It is only natural to want to provide the best for your baby, including baby lotions. A lot of things can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are a first-time parent. Babies have thinner and more delicate skin than most adults, making sense that they lose moisture faster. Luckily, a little dose of moisture is all you need to ensure smooth, plump, and nakakagigil soft skin.
Baby lotion doesn't stop at providing moisture. There is actually quite a variety, and it is expanded into creams and ointments to address your little one's skin concerns, from diaper rash to eczema. We will guide you on how to choose a baby lotion suited for your precious bundle of joy - with some comments ad tips from dermatologist Dr. Barbara Marcelo. Our top 10 could also provide you with a starting point on what baby lotions to buy.
Dr. Barbara Ellen T. Marcelo is a board-certified dermatologist who is passionate about helping parents nurture their children’s skin. Her advocacies include teaching about sun protection, treating patients with eczema, and promoting skin and body positivity. You can follow her on her Instagram page: @mybabyderm to learn more about caring for children’s skin.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Baby lotion can come in different formulations from your regular lotions, thicker creams, and ointments. What suits your little one really depends on your baby’s needs. What makes them different is the ratio of water and oil.
If you are aiming for moisture, lotions and creams ought to do the trick. Don’t worry. They aren’t as heavy as the ones we use, so both are compatible with the hot weather.
Lotions can be formulated with different soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and avocado oil, and they can also contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, milk, and many more!
Lotions are lighter, so you could use them all over your precious one, while creams are better suited for any specific body part you want to nourish with extra attention. Thicker creams can provide a protective barrier over your baby's skin.
Choosing a moisturizer for your baby may be challenging because of the different formulations. In general, moisturizers are categorized as lotions, creams, or ointments depending on the oil content, with lotions containing the least and ointments with the highest amount of oils.
The type of formulation that is best for your baby depends on your child's needs and the environment. For babies living in humid or tropical weather, creams or lotions which contain less oil can be less greasy and more comfortable on the skin.
Ointments are good for soothing any skin woes such as eczema or if your baby has really sensitive skin as the product is thick enough to form a sort of protective film over their skin. In this regard, it is also good for soothing those diaper rashes. However, ointments can tend to be quite sticky and greasy sometimes.
For very dry, cracked skin, ointment-type moisturizers which contain the most oil can help with skin healing. Ointments contain more occlusive ingredients that help seal moisture into the skin and prevent the evaporation of moisture.
Ointments with petrolatum can also protect against excessive moisture, which can lead to rashes, for example, drool around the mouth (drool rash) or watery stools on the diaper area (diaper rash).
Baby skin is more sensitive than those of us adults as it is thinner. It is also more prone to loss of moisture. When picking out a lotion, look for moisturizing ingredients such as plant-based oils such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil - these help relieve itchy skin.
Petroleum jelly is an affordable and effective alternative if you want something multipurpose. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E also help restore the skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Moisturizer ingredients fall into three categories. First, humectants pull water into the epidermis(topmost layer of the skin) from the dermis and can also absorb water from the atmosphere. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, and urea are examples of humectants.
Second, emollients lubricate and keep the stratum corneum (the topmost portion of the epidermis) soft, smooth and pliable. Emollients include dimethicone, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and lanolin.
Finally, occlusives seal moisture into the skin and prevent evaporation. Dimethicone, petrolatum, paraffin, and vegetable oils are occlusives. Therefore, lotions with a combination of these three types of ingredients are a good choice for moisturizing dry skin.
Generally, baby lotions are mild in their formulation. With that being said, you should avoid products that contain parabens and sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and formaldehyde. These chemicals are often used as preservatives, which could be harmful to your baby’s sensitive skin.
You should also avoid fragrances, as they could be a potential irritant to your child. Some actually experience allergic reactions to fragrances. Remember that the younger your baby is, the more sensitive their skin is.
When in doubt, go for lotions that have a relatively short ingredients list. This is to ensure that your product uses as few preservatives as much as possible. After all, no one would want a product that sounds more like a list of chemicals.
Fragrance is a common allergen that can irritate the skin. Different babies have different skin sensitivities, so it is important to avoid common allergens in the first place. Choose fragrance-free moisturizers rather than unscented (which can contain a masking fragrance).
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics. While there is currently no strong link between parabens as a hormone disruptor and carcinogenic, it may be best to avoid using parabens in skin products for babies in the meantime. Sulfates are common ingredients in cleansers and some cosmetics which can be drying for patients with sensitive skin but otherwise can be tolerated in those with normal skin.
