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You need to take special care when choosing a lotion or any skin care product for babies. Baby skin is sensitive and vulnerable to infections and skin diseases (1). Therefore, you should choose the best lotions for baby skin–milder formulations that are free of parabens, alcohol, and other stronger chemical concoctions. Also, consider the ingredients present in the lotions so the baby’s skin does not react to it or experience any allergic reactions. The baby lotions should provide optimal moisturization and nourishment. We have listed some soothing baby lotions for sensitive skin. Read on to pick a suitable product.
Top Picks
11 Best Lotions For Baby’s Sensitive Skin
1. Best Hypoallergenic: Eucerin Baby Body Lotion
Eucerin baby lotion is enriched with highly moisturizing ingredients. The mom-approved lotion is infused with natural shea butter that helps protect the skin, keeping it smooth and supple. It also has pro-vitamin B5, which makes it a hydrating and nourishing infant lotion. You can use it every day for the best results.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested and pediatrician-recommended
- Fragrance-free
- Free of parabens, dyes, and drying alcohols
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
Quick Fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 507 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
2. Best Paraben-Free: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Body Lotion
The baby Dove body lotion is rich in moisturizing agents that keep the skin hydrated for 24 hours. This expert-tested gentle baby emollient helps nourish delicate skin with natural nutrients and prebiotic moisture. The sensitive skin baby lotion soothes dryness and helps repair it from the first use itself.
Pros
- Dye-and paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-recommended and pediatrician-tested
Cons
- May have a strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 281 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
3. Best Pediatrician-Tested: Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Moisturizing Baby Body Lotion
The moisturizing formula for sensitive baby skin helps soothe the skin and leaves it feeling supple and smooth. It is pH-balanced and maintains the skin’s natural moisture levels. The ultra-mild formula makes it a super hydrating baby skin lotion, ideal for your child’s dry and delicate skin. A gentle massage with this mommy-approved lotion after bath can help soothe the baby’s skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-and sulfate-free
- Phthalate-and dye-free
- Pediatrician-tested
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough as it claims
4. Best Plant-Based: Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Lotion
Babo Botanicals’ daily body care lotion is hydrating to the skin. It is infused with the goodness of calendula, shea butter, jojoba oil, and chamomile. The non-greasy baby cream moisturizes the skin and nourishes it with its organic Nutri-Soothe complex. It is a trusted choice for eczema-prone and dry, irritated skin. This review video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten- and soy-free
- Dairy- and cruelty-free
- Plant-based
- Dermatologist-recommended and pediatrician-tested
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"After experimenting with multiple lotions, I have settled on this one due to its fragrance-free nature. Its formula, though hydrating, does not leave a greasy residue, and the flip-top tube makes application convenient. Plus, the clean ingredients are much appreciated."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 1,331 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
5. Best Fragrance-Free: Mustela Baby Soothing Lotion
The moisturizing lotion from the trusted brand Mustela helps soothe dry skin and curb skin irritation. Its lightweight formula is infused with natural avocado perseose and schizandra berry to protect, hydrate, and soothe the skin from rashes and other reactions. The lotion, trusted by moms and dads, makes the skin healthy and soft. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Pediatrician-tested
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough
"My toddler is very sensitive to fragrances, so this fragrance-free body lotion has been the perfect find. Its shelf life was shorter than expected, but I consider that a minor trade-off for its moisturizing effects."
6. Best Gluten-Free: BareBaby OrganicsPremium Moisturizing Lotion
BareBaby Organics’ body lotion is suitable for normal, dry, or sensitive skin. It is a safety-tested lotion for eczema-prone skin as it spreads and absorbs easily. The formula is enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera. This pure botanical baby lotion is enriched with calendula, chamomile, and jojoba oil, among other botanical ingredients.
Pros
- No added fragrances
- Gluten-free
- Lightweight
- Organic
- Paraben-and phthalate-free
- Dye-and sulfate-free
- Vegan
- No animal testing
Cons
- May not be unscented as it claims
"My little one's skin has started to look healthy since I have incorporated this cream into her morning routine. Being lightweight, it gets absorbed quickly, and the natural scent isn't overwhelming. Hence, it gets the nod of approval from this mum."
Point To Consider7. Best Cruelty-Free: California Baby Everyday Lotion
The everyday lotion from California Baby is a moisturizer for sensitive and dry skin. It is ideal for healing diaper rash and after-bath massages. This is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing, synthetic fragrance-free baby cream, enriched with calendula extract, coconut, and aloe vera, heals and nourishes the baby’s skin. The baby-friendly lotion has a light perfume and also has clary sage and French lavender oils.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Free of petroleum-derived ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Certified organic
- Vegan
- Gluten-, soy- and dairy-free
- Oat- and nut-free (except coconut)
Cons
- May have a strong smell
8. Best Vegan: Attitude Natural Baby Body Lotion
Attitude brings you a pure and natural baby lotion free of harmful chemicals. With a pear nectar scent, the lotion is enriched with the goodness of shea butter, blueberry leaf, and avocado oil that promote good skin health. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it is a dermatologist-tested baby moisturizer that nourishes and protects sensitive skin.
Pros
- EWG-verified ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-and phthalate-free
- SLS/SLES-free
- BHA/BHT-free
- Triclosan- and phenoxyethanol-free
- Dioxane-free
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
"This lotion has been an excellent find for moisturizing and nourishing my baby’s dry skin. The non-greasy texture also keeps his clothes from getting stained. And the pear scent, though mild, is refreshing."
