The Problem with Silicone in Children’s Haircare (and What We Use Instead)
What to know about silicones in kids’ haircare and how to spot them on ingredient labels.
Made With Natural Ingredients
Shea Butter
A rich, natural moisturiser that helps soften strands, smooth frizz, and protect the scalp from dryness.
Kakadu Plum
An Australian superfruit packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants that support scalp health and help improve hair strength and shine.
Wheat Proteins
Plant-based proteins that help repair, smooth and protect the hair cuticle, making hair stronger, softer and easier to detangle.
Coconut Extract
Hydrates and conditions the hair, helping reduce breakage, smooth out tangles, and leave hair feeling silky and nourished.
What We Leave Out
𓏴 Sulfates (SLES, SLS) 𓏴 Silicones 𓏴 Parabens 𓏴 Phthalates 𓏴 Petrolatum 𓏴 Phenoxyethanol 𓏴 Mineral Oil 𓏴 Propylene Glycol 𓏴 PEGs 𓏴 Artificial Colours 𓏴 Synthetic Fragrances
RATED 100/100
#1 Kids Shampoo and Conditioner
Yuka® gave our Lil Smoothie® a perfect 100/100 for ingredients, rating it the best kids shampoo and conditioner in Australia. No nasties, no harsh additives, just clean, gentle care for growing hair and sensitive scalps.
GOOD TO KNOW
What To Consider When Buying Kids Shampoo and Conditioner
Looking to make hair washing and brushing a little easier, or a lot less dramatic? The right kids shampoo and conditioner can make all the difference.
But not all formulas are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best kids shampoo and conditioner for your child:
- pH-balanced (4.5–5.5): Supports a healthy scalp, protects natural oils and helps prevent dryness and tangles
- No harsh ingredients: Skip sulfates, silicones, parabens and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive scalps and leave hair dry, brittle and harder to manage
- Made for kids: Children’s hair and scalps are more delicate, so they need gentle, age-appropriate formulas, not adult products designed for colour, oil control or volume
- Avoid 2-in-1s: They often don’t cleanse or condition properly. Using a separate kids shampoo and conditioner helps keep hair soft, strong and tangle-free by targeting the scalp and lengths where needed
The result? Cleaner, softer, easier-to-brush hair, with fewer knots and less stress at wash time.
FAQ
Is Lil Smoothie® Kids Shampoo and Conditioner scented?
Our Lil Smoothie® range contains 100% natural, allergen-free, phthalate-free fragrance that gives an ultra-mild ‘vanilla smoothie’ aroma. Deliciously gentle and ideal for children.
Our groundbreaking fragrance formula is made from natural vanilla flavour, and contains none of the fragrance chemicals listed in the Official Journal of the European Union. So, if you’re looking for fragrance-free kids shampoo and conditioner to avoid allergens, irritants, or chemicals found in synthetic fragrance compounds, our naturally scented products offer the same benefit.
Is Lil Smoothie® Kids Shampoo and Conditioner suitable for sensitive skin?
Our products are mild, gentle and have been created with sensitive skin in mind. Our Kids Shampoo and Conditioner range contains botanical extracts such as aloe vera and chamomile, known to calm, soothe and nourish delicate skin. Our products are pH-balanced and made without harsh soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, synthetic fragrances or other common skin irritants.
What age should Kids use Shampoo and Conditioner?
No child is the same, and hair growth looks different on everyone. If their hair is long, starting to thicken or becoming prone to tangles, it’s a good time to start using a Kids Shampoo and Conditioner and introduce a regular routine to promote healthy hair growth. Some children need a starter routine from as young as 2yrs, others will develop the need during pre-school or primary school.
What’s the difference between Kids Shampoo and Adult Shampoo?
Not all shampoos are created equally, especially when it comes to kids! Adult shampoo is often designed with active ingredients to target specific hair concerns unique to adults (i.e. colour damage, volumising, oiliness, growth, etc.). Kids shampoo exists to provide a gentler solution, more targeted to kids' needs (i.e. detangling!) without the unnecessary fillers, strong actives and synthetic additives that can cause more irritation and issues than good for delicate, young skin, hair and scalps.
How often does your child's hair actually need to be washed?
There are no set rules for how often kids should wash their hair, and it depends on the activities they've been up to. We generally recommend giving hair a thorough cleanse at least twice per week to remove dirt, debris, impurities and product build-up.
Our Kids Shampoo and Conditioner is gentle enough to use daily or as needed.
Hair School
What To Look For When Buying Kids Shampoo and Conditioner
If you're hoping to make hair washing and brushing a little smoother (or a lot less dramatic), the right kids shampoo and conditioner can make a big difference. But,...
What’s the Difference Between Kids Shampoo and Adult Shampoo?
Not all shampoos are created equally, especially when it comes to kids! Adult shampoo is often designed for oilier scalps, thicker hair, more mature skin and contains active ingredients to...