CeraVe’s baby lotion is packed with ingredients you need to moisturize your baby’s skin in one formula. It contains 3 essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s protective barrier. It is what protects the skin from itching and dryness. It is also infused with hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant.
It attracts moisture to the surface of the skin and improves its appearance. It is formulated with niacinamide, which helps calm the skin. Dimethicone is present, and it helps form a barrier on the skin while giving it a silky feel.
It moisturizes for 24 hours for all-day moisture and protection. This formula can also be used by adults who have dry and chapped skin. If you’re still having doubts, this lotion has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval, so you can be sure that it is nothing but the best for your baby.
Get more uses for your product with Aquaphor’s healing ointment. It is a multipurpose ointment that can be used to treat your baby’s needs. Encountered a diaper rash or hadhad? Slather on this ointment to relieve it in 6 hours before it gets worse. It is also great for preventing their skin from chafing by acting as a lubricant.
Its main ingredient contains 41% petrolatum, which acts as a skin protectant to prevent moisture from evaporating. It is suitable to be used on their face when they have drool rash. Yes, they can get rashes from their drool. It also works as a great salve for when they have minor cuts and chapped skin.
Mustela is a brand that specializes in baby care products ranging from normal skin to those with sensitive skin. Their Hydra Bebe body lotion provides long-lasting protection for your precious little one. It strengthens their skin barrier to prevent moisture loss, and it is gentle enough for newborns.
It can even be used for those out of the natal intensive care unit. This would certainly put your mind at ease, especially if you are first-time parents. 97% of its ingredients come from natural sources, most of it plant-based. Like most of its products, it uses avocado as a moisturizer to protect their skin.
Infant’s skin barrier is about 30 percent thinner than ours, so it is important to use products that are gentle on their skin. Even frequent bathing can cause their skin to dry out. That is why it is important to moisturize their skin constantly. Cetaphil’s daily lotion is designed for everyday use.
It moisturizes your baby’s skin for up to 24 hours to protect it from dryness. It is formulated with organic calendula extract, which helps to soothe dry and sensitive skin. It also contains plant-based oils such as sweet almond and sunflower to help soften and smoothen skin.
This soothing relief moisture cream from Aveeno can soothe your baby’s skincare concerns. It is formulated to soothe rashes, dry skin and scalp, and red and irritated skin. Those conditions are quite normal and usually go away, but if you are concerned about their comfort, you can slather it all over to provide relief.
Its main ingredient is natural colloidal oatmeal, which binds to your skin and forms a protective barrier. It is also helpful for relieving inflammation, which is the perfect way to eliminate those irritation patches lest your baby hurt itself. It is also good for moisturizing any chapped and cracked areas such as their ankles.
Some children’s skin can be more sensitive than most. And your child may experience eczema, especially for their first few months. It appears as dry, red, and flaky skin. They usually outgrow it. But if you want to relieve their dry skin, you could opt to regularly moisturize it to maintain their moisture barrier.
Eucerin’s body crème is clinically proven to relieve minor irritation, itching, and dryness caused by eczema. It contains colloidal oatmeal, which acts as a skin protectant, licorice root extract to soothe minor irritation, and ceramide 3 to lock in moisture. It is also suitable for older children and adults.
Burt’s Bees’ star ingredient is shea butter. It is rich in moisture and very nourishing for kakagigil soft skin. It is a multipurpose ointment, so you can also use it to clean skin and hair. But it is tear-free, so it won’t be irritating. If your bundle of joy has dry areas, you can use it to rub over the area to improve dryness.
Their formula is plant-based and has a natural cleansing complex, which contains soy protein. It has antioxidant benefits and leaves a protective barrier over their skin. You can also use it to prevent diaper rash by applying it over sensitive areas such as their thighs to prevent painful chafing.
When talking about baby products, we can’t forget Johnson’s. They have an extensive line that most of us grew up with, from their iconic No More Tears shampoo to their baby powders that saw us through our teenage years. Their milk and rice lotion is clinically proven mild to keep baby skin soft and smooth.
Its gentle formula is also ideal for moms, so you can make it into something of a bonding time with your baby. It contains milk, which is great for hydrating dry skin. It is infused with rice extracts, which have anti-inflammatory benefits, and it also provides hydration for nourished and healthier skin for both of you.
Say hello to the product that will help moisturize your little one’s sensitive skin! Human Nature prides itself in only producing high-quality products made from natural ingredients. And this lotion is no exception. It has a hypoallergenic and ph-Neutral formula; with this, your baby’s skin will be nakakagigil soft!
