Moisturising Actually Starts at Bath Time

   

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Image Credit: Tedibar

 

Most parents think moisturising begins after the bath, with the creamy moisturisers. But it may start during cleansing. 

Sounds surprising? Here’s why.

Compared to adult skin, a baby’s skin is thinner, more permeable and naturally loses moisture more quickly. That’s because the outermost layer of the skin, known as the skin barrier, is still maturing during the early years of life. 1 

Think of the skin barrier as your baby’s invisible shield. It locks moisture in, keeps irritants out and helps skin stay soft, healthy and comfortable. But every time your baby is bathed, this barrier comes into contact with water and cleansers. And if the cleanser is too harsh, it may also wash away some of your baby’s skin’s natural protective lipids. That can weaken the skin barrier, increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and leave delicate baby skin feeling dry soon after bath time.2 3

That’s why it’s important to use the right ingredients during baths. 

MEET THE MOISTURE BUILDERS

Image Credit: Tedibar

One of the biggest ingredients here is Ceramides. These naturally occurring lipids make up nearly 50% of the skin barrier’s lipid structure. Working alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids, they form a protective matrix that helps seal moisture into their skin while strengthening its natural barrier.

When ceramides are depleted, the skin barrier becomes less efficient at retaining water, increasing TEWL and leaving skin more prone to dryness. That’s why it’s important to use cleansing products that helps maintain these essential lipids instead of stripping them away, so your baby’s skin is better able to stay hydrated.4 

Image Credit: Tedibar

Then comes Allantoin. Known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties, allantoin helps soften the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum), calm delicate skin, improve moisture retention and support the skin’s natural renewal process. It’s one of the reasons why it’s suitable for delicate and sensitive baby skin to keep it feeling softer and more comfortable after cleansing. 

Another important ingredient in baby skincare is Vitamin E, a naturally occurring antioxidant. It helps protect the skin’s lipid layer from oxidative stress while supporting skin conditioning and maintaining softness. When combined with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, it may complement the skin’s natural protective function and helps leave skin feeling nourished. 5

Backed by this science, we formulated the Tedibar CeraMax Bathing Bar.

Image Credit: Tedibar

It is not only a soap free formula but is also enriched with Triple Ceramides (Ceramide 1, 3 & 6-) lipids that closely resemble those naturally found within the skin barrier to help maintain barrier function during cleansing. The addition of Allantoin helps soothe and condition sensitive skin, while Vitamin E contributes to lasting softness and hydration, protecting the skin’s lipid layer from oxidative stress.

And the science shows it works. This is why  mild, soap-free cleansers are increasingly preferred for babies, as they help cleanse gently without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. 

In clinical testing, Tedibar CeraMax Bathing Bar demonstrated up to 26%* improved skin hydration compared to other baby soaps. That means every bath with it becomes more than just a cleansing routine, it becomes the first step in helping replenish moisture while supporting your baby’s developing skin barrier.

When every bath washes something away. Make sure it isn’t your baby’s moisture.

Disclaimer : * When used as directed for 15 days (based on instrument analysis), results may vary depending on person to person.

References
Choi EH. Skin Barrier Function in Neonates and Infants. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2025 Jan;17(1):32-46. doi: 10.4168/aair.2025.17.1.32. PMID: 39895601; PMCID: PMC11791375.

  • Telofski LS, Morello AP 3rd, Mack Correa MC, Stamatas GN. The infant skin barrier: can we preserve, protect, and enhance the barrier? Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:198789. doi: 10.1155/2012/198789. Epub 2012 Sep 4. PMID: 22988452; PMCID: PMC3439947.
  • Marty O. Visscher, Ralf Adam, Susanna Brink, Mauricio Odio, Newborn infant skin Physiology, development, and care, Clinics in Dermatology, Volume 33, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 271-280, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.12.003
  • Feingold KR, Elias PM. The role of ceramides in the disruption of the cutaneous permeability barrier, a common manifestation of skin disorders. J Lipid Res. 2024 Aug;65(8):100593. doi: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100593. Epub 2024 Jul 11. PMID: 39002948; PMCID: PMC11348431.
  • Crous C, Pretorius J, Petzer A. Overview of popular cosmeceuticals in dermatology. Skin Health Dis. 2024 Feb 7;4(2):e340. doi: 10.1002/ski2.340. PMID: 38577050; PMCID: PMC10988741.
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