not effectively cleanse adult skin that deals with sweat, pollution, SPF, keratin build-up, and sebum.
A quality body wash is formulated with synergistic surfactant systems designed to clean while preserving lipid structure, especially in sensitive or compromised skins. It also accounts for rinsability and residue control.
3. Adding Oils ≠ Efficacy
Throwing in a bit of rosehip or apricot oil might sound nourishing, but:
Oils do not emulsify into the shampoo without a proper emulsifier. They separate.
Oils added post-formulation are not preserved, risking bacterial and fungal growth, especially in a warm shower.
Without proper delivery systems, oils won’t penetrate or replenish skin lipids. They just sit on the surface and can actually trap debris.
4. No Functional Skin Benefits
Baby shampoo is not designed to:
Reduce inflammation
Restore barrier lipids
Address keratosis pilaris, eczema, or acne
Hydrate effectively through the stratum corneum
5. You Can’t Hack Formulation Chemistry
Formulating skincare isn’t guesswork. It’s chemistry, microbiology, dermatology, and biophysics working together. As professional cosmetic chemists, we formulate based on delivery, stability, skin integrity, and performance, not on “cheap hacks.” Written by Jacine Trummon.