Skin, explained
The Baby Skin Edit: What to Know and What to Avoid
While baby skin is renowned for being irresistibly soft and smooth, its structure is very fragile, permeable and more reactive than adult skin. In its early months, a baby’s skin barrier (outer skin layer) is still developing, meaning it…
While baby skin is renowned for being irresistibly soft and smooth, its structure is very fragile, permeable and more reactive than adult skin. In its early months, a baby’s (outer skin layer) is still developing, meaning it loses moisture more quickly, absorbs ingredients more readily and is very prone to dryness, irritation and flare-ups. What it needs, above all, is the appropriate care in the form of gentle nourishment, minimal disruption and carefully-selected formulas that respect its very delicate pH balance. Where it can get complicated for us as parents is the lengthy ingredients lists and misleading ‘kind to skin’ claims which, in many cases, aren’t particularly ‘kind’ to baby skin at all.
In this edit, I’ll break down the key things your baby’s skin needs when it comes to different products, the ingredients you should be prioritising and, most importantly, those you should approach with caution to help avoid common issues like eczema, dryness and general sensitivity. Having said that, it’s important to note that, as with everything, it’s impossible to tick every single box 100% of the time, and what suits one baby’s skin may not work for another. But, hopefully the following can help steer you in the right direction within this ever-growing minefield.
Bubble Bath / Body Wash
Bubble bath should gently cleanse the skin of impurities without compromising its protective barrier. Therefore, the priority should be a pH-balanced formula which helps to maintain your baby’s delicate skin microbiome and support optimal skin health. Another key consideration should be focusing on fragrance-free options to prevent unnecessary dryness, irritation and flare-ups such as eczema.
You should also be conscious of heavily-foaming formulas as these often indicate the use of harsh surfactants (cleansing agents) which strip vulnerable baby skin of its natural oils.
Look for formulas that are: pH-balanced, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free, artificial dye-free, dermatologist-tested / paediatrician-approved, clinically proven, and hypoallergenic.
Generally speaking, red flags are: Lots of foaming, a strong scent and a squeaky feeling on the skin post use.
My top recommendations: My Little Coco Zero Fragrance Everything Wash / Childs Farm OatDerma Bubble Bath Fragrance-Free / Kokoso Baby Gentle Hair & Body Wash / Sanex Zero Baby Fragrance Free Hypoallergenic Bath Wash & Shampoo
Moisturisers & Lotions
A well-formulated baby moisturiser should do one essential job: support your baby’s natural skin barrier. The most effective formulas combine to draw in hydration (e.g., , , aloe vera), emollients to soften and smooth (e.g., ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil) and occlusives (e.g., shea butter) to lock moisture in. In doing so, they protect delicate skin against dryness and irritation. Also consider formulas containing prebiotics / probiotics as these help maintain the delicate balance of your baby’s developing skin microbiome.
As with bubble baths, it’s wise to choose a fragrance-free formula, avoiding strong scents and essential oils that can trigger sensitivity. Texture matters, too. The ideal consistency is a medium-weight lotion to provide balanced hydration (think: yoghurt). The formula should not be like milk and instantly disappear before it can deliver moisture, nor should it be the thickness of clotted cream and leave behind a sticky, non-breathable residue.
*TOP TIP: Apply moisturisers/lotions while the skin is still damp to quickly lock in existing hydration and prevent unnecessary moisture evaporation that leads to dryness.
Look for formulas that are: fragrance-free, pH-balanced, sulfate-free, paraben-free, artificial dye-free, talc-free, dermatologist-tested / paediatrician-approved, clinically proven, and hypoallergenic.
Generally speaking, red flags are: Very thin, very thick or strongly-scented formulas.
My top recommendations: JBØRN Fragrance Free Baby Cream with Prebiotics & Probiotics / Mustela Soothing Moisturizing Lotion For Very Sensitive Skin / Aveeno Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion For Sensitive Skin
Sunscreen
A baby sunscreen should deliver highly-effective protection that’s ultra-gentle on delicate skin. The non-negotiables are a broad-spectrum formula (protects against both & UVB rays), a minimum of 30 (but ideally SPF 50+), and (very importantly for babies) a mineral-based formula using either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The latter is because mineral UV filters sit on the skin’s surface to deflect UV rays rather than being absorbed into sensitivity-prone skin.
Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and water-resistant formulas for optimal care and protection, and it’s also recommended to choose creams or roll-on (sun stick) formats over sprays to minimise both irritation and the risk of inhalation.
*NOTE: It is generally recommended not to use sunscreen on babies under 6 months old. Instead, keep infants fully in the shade, use hats, and dress them in light, protective clothing. Even when sunscreen is thoroughly applied to babies over 6 months old, keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid heat stroke and/or heat rash.
