Did you know that some skin-care products can actually harm your baby? Unfortunately, some baby lotions (even those marketed as natural, organic and safe) contain unhealthy chemicals and synthetic ingredients that could irritate your baby’s skin and cause different kinds of skin reactions – and may be even toxic! In this article I’m going to share my tips for choosing truly organic and best natural baby lotions, plus share my favorites!
Article By Edna Skopljak – Medical Doctor (MD)
As mom, you always put your baby’s well-being first. You carefully choose what you buy for your little ones, even before birth.
I know it can be exciting – but at the same time – terrifying to study all those must-have baby products for your onboard baby. You’re probably trying to be as cautious as possible when choosing skin-care products, knowing how sensitive the baby’s (especially newborn’s) skin is.
Unfortunately lots of baby creams and lotions from popular brands contain nasty chemicals that can lead to allergic reaction, itchy rash, dry skin patches…
This is why it’s so important to study the ingredients carefully, to make sure you’re choosing TRULY all-natural, organic lotion for your baby’s skin!
As you surely don’t want to risk anything with your little bundle of joy, I will guide you through choosing the best and safest baby lotion and share my tips for avoiding nasty ingredients.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It contains affiliate links.
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I know this can sometimes be overwhelming – those chemical names are so hard to pronounce, not to mention remember which ones are safe! But that is for your baby’s sake.
And yes, I know you probably don’t understand what these ingredients are at all. But once you know what to look for – and what to avoid, you will be prepared for the baby’s cosmetics shopping.
Best Organic And Natural Baby Lotions In 2023
Below are the organic and natural baby lotions being safe for your little one’s sensitive skin. So, you can rest assured that you are baby providing your baby with the best care.
1. Earth Mama Baby Lotion
Earth mama’s baby lotion is my favorite, because it has mostly organic ingredients that are safe and gentle for newborn’s skin.
It is available as non-scent and with sweet orange and calming lavender natural fragrance.
Earth Mama Organic Baby Lotion is carefully formulated, containing organic herbs and oils (like aloe barbadensis leaf juice, organic shea butter, organic olive oil, etc.) for moisturizing baby’s skin.
But that’s not all. It is aimed at babies of all ages and can be used on the whole body (yes, face and bottom, too!).
According to other moms who have been using Earth mama’s baby lotion, it rubs in quickly and lasts. Plus, some moms report that it works perfectly on sensitive skin, even in kids with eczema, keeping skin from drying out.
Why Moms Love It
Here are the main benefits of this hydrating baby lotion:
- It’s one of the best non toxic baby lotions
It is made of organic herbs, extracts, and oils, with no harmful chemicals or toxic ingredients.
- It is clinically and dermatologically tested
You can rest assured that this natural baby lotion will be safe for your baby, as it is clinically tested for skin irritation and contains no petroleum, parabens, artificial fragrance or preservatives. Furthermore, it is rated with the lowest hazard rating according to EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database1.
- It is not too oily/greasy, and it moisturizes for a longer time
I checked this organic baby lotion reviews and this is one of the things that parents mention most often: it is quite smooth and rubs in quickly. It lasts for a longer period.
Due to the smooth structure (which is actually a good thing about this vegan baby lotion), it gets absorbed into the skin soon. You can feel the “craving” to add extra layers, but there’s no need to! A little goes a long way!
- It is suitable for sensitive skin and eczema
As it contains natural ingredients, it works perfectly on sensitive skin (and even severely dry skin). Moms who are dealing with cradle cap or eczema in their kids report improvement in baby’s skin condition after using this cream regularly.
| PRO TIP: For the best moisturizing effects I recommend pairing this natural baby lotion with the Earth Mama’s Baby Oil (which, by the way, is awesome for treating eczema, baby cradle cap, red rashes… and of course it’s perfect for infant’s massage). If your little one has extra dry skin, I recommend putting the lotion first and applying the oil afterwards to lock in that moisture. |
Keep In Mind
- Scents can sometimes be overwhelming for babies
If you have a newborn, you should definitely choose the scentless version of Earth Mama baby lotion.
2. Motherlove Everyday Baby Balm
Everyday Baby Balm is a gentle organic lotion for babies with a very smooth texture, perfect for everyday use on your baby’s delicate skin. I just love how it soothes and nourishes baby’s skin.
What I like even more, is that this lotion has a very short list of purely organic ingredients (literally SIX ingredients).
Fewer ingredients mean a lower risk for any potential skin reaction. And you certainly don’t want to risk anything with your little darling, especially in the first months when they have very sensitive skin.
Everyday Baby Balm is lightly scented with calming chamomile flowers. The gentle ingredients also include apricot oil, organic beeswax, shea butter, marshmallow root, and calendula flower.
I love that it uses natural skin softeners and no chemical ingredients and this is why I find it to be one of the best baby lotions.
