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Johnson's Baby has no products carrying EWG VERIFIED® status. The brand's shampoo and Head-to-Toe wash rate in EWG's moderate hazard band on Skin Deep, with synthetic fragrance and PEG compounds as the primary flagged concerns. That is the answer to the question many parents search, not a verdict on whether to replace products your baby already tolerates well.
Why parents search Johnson's Baby
Johnson's Baby has been in US households for decades, and its "No More Tears" shampoo is one of the most-recognized baby products on the market. When parents hear concerns about ingredient safety in baby products, Johnson's name comes up frequently, partly because of the brand's scale, and partly because of public attention to its formulas over the years. Understanding what EWG's current records say separates useful information from older concerns that may no longer apply to current formulas.
What EWG's Skin Deep database says about Johnson's Baby shampoo and wash
We checked the following EWG Skin Deep listings on September 21, 2026. Skin Deep assigns a hazard band and a data-availability rating based on published ingredient research. These are ingredient-based hazard assessments, not EWG VERIFIED® certification. The two are different things.
| Product | EWG Skin Deep hazard band | EWG record |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Gentle Tear-Free Formula | Moderate hazard | View on EWG Skin Deep |
| Johnson's Head to Toe Wash & Shampoo | Moderate hazard | View on EWG Skin Deep |
Both products rate in the moderate hazard band. EWG's Skin Deep records flag two ingredient categories as the primary concerns in both formulas.
Synthetic fragrance: The ingredient listed as "Fragrance" in both products covers an undisclosed mixture of chemicals. EWG flags it for high allergies and immunotoxicity concern because the specific ingredients behind the fragrance listing are not disclosed in the product formula. This is a general data transparency issue with fragrance labeling, not unique to Johnson's Baby.
PEG compounds: Both formulas contain PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate and PEG-150 Distearate. EWG flags PEG compounds for use restrictions related to potential manufacturing contaminants, specifically 1,4-dioxane, which can be a byproduct of the ethoxylation process used to create these ingredients. EWG's concern is with contamination risk in manufacturing, not with the ingredient itself. The presence of PEG compounds in a product does not confirm that contamination occurred in any specific bottle.
Neither product carries EWG VERIFIED® status. Achieving EWG VERIFIED® requires meeting full ingredient-disclosure requirements and passing manufacturing standards beyond what a Skin Deep score reflects.
A note on Johnson's Baby formula history
Johnson's Baby products received significant scrutiny before 2013 for containing Quaternium-15, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and for 1,4-dioxane contamination. EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics publicly called for Johnson & Johnson to remove these ingredients, and the company reformulated. The current Skin Deep records reflect post-2013 formulas. If you are reading older EWG critiques of Johnson's Baby, they may describe formulas that are no longer on shelves.
The talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder is a separate product with its own history. Johnson & Johnson discontinued talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020. In 2024, the World Health Organization classified talc as "probably carcinogenic," citing research on asbestos contamination in cosmetic talc. Any remaining talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder from older stock should not be used.
What the EWG data does and does not tell you
A moderate hazard rating means EWG's ingredient review found concerns worth noting. It does not mean EWG tested a specific batch, measured exposure levels, or made a finding about how any particular baby responds to the product. EWG Skin Deep hazard scores reflect published ingredient research, not clinical outcomes for individual children.
A low-hazard-rated product can still cause a reaction in a baby with specific sensitivities. A moderate-hazard-rated product may cause no issues for most users. The EWG score is one input, not a complete answer.
If your standard is to buy EWG VERIFIED® products, Johnson's Baby shampoo and wash do not meet it. If your goal is to understand what EWG's current records show and compare options, the records above give you the specific information to work with.
EWG-rated alternatives to Johnson's Baby shampoo and wash
All four options below were confirmed in stock on September 21, 2026. Three carry EWG VERIFIED® status. For a fuller comparison of EWG VERIFIED® baby wash and shampoo options across more brands, see our guide to non-toxic baby shampoo and wash.
ATTITUDE Baby Shampoo, Body Wash & Soap 2-in-1, Unscented, 16 fl oz carries EWG VERIFIED® status and is free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, and sulfates. At $10 for 16 fl oz, it is the closest price comparison to a standard bottle of Johnson's Baby Shampoo among the EWG VERIFIED® options here.
Babo Botanicals Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Wash, 16 fl oz is EWG VERIFIED® and includes shea butter, calendula, and aloe. At $20 for 16 fl oz, it is priced at roughly twice the budget-tier range. The pediatrician-tested designation and EWG VERIFIED® mark are the relevant points of differentiation.
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash is also EWG VERIFIED® and is marketed specifically for sensitive skin at $14.50. If your interest in switching products is driven by a baby with a history of skin reactions, this is a reasonable starting point.
California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash, 19 oz is fragrance-free and allergy-tested, and rates in the low-hazard range on EWG Skin Deep, though it does not carry EWG VERIFIED® status. At $32.99 for 19 oz, it is the highest-cost option here. The large format is a practical consideration for households that go through product quickly.
If you are shopping for kids rather than infants, see how to swap conventional kids shampoo for EWG VERIFIED® alternatives, which covers options sized for older children and includes a practical transition guide. If a kids conditioner from the same shelf is also in your routine, see our guide to swapping conventional kids conditioner for EWG Skin Deep®-based alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is Johnson's Baby Shampoo EWG VERIFIED®?
No. Johnson's Baby Shampoo does not carry EWG VERIFIED® status. EWG VERIFIED® requires meeting full ingredient-disclosure requirements and passing manufacturing standards set by EWG. Johnson's Baby Shampoo rates in the moderate hazard band on EWG Skin Deep, primarily due to synthetic fragrance and PEG compounds.
What does EWG's moderate hazard rating mean for Johnson's Baby products?
It means EWG's ingredient review found concerns worth noting based on published research. EWG Skin Deep scores reflect ingredient data, not clinical testing of finished products, and they do not predict how any individual baby will respond. A moderate rating is not a finding that a specific product harmed anyone.
Did Johnson's Baby remove formaldehyde-releasing ingredients from its products?
Yes. Johnson & Johnson removed Quaternium-15, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and addressed 1,4-dioxane contamination around 2013, following public pressure from EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Current EWG Skin Deep records reflect post-reformulation formulas.
Is Johnson's Baby talc powder still sold?
Johnson & Johnson discontinued talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020. In 2024, the WHO classified talc as "probably carcinogenic." If you have older talc-based product, do not use it.
Where can I find a broader list of EWG VERIFIED® baby shampoos and washes?
Our non-toxic baby shampoo guide covers EWG VERIFIED® picks across multiple brands and price points, with verified Amazon availability. That article is the right place to compare options side by side if you are switching away from Johnson's Baby products entirely.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. NonToxicFinder (Solved Labs LLC) may earn commissions on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Environmental Working Group.