Look for formulas that are: Mineral-based, broad-spectrum, (ideally) SPF 50+, oxybenzone-free, avobenzone-free, octinoxate-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, water-resistant, dermatologist-tested / paediatrician-approved, clinically proven, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and artificial dye-free.
Generally speaking, red flags are: Chemical UV filters (e.g., oxybenzone / avobenzone / octinoxate) - this does not apply to adults, strongly-scented formulas, SPF ratings below SPF 30.
My top recommendations: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Baby Lotion SPF 50+ / Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ / Ultrasun SPF 50 Mineral Sun Protection For Babies
Wipes
Baby wipes should gently cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier. This is especially important given how frequently they’re used. The key things to opt for are formulas with minimal ingredients and a high water content. The higher the water content, the less potentially irritating chemicals are present. Again, choose fragrance-free wipes (especially for such a delicate area), and it’s also very wise to avoid those containing alcohol or plastic – which a surprising amount of wipes do! Where possible, biodegradable options are a gentler choice for both your baby and the environment.
Look for formulas that are: Fragrance-free, pH-balanced, alcohol-free, plastic-free, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, dermatologist-tested / paediatrician-approved.
Generally speaking, red flags are: Strong fragrance, sticky residue and a low water content.
My top recommendations: WaterWipes Sensitive & Newborn Biodegradable Baby Wipes / Kit & Kin Hypoallergenic Biodegradable Baby Wipes / Aqua Wipes Originals
Nappy Cream
Nappy creams should act as a protective barrier, shielding your baby’s skin from excess moisture and friction while reducing irritation. While formulas should calm and protect delicate skin, be cautious of commonly-used “soothing” essential oils and botanical extracts (such as lavender or chamomile) which can trigger skin reactions in some babies. Many nappy creams also contain common allergens like lanolin, as well as irritating preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.
Paraffin and/or petroleum are also common ingredients – not necessarily to avoid - but to be conscious of. Although generally considered safe for use when highly refined, the thick barrier they create can sometimes trap heat and bacteria which can make rashes worse. Instead opt for lightweight, breathable creams that are also lanolin-free and fragrance-free, but do contain barrier-supporting ingredients like zinc oxide, and (Pro-Vitamin B5).
*TOP TIPS: Apply to dry skin, so as not to trap unwanted moisture which can worsen rashes. Also, don’t overuse nappy cream as the skin needs time to breathe in order to heal.
Look for formulas that are: Fragrance-free, lanolin-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, pH-balanced, dermatologist-tested / paediatrician-approved.
Generally speaking, red flags are: Lots of essential oils and botanical extracts, strong fragrance, high lanolin content, very thick consistency.
My top recommendations: Kokoso Baby Happy Nappy Cream / Kit & Kin Magic Salve / Childs Farm Fragrance Free Baby Nappy Cream
Summary
Ultimately, the ideal baby skincare is about respecting a baby’s delicate, still-developing skin barrier. Across every category of baby products, always keep in mind that you should be opting for short ingredients (INCI) lists with purposeful ingredients. Champion those which maintain the natural pH balance of the skin and support the skin barrier while avoiding lots of chemicals and strong fragrances.
Remember to bear in mind that even some natural fragrances (from essential oils or botanical extracts) can irritate delicate baby skin as they contain high concentrations of allergens. That’s why it’s always wise to opt for fragrance-free formulas.
Above all, don’t be afraid to question ‘kind to skin’ claims. The products that are truly kind to your baby’s delicate skin are not defined by words, but by what they do and don’t include.
Additional tips to support your baby’s skin:
· Where possible, opt for natural and breathable materials for sleepwear and bedding (e.g., cotton/muslin or linen).
· Change nappies frequently to prevent nappy rash, allowing the area to briefly air dry before putting a clean nappy on.
· Use mild, non-bio, fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergents to wash baby clothes, bedding and blankets.
· Always ensure bath temperatures are appropriate. The ideal baby bath temperature is between 37°C and 38°C (close to body temperature).
DISCLAIMERS:
While I’m not a doctor or dermatologist, I’ve spent much of my career immersed in the beauty industry, particularly skincare. As a former beauty trends editor, I scoured the global market to identify and test some of the most innovative baby formulas out there. I later worked on the brand team at one of the UK’s fastest-growing skincare companies, helping bring to market some of today’s most advanced technologies.
My personal recommendations shared above may not suit your own baby’s skin. I always recommend conducting a patch test first. I cannot confirm that every single recommendation I have made is 100% free from every individual ingredient that I suggest avoidance of. I strongly recommend doing your own additional research, considering both your own preferences for your child and your baby’s skin type and history. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.
This post is not sponsored, and none of the links are affiliate links. All product recommendations and opinions are entirely my own.