Moms who have been using it report positive effects, being very hydrating for dry skin. Some moms said it was great for the drool rash and teething rashes and for everyday use.
Why Moms Love It
So, why is this a good lotion for babies?
- It has a very short list of only organic ingredients
Because much of what goes on the skin also goes inside the body – you definitely want to be sure of what you are giving to your baby, right?
This one is a great organic alternative, especially if your little one has suffered from allergic reactions to most of the over-the-counter creams.
- It is entirely free from harsh ingredients and chemicals
This lotion doesn’t contain petroleum (or petroleum jelly), lanolin, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fillers. These ingredients may cause skin reactions or reduce the skin’s natural ability to eliminate toxins.
- It has a smooth texture
Moms report that the texture is very smooth and they all love its non-greasy formula. By the way, it doesn’t leave grease marks on the clothes, either.
Keep In Mind
- Everyday Baby Balm comes in jar packaging
Generally, traditional jars are considered less sanitary than other types of skin-care packaging. Jars encourage ingredients to oxidize when the formula is exposed to air and light (it happens with each use)!
Besides, it is not really desirable to put your fingers into the jar, put the product on the baby’s bottom, and later – again put your fingers and put the product on the baby’s face.
3. Pipette Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion
The fragrance-free, Pipette Baby Lotion is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, and it provides good hydration to your baby’s sensitive skin – without causing allergic reactions.
You can be sure that it won’t irritate your little one’s severely dry skin!
According to online reviews, moms love this baby lotion, because it absorbs quickly, it is not greasy, and moisturizes the skin very well without any skin reactions.
Therefore, the Pipette hydrating baby lotion is super safe option for baby’s skin.
| PRO TIP: I prefer unscented baby lotions, and I only recommend the fragrance-free version of this lotion, because it’s the SAFEST one. You can enjoy the natural scent of your baby’s skin that you love so, so much – without risking skin rashes or irritated skin. Keep in mind that the other three aromas contain potential irritant so it’s better to avoid them. |
Why Moms Love It
The reasons why other moms like this baby lotion are:
- It is dermatologically tested and pediatrically approved
It is definitely the first thing to consider for every mom – health safety, among all other things.
- It contains plant-derived organic ingredients
This moisturizing lotion is also free from synthetic fragrances, so it is baby skin-friendly.
- It nurtures baby skin and restores the natural balance
It is soft on the (even softer) baby’s skin, providing hydration and protection with the so-called moisturizing superhero squalane. This ingredient actually helps skin restore natural balance.
| PRO TIP: If you need something even more moisturizing get this Pipette baby balm – this one is also free from nasty chemicals. It has thicker formula and it’s a bit shiny so I would recommend using it before bed. |
Keep In Mind
- Scented versions contain phenethyl alcohol
Due to the lack of scientific research on its safety on sensitive skin, it is not recommended to use it on your baby’s skin. However, you are on the safe side with the unscented version of Pipette’s Baby Lotion.
- The size of the bottle is pretty small
This cream goes by quickly. I know it can be inconvenient (and pricey) to stock up on it every few weeks.
4. The Honest Company Sensitive Face + Body Lotion (Fragrance Free)
This natural baby lotion is blended with gentle ingredients, including shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba esters, aloe vera and safflower oil.
Although it comes with different scents, I can (again) only recommend the scentless one. The unscented version of this baby lotion is perfectly suitable for a baby’s sensitive skin.
The Honest’s Fragrance-Free lotion for babies is dermatologically tested and made without yucky ingredients – so you don’t need to worry about its safety for your precious one.
According to moms who have been using this baby lotion, it has a great texture without a sticky, heavy after-feel. Furthermore, moms noted that it absorbs quickly and provides moisture for dry and sensitive baby skin.
Why Moms Love It
So, why is this baby lotion good for your baby’s skin?
- It is hypoallergenic
This means it shouldn’t cause any skin irritation.
- It contains only naturally-derived ingredients
There are no parabens, silicones, phthalates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oil.
- It doesn’t have a sticky or greasy texture
It is easily applied and absorbs quickly, without staining your baby’s onesies.
Keep In Mind
- Some moms say this lotion is too pricey
A few of them complained about the price and the size of the packaging.
- Avoid scents as they may cause irritations
Scented versions are not the best options if you’re looking for the safest lotion for your baby.
5. Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Lotion
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Lotion is a baby-friendly moisturizer with tons of soothing ingredients you will love. The lotion is very smooth in texture and easy to rub in.
Besides 2% Colloidal Oatmeal, it contains shea butter, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, meadowsweet oil, ultra moisturizing calendula officinalis flower extract and vitamin E.
Not all baby lotions have their ingredients certified as organic, but the good news about Babo Botanical lotion is that majority of its natural oils and extracts are certified organic. That makes it a good everyday lotion for your little one.
