- *MSRP:
$10.99- Our Price:
- $8.80
- Buy: at $8.80
- UPC: 733739082367
- # N8236
NOW Solutions Gentle Baby Shampoo and Wash – Calming Lavender (8 fl. oz. / 237 mL)
NOW Gentle Baby Shampoo and Wash (Calming Lavender) is a tear-free, plant-based 2-in-1 bath wash created specifically for the soft, vulnerable skin and fine hair of infants and toddlers. Instead of using harsh detergents that strip away natural skin oils, this mild wash uses gentle sugar and coconut-derived cleansers blended with certified organic aloe vera, marigold flower (calendula), chamomile, and pure French lavender essential oil. It purifies skin and hair without causing stinging eyes, dryness, or irritation, making daily bath time a calm, restful experience for both parent and child.
Quick Specs Snapshot
- ✓Active Cleansing Base: Non-ionic plant glucosides (decyl, lauryl, and caprylyl/capryl glucoside) paired with organic Aloe barbadensis leaf juice and pure Lavandula angustifolia oil.
- ✓Primary Biological Target: Infant epidermal stratum corneum (outer skin barrier) and delicate scalp acid mantle (pH 5.0–5.5).
- ✓Supply & Value Math: 8 fl. oz. (237 mL) bottle provides approximately 45 to 60 gentle baby baths, requiring just a dime-to-quarter-sized drop per wash.
- ✓Formulation Purity: Dermatologically tested, tear-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and guaranteed free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and harsh sulfates.
"Right-Fit" Buyer's Guide & Cleanser Comparison
Why the Cleansing Form Matters: A baby's outer skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin and loses moisture twice as fast. Mass-market big-box store baby washes commonly rely on cheap synthetic sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and artificial fragrances. These harsh detergents strip away delicate lipids, disrupt your baby's natural acid mantle, and cause dry, itchy patches. NOW uses non-ionic plant glucosides derived from plant sugars and coconut. These gentle cleansers create a soft, soothing foam that lifts surface grime without breaking down your baby's fragile skin shield.
Ideal For Shoppers Who:
- ✓Want a truly gentle, tear-free 2-in-1 wash that cleans both fine hair and sensitive skin in one simple step.
- ✓Seek natural bedtime aromatherapy using authentic steam-distilled French lavender oil rather than chemical lab perfumes that trigger sneezing or skin redness.
- ✓Refuse to expose their child to the hidden chemical contaminants, parabens, and endocrine-disrupting phthalates commonly found in budget supermarket washes.
Consider Another Option If:
- ✘You need a completely scent-free, unscented wash for an infant with a known botanical sensitivity to natural essential oils.
- ✘Your child has a documented contact allergy to the daisy or ragweed plant family (Asteraceae), which includes chamomile and calendula.
- ✘You are looking for an adult heavy-duty clarifying shampoo designed to remove heavy hair sprays and styling pomades.
Risk-Free Assurance: Every bottle is backed by VitaNet®, LLC's unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles, with return shipping covered—so you can test this gentle wash during your baby's nightly bath completely risk-free.
How It Works: Skin Barrier Science & Gentle Plant Biochemistry
Your baby's skin works like a tiny brick wall. The skin cells are the "bricks," and natural protective fats (lipids and ceramides) are the "mortar." If you use harsh cleansers, you wash away that mortar, leaving skin cracked, red, and parched. NOW Gentle Baby Shampoo and Wash supports this barrier through four proven scientific pathways:
1. Sugar-Glucoside Micelle Cleansing (Zero Stripping)
Decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside are made by joining plant glucose (sugar) with fatty alcohols from coconut. In pure water (H2O), these molecules arrange themselves into tiny spheres called micelles. The outer ends love water, while the inner cores trap dirt and excess surface milk oils. Because these sugar molecules have large, mild structures, they lift dirt away cleanly without penetrating deep into skin layers or stripping away essential barrier fats.
2. Botanical Calming (Calendula & Matricaria Chamomile)
Organic calendula (Calendula officinalis) and German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) deliver natural plant flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin. Clinical dermatology research demonstrates that chamomile flavonoids soothe surface skin irritation and help calm reactive redness [1]. Calendula triterpenoids support natural tissue renewal, keeping baby skin supple and resilient against friction from diapers and clothing [2].
3. Deep Barrier Hydration (Organic Aloe & Vegetable Glycerin)
Infant skin loses water into the air rapidly (transepidermal water loss). Pure vegetable glycerin acts as a biological moisture magnet, pulling hydration deep into the epidermis to reinforce barrier flexibility [3]. Working alongside glycerin, organic aloe vera leaf juice delivers acemannan polysaccharides that coat skin cells in a breathable, protective blanket of plant-based hydration.
