Baby massage oils are an inseparable part of your baby’s daily care routine. A quality baby massage oil should keep your baby’s skin hydrated and nourish it with vital nutrients. Experts say that baby massage offers several benefits to babies—it helps promote better sleep, lower stress, relax the muscles, improve food digestion, and alleviate symptoms of colic. Moreover, it allows you to bond with your baby and recognize their cues better (1).
With so many baby oils available in the market, going through each product’s ingredient list and details can be overwhelming. Thus, we bring you a detailed review of Himalaya Baby Massage Oil, Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil, and Sebamed Baby Massage Oil—three top products in their own right. We compare their ingredients, pricing, and much more to assist you in choosing the best massage oil for your baby. Read on.
Himalaya Baby Massage Oil Vs. Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil Vs. Sebamed Baby Massage Oil: How Are They Different?
Every baby massage oil may seem the same to a layperson. But they differ in their ingredients. For instance, both Himalaya Baby Massage Oil and Sebamed Baby Massage Oil have natural ingredients. Himalaya Baby Massage Oil has ashwagandha (winter cherry), olive oil, country mallow, vetiver, and aloe vera, while Sebamed Sebamed Baby Massage Oil has soy oil and wheat germ oil. On the other hand, Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil has a mineral oil base and is enriched with vitamin E. Also, Himalaya Baby Massage Oil is free of perfume, while the other two massage oils contain perfume. These massage oils also vary in price points. Himalaya Baby Massage Oil and Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil are more pocket-friendly than Sebamed Baby Massage Oil.
All About Himalaya Baby Massage Oil
The doctor-recommended Himalaya Baby Massage Oil is the go-to massage oil for new parents who prioritize natural products for their munchkins. The formula contains herbal ingredients such as ashwagandha (winter cherry) and olive oil. Ashwagandha is known to improve skin tone and soothe inflamed and sensitive skin, while olive oil contains vitamin E, which hydrates the skin (2) (3). The massage oil is also enriched with other natural ingredients such as aloe vera, which moisturizes skin, and vetiver and country mallow, which have cooling and soothing properties. All these ingredients form a mild oil that benefits your baby’s delicate skin.
Price (at the time of publication): ₹324.00 (500ml), ₹64.80 (100ml)
Key Ingredients
Ashwagandha, olive oil, vetiver, aloe vera, country mallow
How Often Should I Use It?
You may use Himalaya Baby Massage Oil once or twice a day, preferably half an hour before bath time in the morning or in the evening to help the baby relax and sleep better.
Pros
- Doctor-prescribed oil
- Clinically tested
- Reduces skin dryness
- Maintains skin’s moisture balance
- Made with natural ingredients
- Rich in vitamin E
- Gentle and safe for newborn skin
- No mineral oil and lanolin
- Non-sticky texture
- Pleasant and mild natural fragrance
Cons
- Natural scent might not appeal to some babies
All About Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil
Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil is lightweight and gentle, which makes it perfect for daily massages. It is rich in vitamin E, which helps condition and nourish your baby’s skin. The oil spreads easily without leaving a greasy feel. It also locks in moisture in your baby’s skin, making it especially suitable for babies with dry skin. It is a good choice for parents and babies who prefer a mess-free experience.
Price (at the time of publication): ₹420.00 (500ml), ₹84.00 (100ml)
Key Ingredients
Mineral oil, vitamin E acetate, fragrance
How Often Should I Use It?
You may use it once a day, preferably before a bath. However, it is non-sticky, so you can also use it for a quick evening massage too.
Pros
- Light and non-sticky
- Gentle formulation
- Contains vitamin E
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically proven for mildness
- No harmful chemicals
- Spreads easily
Cons
- Contains fragrance
All About Sebamed Baby Massage Oil
Sebamed Baby Massage Oil is formulated for babies with sensitive or dry skin. It contains 95% soy oil and 5% wheat germ oil. Soy oil has essential fatty acids that ensure high levels of hydration (4). On the other hand, wheat germ oil provides vitamin E and is deeply hydrating. This oil can be used on your baby’s skin from day 7 until your child is two years old.
Price (at the time of publication): ₹560.00 (150ml), ₹373.33 (100ml)
Key Ingredients
Soya oil, wheat germ oil, oleyl erucate, coco-carprylate/caprate, hexyl laurate, parfum
How Often Should I Use It?
You can use Sebamed Baby Massage Oil once a day for regular massage, preferably before bath time.