9. Best Nourishing: Burt’s Bees Baby Ultra Gentle Lotion
The mommy-approved baby lotion is lightweight and gentle on the skin, providing nourishment and moisturization. Its head-to-toe formula keeps the baby’s skin supple, smooth, and soft. It is a blend of aloe vera, jojoba oil, and shea butter that are quickly absorbed with a mild fragrance.
Pros
- Paraben-and phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Pediatrician-tested
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"The runny consistency makes the application process tricky, but it moisturizes my baby’s skin well. I even use it to keep my hands from cracking during winter. However, it would benefit from a pump-style packaging."
10. Best Environment-Friendly: Sebamed Baby Body Lotion
The dermatologist-recommended Sebamed lotion is an ultra-mild baby body moisturizer for your baby’s sensitive skin. Safe and effective, it has a pH of 5.5 that helps protect and maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. The lotion’s gentle formula absorbs quickly into the skin and provides a soothing effect. It helps eliminate dryness in a chemical-free way. This lotion is 100% free of soap and alkali.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dioxane-free
- No color additives
- Environment-friendly
- 100% biodegradable
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May have a strong smell
"I got this lotion at my dermatologist's recommendation, and it has effectively soothed my son’s sensitive skin. While it is not the most hydrating one I have tried, it feels comfortable on the skin and is lightweight enough to be used daily."
Quick Tip11. Best Hypoallergenic: Shoosha Organic Baby Lotion
Available in unscented and vanilla-lavender varieties, the Shoosha organic baby skincare lotion is an all-natural face and body cream for children. It is made of vitamin-rich botanicals and nourishing herbal extracts that soothe and moisturize the skin. Colloidal oatmeal helps to hydrate and eliminate itching and irritations from sensitive, eczema-prone skin. The formula also contains organic coconut, aloe vera, and shea butter for optimum benefits. It is a non-sticky and fast-absorbing infant lotion and is suitable for adults as well.
Pros
- USDA-certified organic
- 100% biodegradable
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Chemical-free
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
"Its hypoallergenic build was the first thing that pushed me to get this lotion. Besides, it hydrates the skin without feeling sticky. I am not a big fan of its scent but have stuck to it due to the non-irritating formula."
How To Choose The Right Lotion For Baby’s Sensitive Skin?
Keep the following factors in mind before buying a lotion for a baby’s sensitive skin.
- pH balance: The lotion needs to be pH-balanced to keep the skin in good health and protect it from environmental irritants. Since the natural pH level of baby skin is higher than that of adults, unbalanced pH levels can dry out their skin and make it itchy and prone to rashes (1).
- Moisturizing formula: Baby’s skin is delicate and requires moisturization. This makes the skin soft, smooth, and supple. Mild lotions are best suitable for baby skin.
- Alcohol-free: Alcohol can be drying, especially on infant skin. Avoid any lotions or creams with alcohol as an ingredient, as it breaks down the skin’s protective barrier.
- Free of chemicals: Chemical additives, such as parabens, phthalates, dyes, artificial colors, and fragrances, can harm the baby’s skin. These chemicals can disrupt the natural barrier of your baby’s skin and cause allergies and health hazards (2).
- Natural: Organic and natural products are ideal for your baby’s skin but check the ingredient list to see the authentication and certification of these ingredients.
- Hypoallergenic: Choose hypoallergenic infant lotions. These are usually pediatrician-tested and dermatologist-recommended and specially crafted for delicate skin.
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a California-based beauty nurse practitioner says, “Remember, there is a difference between lotions and creams. As lotions have a higher water content, you may also consider a cream that meets the above qualifications for treating an eczema outbreak.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do babies need lotion after a bath?
Babies do not usually require lotion unless their skin is excessively dry (3). However, you may apply it after a bath to prevent skin conditions caused by dry skin.
2. Should I put lotion on my baby every day?
A little moisturizer helps replenish the natural oils lost due to bathing or dry air. For everyday application, you may choose a lotion devoid of harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances.
3. What can I do for my baby’s sensitive skin?
To protect your baby’s sensitive skin, you can give them shorter baths, frequently change their nappies, and dress them in sun-protective clothing. And when buying products directly applied to the skin, you should choose those that are natural and chemical-free.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Choosing the right products for your baby can be challenging, given the many products available in the market. Thus, Vibha Navarathna, our experienced writer and reviewer of baby products, has picked some of the best lotions for your baby’s sensitive skin and provided a buying guide to help you select the right one. She has handpicked these lotions after reading the ingredients list of several products and considering the user reviews posted on various websites.
Choosing the best baby lotions for sensitive skin can be a daunting task given the many options out there on the market. Moreover, you want the best products to help prevent rashes or allergic reactions and keep your baby’s skin as supple as possible. The options listed here are not only gentle and nourishing but also hypoallergenic and free of harmful additives or chemicals. When choosing lotion for your baby, make sure it is pH-balanced, suited to your baby’s skin, free of toxins, and smooth to apply, so your little one feels pampered and comfortable all day long.
Infographic: Things To Consider Before Getting Baby Lotion
A baby’s skin is far more sensitive than an adult’s. Thus, you need to take extra precautions when choosing skin products for your child. Go through the infographic below to know which features to look for when choosing a lotion. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Infant: Clinical Implications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4593874/ - Skincare for babies
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Skincare_for_babies/ - Bathing and Skin Care for the Newborn
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=bathing-and-skin-care-for-the-newborn-90-P02628 - Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
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