4. Olfactory-Limbic Bedtime Relaxation (Pure Lavender Oil)
The warm steam of a bath vaporizes natural linalool and linalyl acetate from steam-distilled lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia). When inhaled, these natural aromatic compounds interact with nasal olfactory receptors that send gentle signals directly to the brain's emotional control center (the limbic system). Scientific studies show this soothing pathway down-regulates fight-or-flight signals, lowering evening restlessness and helping ease babies into deep, peaceful sleep [4].
Scientific References:
[1] Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 2010;3(6):895–901.
[2] Preethi, K. C., & Kuttan, R. Wound healing activity of Calendula officinalis flower extract. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 2009;20(1):73–79.
[3] Rawlings, A. V., & Lombard, K. J. A review on moisturising and skin barrier benefits of glycerin. Dermatologic Therapy, 2012;25(3):229–237.
[4] Malcolm, B. J., & Tallian, K. Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time? Mental Health Clinician, 2017;7(4):147–155.
Bathing Routine, Timing & Synergy Protocol
Optimal Bath Timing & Water Temperature: The best time for a calming bath is 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime. Fill the baby tub with comfortably lukewarm water—ideally between 98°F and 100°F (37°C). Water that is too hot pulls natural moisture out of delicate skin and causes redness. Wet your baby's hair and body with warm water, dispense a dime-sized amount into your hands or a soft washcloth, gently lather from head to toe, and rinse clean with fresh water.
Bedtime Circadian Routine Synergy
Babies rely on predictable daily cues to set their internal sleep clocks (circadian rhythms). Pairing warm water with the calming natural aroma of French lavender signals the infant nervous system that daytime play is over and sleep time has arrived.
Smart Synergies & Skin Care Rules
- ✓The "3-Minute Moisture Rule": Immediately after bathing, gently pat your baby dry with a warm cotton towel (never rub hard). Within 3 minutes, while skin is still slightly damp, apply a pure botanical moisturizer like NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil or Baby Lotion to seal in cellular water.
- ✘Avoid Synthetic Soap Additives: Never mix this clean wash with conventional bubble bath liquids that contain sodium laureth sulfate, artificial red/blue dyes, or chemical foam boosters.
Timeline of Expectations
- Bath 1: Rinses clean with zero slippery chemical residue, leaving hair light and soft. Eyes remain comfortable without stinging, and the soft scent of lavender eases nighttime fussiness.
- Weeks 2–4: Noticeable improvement in skin softness. The scalp and cheeks maintain natural moisture balance with far less post-bath flaking, roughness, or red patches.
- Months 2–3+: Long-term skin barrier resilience. Your baby's natural lipid mantle remains fully protected through changing seasons, cold winter indoor heating, and daily developmental stages.
Physical Feel, Aroma & Clean Ingredient Profile
Delivery Format & In-Hand Usability: Packaged in an easy-to-use 8 fl. oz. bottle designed for safe, one-handed dispensing while supporting your baby in the tub. The formula dispenses as a smooth, silky clear gel that builds into a gentle, non-greasy micro-lather upon contact with wet hands.
Natural Scent & Color Notes: Scented exclusively with genuine steam-distilled French lavender oil. It smells soft, herbaceous, and naturally sweet—never pungent, sharp, or artificially cloying like synthetic perfume washes. The liquid has a completely clear to light straw-colored botanical tone with zero synthetic color dyes.
Every Ingredient Demystified in Plain English:
- • Water (Aqua): Ultra-purified, deionized water used as the clean base solvent.
- • Decyl Glucoside & Lauryl Glucoside: Ultra-mild, plant-based cleansing sugars derived from coconut and corn that gently clean without stripping skin lipids.
- • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside: A gentle vegetable-derived foaming surfactant that helps blend botanical oils smoothly into water.
- • Glycerin: A 100% plant-based humectant that draws water from the surrounding air into outer skin layers to prevent dryness.
- • Caprylhydroxamic Acid & Glyceryl Caprylate: A safe, coconut-derived organic acid preservation complex that replaces toxic parabens and phenoxyethanol.
- • Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract: Pure botanical marigold extract that calms tender, chafed skin and supports natural healing.
- • Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract: Pure chamomile blossom extract that comforts sensitive skin and reduces redness.
- • Xanthan Gum: A natural plant carbohydrate used to give the wash a thick, luxurious, non-drip body.
- • Citric Acid: A natural citrus-derived acid used to balance the wash to match your baby's natural skin pH (5.0–5.5).
- • Potassium Sorbate: A food-grade safety mineral salt that prevents the growth of mold and yeast in the bottle.
- • Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil: Pure steam-distilled essential oil that provides natural bedtime relaxation.
- • Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (non-GMO soy): A natural antioxidant vitamin that shields botanical oils against freshness loss.
- • Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder: Certified organic freeze-dried aloe vera leaf juice that soothes and deeply hydrates delicate skin.
Storage & Bottle Stability: Store upright at room temperature (65°F–75°F) away from direct shower spray and excessive bathroom heat. Always snap the cap closed after use to prevent bath water from entering the bottle and diluting the natural preservation system.
Formula Specifications, Lab Testing & Retailer Trust
Below is the complete, transparent ingredient listing verified directly against official manufacturing standards:
| Ingredient Name (INCI Standard) | Origin & Source | Functional Role in Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Water (Aqua) | Deionized Mineral-Free | Pure aqueous liquid base |
| Decyl Glucoside & Lauryl Glucoside | Plant Sugar & Coconut | Ultra-gentle non-ionic primary cleansers |
| Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside | Vegetable Source | Mild foam stabilizer and solubilizer |
| Glycerin | Non-GMO Plant Oil | Skin humectant, locks in hydration |
| Caprylhydroxamic Acid & Glyceryl Caprylate | Coconut Fatty Acids | Clean, paraben-free broad-spectrum safety system |
| Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract | Marigold Blossoms | Skin conditioning, calms chafed skin |
| Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract | German Chamomile Flowers | Botanical comfort, soothes redness |
| Xanthan Gum | Fermented Plant Carbohydrate | Silky gel body and texture builder |
| Citric Acid | Citrus Fermentation | Balances natural skin-friendly pH (5.0–5.5) |
| Potassium Sorbate | Mineral Sorbic Acid Salt | Protects freshness against mold and yeast |
| Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil | Steam-Distilled Blossoms | Pure botanical bedtime aromatherapy |
| Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Non-GMO Soy | Antioxidant lipid stabilizer |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder* | Certified Organic Aloe Vera | Deeply hydrating botanical skin shield |
NOW Foods Lab Testing & Strict Contaminant Constraints
Many parents do not realize that cheap big-box store baby products are frequently made with low-grade ingredients contaminated with heavy metals, residual industrial solvents, and synthetic fragrance extenders. NOW Foods maintains one of the largest private testing complexes in the world, running more than 19,000 analytical tests every month across state-of-the-art facilities certified to the international ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory gold standard:
- ✓Parts-Per-Billion Heavy Metal Screening (ICP-MS): Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, every raw botanical ingredient is tested for toxic elemental contaminants—specifically Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury—detecting impurities down to parts per billion (ppb) to satisfy strict California Proposition 65 limits.
- ✓500+ Multi-Residue Pesticide Clearance: Utilizing Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), raw plant extracts are screened against more than 500 agricultural chemicals to guarantee absolute zero chemical carryover onto your baby's skin.
- ✓Comprehensive Pathogen Safety Screening: Finished production lots undergo complete microbial culture plating to verify the total absence of harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species, alongside strict zero-mold tolerances.
- ✓Lot-Level Public Transparency: You never have to take purity on faith. NOW prints a distinct lot code on every bottle so you can look up your exact Certificate of Analysis (COA) directly at cofa.nowfoods.com.
Why Buy from VitaNet®, LLC?
Founded in 1995 as an independent, family-owned natural health retailer in Hartville, Ohio, VitaNet®, LLC brings over 31 years of dedicated supplement curation and biochemistry expertise directly to your family. When you order from VitaNet, you receive:
- ✓Direct Manufacturer Sourcing: All NOW inventory comes directly from authorized master distributor facilities and is stored in our clean, climate-controlled warehouse—never baked in hot, uncontrolled third-party fulfillment centers.
- ✓Unconditional 100% Money-Back Guarantee: If this wash is not completely right for your baby, we refund 100% of your purchase price and even pay the return shipping costs, even on opened bottles.
- ✓BBB A+ Accredited Family Heritage: We maintain an accredited A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and offer direct telephone support from real, helpful team members based in Hartville, Ohio at (330) 877-8786.
- ✓Volume Discount Pricing: Genuine brand-name products at everyday family savings without middleman markups.
FDA & Product Safety Disclaimer: This cosmetic personal care wash is formulated strictly for external cleansing and topical comfort. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or pediatric skin disease (such as severe atopic eczema or cradle cap). If your child exhibits persistent rashes, cracked skin, or signs of skin infection, consult your pediatrician immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is NOW Gentle Baby Shampoo and Wash truly tear-free for babies?
Yes. The formula has been clinically dermatologically tested and carefully balanced to a mild, skin-compatible pH using plant-derived sugar glucosides instead of stinging ionic sulfates. While it is engineered to be as gentle on infant eyes as pure water, we always recommend using a soft damp washcloth to rinse your baby's forehead and avoiding splashing suds directly into the eyes.