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Light and non-greasy formula
- Hydrating
- Natural ingredients
- A little amount goes a long way
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Does not solidify at a lower temperature
Cons
- Has a slightly thicker consistency
Himalaya Baby Massage Oil Vs. Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil Vs. Sebamed Baby Massage Oil – Final Thoughts
Your baby’s skin type and the product’s ingredients are some of the main factors in deciding the best baby oil. Other factors such as your preferences and budget also come into play.
Himalaya Baby Massage Oil contains proven natural ingredients and is easy on the pocket. Unlike most products, the doctor-recommended baby massage oil is free of perfume. These make it one of the best baby massage oils you could use to give your baby all the love they deserve.
Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil is another lightweight and non-greasy formula that is budget-friendly. While its mineral oil base and perfume content may deter parents looking for natural ingredients, you can take comfort in knowing that it is clinically tested and mild for baby skin.
Sebamed Baby Massage Oil is rich in soy oil and wheat germ oil and has a thicker consistency than most massage oils, which is particularly helpful during the dry and cold seasons. The product is pretty expensive, though, and contains perfume.
Winner
With quality ingredients and mild formulations, all three baby massage oils are good choices for your baby. The Himalaya Baby Massage Oil has quality natural ingredients like ashwagandha and olive oil. With its light formula and non-greasy texture, this pocket-friendly baby oil offers a great massaging experience for your baby. You will also love the fact that the massage oil is free of perfume. Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil is enriched with vitamin E to keep your baby’s skin smooth and supple. On the other hand, Sebamed Baby Massage Oil has botanical ingredients and a slightly thicker consistency than the other two massage oils.
Overall, all three baby massage oils are trusted options, and this detailed comparison might help you choose the right baby oil for your baby. However, consult your pediatrician and follow their recommendations before using any baby oil for your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I heat baby massage oils?
Yes, you can heat baby massage oils gently before applying them to your baby. Warming the oil can also increase its soothing effects and make the massage more comfortable for your baby, especially in winter. You can warm the oil by rubbing it between your palms or placing the bottle of oil in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Make sure the water is not too hot, and do not heat the oil directly on the stove or in the microwave. Before applying the oil to your baby, test its temperature on your wrist.
2. Can I use baby massage oils by Himalaya, Johnson’s, and Sebamed on the face?
Yes, baby massage oils by these trusted brands can be used on the face. They are made with safe ingredients and are mild for baby skin. However, use only a small amount on the baby’s face, and avoid areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Before adding the product to your child’s routine, do a patch test on a small area to check for any irritation.
3. Is it okay for adults to use baby massage oils by Haimalaya, Sebamed and Johnson’s?
Yes, adults may also use baby massage oils by these brands. These oils are gentle and great for those with sensitive skin. Most of them contain proven ingredients that are quite beneficial for adult skin too. Moreover, they are great for use as moisturizers after a bath or as a relaxing body massage oil in the evening.
4. Can I use baby massage oils on baby hair?
Yes, baby massage oils can be used on baby hair. The ingredients in these oils may help nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Moreover, they usually have a non-sticky formula that makes them safe for your baby’s delicate scalp. Keep in mind that your baby’s hair needs only a small amount of oil. And if your baby has issues like cradle cap, consult your pediatrician before applying oil to the hair.
5. Does baby massage oil stay slippery?
No, baby massage oils absorb into the skin. While applying the oil, it may seem slippery. However, this is normal as it aids quick and easy application. After a few minutes, the oil should get absorbed. This is especially true of lightweight and non-greasy oils such as Himalaya Baby Massage Oil and Johnson’s Non-Sticky Baby Oil. If you are opting for a thicker oil like Sebamed Baby Massage Oil, it may remain slippery for a longer time.
6. Does baby massage oil expire?
Yes, like every skincare product, baby massage oils also expire. Expired oil can lose its effectiveness, and in some cases, cause skin irritation on a baby’s sensitive skin. Check the product label for its expiry date—most oils have a “Best Before” date printed on the bottle.
References
- The Benefits of Baby Massage.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/the-benefits-of-baby-massage.aspx - Anjela A. Nazareth and Prangya P. Sahoo; (2024); Ashwagandha – Your Recharger.
https://ijneronline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=International%20Journal%20of%20Nursing%20Education%20and%20Research;PID=2024-12-2-14 - Shefali Arora et al.; (2023); Ashwagandha: A Flagship Herb of Ayurveda from Past to Present Nano Era.
https://jpionline.org/article/32213/ - Nicole Natarelli et al.; (2023); Clinical Efficacy of Topical or Oral Soy Supplementation in Dermatology: A Systematic Review.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10299547/
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