Pigeon Baby Foam Wash vs Shampoo: Japanese Bottles and Refills

When choosing Pigeon foaming cleansers, check what you want to wash first, then match the refill’s full name. The all-over wash can also be used on hair; Pigeon does not recommend the baby shampoo for the face or body. Two refill pouches marked 300 mL do not necessarily belong in the same pump bottle.

I’m Irene, a Taiwanese pharmacist practising in Japan. Let’s use the Japanese product names and directions to work out which bottle and refill belong together.

Japanese official information checked on 23 October 2026 (Japan time). This guide covers the basic fragrance-free all-over wash, the dense whipped-foam all-over wash and the fragrance-free baby foam shampoo, with one matching refill size for each. Scented, “しっとり”, medicated and older-child ranges are outside this comparison.

All-over wash and shampoo have different uses

The three official product pages state 0ヵ月～, meaning “from 0 months”. This is the manufacturer’s age label, not a requirement to start all three products at birth or a promise that every baby will tolerate them. This guide does not select treatments for eczema or other skin conditions. Pigeon’s use chart explains the distinction between shampoo and all-over wash.

Match each bottle to its own refill

Matching volumes do not mean matching containers. Both the whipped-foam wash and shampoo pair a 350 mL bottle with a 300 mL refill. Compare the full product name. Foam density alone also cannot establish better cleaning, a lower allergy risk or greater safety.

Photograph your bottle before buying a refill

1. Keep the full product name and code. These are more reliable than remembering “the blue bottle”. A refill is not necessarily convenient if you do not have its matching pump.
2. Check “全身”, “シャンプー” and “濃密ホイップ泡” carefully. Do not mix in other body washes or shampoos or substitute a different range.
3. Prepare the bottle as Pigeon directs. Its refilling FAQ says to wash the bottle thoroughly with water, dry it thoroughly and refill with the same product type.
4. Use the fill guide, not the printed bottle volume as a target. Pigeon warns that overfilling can affect the foam or pump. Its fill-amount FAQ says to use the marked line in the side window, or approximately half the bottle if there is no window. If your bottle’s design or label differs, check its own instructions first.

The shampoo refill also asks users to record the manufacturing number from the bottom of the pouch for product enquiries. Taking a photograph before discarding the bag keeps both the name and batch information.

“Additive-free” does not remove the need to rinse

The all-over wash instructions say to dispense a suitable amount onto a hand or sponge, wash gently and rinse thoroughly. It is not a leave-on skincare product. Follow the shampoo bottle’s washing and rinsing directions too; this guide does not invent a fixed pump count or a guaranteed rinsing time.

Pigeon’s precautions say not to use the product on areas with wounds, swelling, eczema or other abnormalities. Stop use and consult a dermatologist if redness, swelling, itching or irritation occurs during use, or after the treated skin is exposed to sunlight. If the product gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water. “Less likely to sting the eyes” is not permission to let shampoo run into them.

These products are not drinks. Neither “additive-free” nor skin-irritation testing guarantees that nobody will have a skin reaction; the manufacturer states this limitation too. Keep the products out of children’s reach. When using a heated bathroom drying system, Pigeon advises moving the foaming wash and shampoo out of the bathroom.

A final check before checkout

• Want one cleanser for face, body and hair? Check the all-over wash’s permitted areas. The existence of a separate shampoo does not make buying it compulsory.
• Prefer separate hair and body products? Identify the baby foam shampoo and keep a suitable body cleanser for the body.
• Already have the whipped-foam bottle? Look for “濃密ホイップ泡” on the refill, rather than comparing other pouches only by price per millilitre.
• Unsure which bottle is at home? Check the bottle or ask Pigeon with a photograph rather than guessing.