Coconut oil, calendula, shea butter… 9 best ingredients for baby’s skin care!

Simple and natural is always best when it comes to caring for your baby’s delicate skin. Right from birth, our little ones are exposed to daily irritants — from environmental pollutants to skin care and household products — all of which can have adverse effects on their health, as well as their delicate and highly absorbent skin.

Many personal care products available on the market contain potentially harmful ingredients and artificial fragrances that can cause rashes, allergic skin reactions, eczema outbreaks and other skin irritations*. The good news is that opting for natural and hypoallergenic ingredients in their skin care routine with natural, plant-based ingredients is one of the best ways to care for and prevent certain skin conditions, as well as protect and nourish your baby’s soft sensitive skin. So which natural ingredients are best suited for your little one, and what exactly does your baby’s skin need? Read on to find out the 9 best natural ingredients for your baby to protect and reinforce the skin’s outer layer. (Please note: As babies’ skin is highly sensitive, before using any of the natural ingredients listed below, we recommend applying a small amount to your baby's skin first to prevent any allergic reaction.)

Calendula

Also known as marigold and used in skin care treatments for centuries, the calendula flower has many benefits. It has been revered for its calming, regenerative and antibacterial properties. Not only is it a wonderful skin conditioning agent, it also has anti-inflammatory properties to help speed skin healing. A natural calendula baby body cream can be used daily to soothe dry and itchy skin, especially if it’s prone to eczema, leaving it hydrated and silky soft to the touch.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is rich, creamy, and packed with essential fatty acids to keep your baby’s skin happy and protected. It’s a great natural choice to use in babies’ daily skin care routine to reinforce their skin’s natural barrier. Besides making the skin incredibly soft, shea butter contains antifungal properties. It’s high in vitamins A and E, and helps promote collagen production in the skin. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe even the most sensitive skins. Using baby products containing shea butter, such as a natural diaper cream or daily lotion, will create a protective barrier on your baby’s skin.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural ingredient known for its versatility: it can be found in diaper creams, baby sun care, as well as other skin care and hair care products. Fast-acting, absorbent and lightweight, it can do wonders by strengthening the outer layer of your baby’s skin. High in vitamin E and lauric acid, it can be used daily to moisturize every part of your baby’s skin and even condition your little one’s hair. It possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities^[1] to soothe and alleviate diaper rashes, while its anti-inflammatory benefits may help with skin blemishes, baby acne, as well as soothe eczema flare-ups and dry skin patches.

Chamomile

A fantastic hypoallergenic skin healer, chamomile is treasured for its soothing, calming and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks in part to its azulene compound found in chamomile flower buds. Unsurprisingly, it’s found in natural baby products such as baby wipes, night body washes and night baby lotion to help soothe and protect your little one’s dry, sensitive or itchy skin for a good night’s sleep. With its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile is a great ingredient to soothe diaper rashes and calm inflammation related to eczema, burns, sunburns and other skin irritations.^[2]

Olive Oil

Commonly used in baby skin care and sun care products, olive oil is a natural emollient and skin softener, containing several essential healthy fats that your baby’s skin needs, such as oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. It’s also an antioxidant powerhouse rich in vitamin E as well as polyphenols and phytosterols to help fight off irritants and prevent them from adhering to your baby’s delicate skin. These antioxidants help restore skin to keep it smooth and supple and calm irritation.

Blueberry Leaves

Blueberry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals and are known for their remarkable soothing, protective and antioxidant properties. Ideal for babies, they offer natural protection for even the most delicate skins. Blueberry leaf extract can be found in natural skin care products for babies and can be used daily to protect, moisturize and soothe their sensitive skin, which is why it’s a key ingredient in our new Baby leaves™ science collection.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is one of the few natural ingredients recognized by Health Canada: it protects the skin’s natural barrier by forming a protective waterproof barrier for areas that are especially prone to irritation and sensitivity. Used daily, it efficiently restores your baby’s skin moisture balance and hydrates skin that is repeatedly exposed to water. In addition, it helps reduce itching, making it a great option for sensitive skin care products for babies to soothe dry skin and diaper rashes. A colloidal oatmeal soak bath can help soothe upset skin during bath time. After bathing your baby, opt for a natural deep repair cream containing colloidal oatmeal to lock in moisture and reduce itching.

Avocado Oil

We all know the health benefits of eating avocados, but using avocado oil on your baby’s skin can be equally beneficial: it’s an excellent emollient and skin softener. Moreover, it has antioxidant properties, is a good source of skin-repairing fatty acids, and is especially soothing to sensitive skin — even more reasons to love this green wonder for your baby! Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, a natural daily lotion containing avocado oil will do wonders for your baby’s skin, helping protect the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.

Zinc Oxide

An effective skin mineral, zinc is used in natural diaper creams to create a physical, impermeable barrier over your child’s delicate skin to protect against humidity. Used daily, it will protect your baby’s delicate bottom after diaper changes and baths. Also used in physical sunscreen for kids, zinc oxide forms a physical barrier on your baby’s skin to naturally deflect UVA/UVB rays, making it a great option for expectant mothers looking for a safe and natural sun protection when pregnant. When it comes to babies’ skin, going back to the basics is the way to go. Your baby’s delicate skin is ultra-sensitive, so implementing a natural skin care routine can help, while keeping your baby’s skin happy, healthy and well hydrated. While these ingredients are generally good for use in natural baby care products, it’s important to keep in mind that even natural ingredients may cause an allergic reaction in some babies. When using any baby product, keep an eye on how your baby’s skin reacts to a new ingredient. To be as safe as possible, choose products that are hypoallergenic, free of artificial fragrances and dermatologically-tested. Using a natural product that combines a number of these ingredients in your baby’s daily skin care routine will not only protect your little one’s skin, but keep it moisturized, soft and supple, the way nature intended! ^[1] https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2014-05/treatment-dermal-infections-topical-coconut-oil ^[2] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/08/20/chamomile-benefits.aspx