A few of its ingredients worth mentioning are avocado oil, sunflower oil, and aloe, which can nourish your baby’s skin. And, the resulting formulation is light yet moisturizing. It comes in two heavenly scents-tangerine and lavender. So, slather this, and your little one will surely feel soothed and moisturized right away.
Generally, babies tend to lose more moisture as a result of their thinner and more delicate skin. This is why you need to regularly moisturize their skin even if we are a tropical country. Nivea’s baby lotion is fast-absorbing, so you don’t have to worry about your little one being uncomfortable for long.
This also makes sure that any moisture loss is balanced immediately, so it’s not just for sensory purposes. It is formulated with aloe vera in order to moisturize and protect your baby’s skin to make it soft and healthy. You can apply it any time of the day. It is also great for massages too!
It's understandable to be nervous for your baby's firsts, including their first baths. Here's what you can do to avoid drying out their skin and when to apply baby lotion to lock in moisture.
When you bathe your baby, make sure to use soap-free products to avoid drying their skin. Take care not to over bathe them as well. Just like with us adults, the best time to apply lotion is after bathing. This is to help lock in the moisture. It is also helpful to moisturize their skin after changing their diaper to avoid getting a diaper rash.
Use a gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser to prevent drying out the skin during bathing. Limit bath time to ten to fifteen minutes to prevent chilling and further drying of the skin. Apply moisturizer within three minutes after bath while skin is still damp. This method also minimizes the greasy feeling because the skin can absorb the moisturizer better.
Dry skin in newborns is normal. It's nothing a little lotion can't help. You should apply the lotion in gentle circles and rub it all over their body, not just the dry areas. You can apply lotion as often as necessary.
For very dry skin or during very cold weather, you can opt to apply a lighter cream or lotion before sealing in water with an ointment-type moisturizer. When applying several products on the skin, remember to apply the product with the thinnest consistency first and the product with the heaviest consistency (ointments and oils) last.
Baby powder is a staple in changing their diaper. However, it has been a cause for concern due to some claims of it being harmful.
While there has not been enough evidence of this claim, baby powders should be avoided because your infant might inhale them. If you must apply baby powder, make sure to dispense away from the baby, and avoid applying on their face.
Baby powder is no longer recommended for use on baby's skin to prevent diaper rash or prickly heat. Aside from causing possible lung irritation if dispensed near the face, baby powder has been associated with talc pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer. Talc-free powders usually made from cornstarch or rice can also increase the risk of fungal or yeast skin infections when used in the diaper area.
To make sure we give our babies the best care, here are some of Dr. Barbara Marcelo's answers to some of the most asked questions online, as well as some of her tips.
For newborns, apply lotion only on areas where the skin is dry. Choose lotions that are made for babies and are free of fragrances and dyes. If your newborn baby's skin is not dry, there's no need to apply moisturizers.
Apply as few products as possible because a baby's skin does not fully develop until after the first year of life. For babies with very sensitive skin, it may be a good option to test the lotion first on a small area of skin for twenty-four to forty-eight hours and observe for any redness or irritation before applying over a bigger area.
Baby lotion can also be used by adults. Baby lotions contain fewer ingredients and are usually fragrance-free and dye-free. This makes it a good option for adults with particularly sensitive skin who cannot tolerate other moisturizers. However, for some adults who are prone to acne or folliculitis, some baby skincare products can be too rich and can block pores.
In both babies and adults, the skin on the face is thinner and can be more sensitive compared to the skin on the body. Babies also have thinner skin compared to adults. Thinner skin means chemicals can be absorbed easier, and water can evaporate faster, leading to dryness.
For dry skin, I recommend using a cream more than lotion for the face because creams contain more oil and can hydrate better compared to lotions.
For babies with very dry, sensitive, eczema-prone skin, look for moisturizers that aim to repair the skin barrier. These moisturizers contain ceramides, filaggrin, and natural moisturizing factors, which not only replenish moisture but also strengthen the skin against allergens that can trigger irritation and rashes.
If your child has persistently dry skin despite using moisturizers, consult a dermatologist right away. Dry skin can be a sign of eczema, contact dermatitis, or inherited ichthyosis.
It is important to use the right tools to make sure it is gentle enough for your delicate bundle of joy. Cop these items in order to build your first baby kit, perfect whether you are heading out of town for an all-in-one easy access.
Author: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
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