Moms who have been using it in their newborns (but also in their older kids – and themselves) say they love the lotion and the very light scent (it’s all natural, not synthetic).
Why Moms Love It
So, why choose this baby lotion?
- This is a vegan baby lotion with the right pH level for baby’s skin (6-7)
Besides, it is free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, and similar synthetic chemicals used in toxic baby lotions. It contains shea butter, sunflower oil, coconut oil and soothing oatmeal.
- Lightweight formula
It absorbs quickly and makes the skin supple. Moms love the formula for being not too thick and not too oily. What’s more, the formula is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants complex.
Keep In Mind
- Not that effective for eczema prone skin
Some parents reported that it didn’t help with their child’s eczema (but at least didn’t make it worse).
6. SheaMoisture Baby Lotion For Dry Skin
One of the best natural baby skincare products for dry skin is SheaMoisture Baby Lotion. It’s a nutrient-rich moisturizer based on raw shea butter, chamomile, argan oil, frankincense and myrrh extracts.
Such an ingredients list makes this lotion a good choice for all skin types – including sensitive one.
Besides, thanks to these ingredients, it helps with baby eczema.
Moms reviews show that this baby oil is great for kids, especially during the winters. According to their comments, the lotion gets absorbed very quickly and is not greasy at all.
Moreover, one mom of a baby with hypersensitive skin wrote that this was the first product that worked for her daughter.
Worth trying, right?
Why Moms Love It
- Natural ingredients help with dry and irritated skin, including eczema
This baby lotion is an excellent choice for dry skin prone to irritations, thanks to raw shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil.
- It has a thick but not greasy texture
So, you get prolonged moisturizing without greasiness. Sounds good?
- Reasonable price
Keep In Mind
- Smell
This baby lotion does contain fragrance. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t clearly state if it’s all-natural or not. Some moms even complain about how overpowering the smell is.
7. Babyology Organic Baby Lotion
You can’t resist the adorable packaging of Babyology Organic Baby Lotion! But the packaging is not the reason why I included this product in my list of the best organic baby lotions.
Babyology supports the skin’s natural protection against harmful environmental effects and provides hydration to the baby’s skin.
It contains great ingredients for your little one’s skin care. Organic coconut oil, sweet almond oil and probiotics are my favored ingredients in this baby lotion, as they nourish, hydrate, and also protect the soft baby’s skin.
Moms’ reviews say it’s a good moisturizing cream with a nice scent and even nicer texture.
Why Moms Love It
What are the advantages of this baby lotion?
- Ultra-safe
It is clinically and dermatologically tested: And it is hypoallergenic. Yes, it is ultimately safe for your little one.
- No harmful ingredients
It is free from synthetic dyes and fragrances, as well as parabens. It’s also phthalate free.
- It has a smooth, lightweight texture
It moisturizes baby skin without that heavy and sticky feeling.
Keep In mind
On the other side, please be aware that:
- It does contain sodium benzoate
Although it is generally considered safe, it may cause some skin reactions2.
- No unscented option
Although the scents are natural, and the aroma is very light, if you don’t like using scented products on your baby, unfortunately there is no unscented version of this lotion.
Final Decision: What Is The Safest Baby Cream?
I know the decisions can be stressful when it comes to our little treasures. Therefore, choosing among different baby lotions on the market may be difficult.
I checked 20+ baby creams and here I reviewed the best natural baby lotions that you can currently find on the market. But in the end the question arises: what is the safest baby cream?
In my personal opinion, this Earth Mama’s unscented baby lotion is the safest baby cream overall in this case. Thanks to organic ingredients and absence of any worrisome chemicals and scents, this is an excellent choice for the baby’s sensitive, soft skin. Plus, it provides proper hydration to baby skin all day long.
One more thing to keep in mind – scentless skincare products are generally the best option for brand-new-to-the-world skin.
| PRO TIP: If you don’t mind the jar packaging, the Motherlove Everyday Balm is also an ultra-safe option because it has only SIX INGREDIENTS, and no artificial preservatives or toxic chemicals. |
Best Natural Baby Lotion – FAQ
Many question marks surround you when you are expecting or coming home with a newborn baby. As a baby’s skin is so sensitive, skin care is definitely one of your new-parent concerns.
It may be really hard to choose the best baby lotion with truly safe ingredients. That’s why I’m here to help you.
I answered some of the frequently asked questions below.
Does A Baby’s Skin Need Lotion?
Just as we, parents, may have sensitive skin – babies may have it too. Skincare significantly differs in babies, as compared with adults. And, because much of what you put onto their skin gets absorbed into their tiny bodies, you need to be very careful about what you use in their skincare.
Baby lotions are certainly an important part of the baby skincare routine – especially when it comes to some skin conditions. Babies who suffer from eczema, baby acne, diaper rash – or have dry skin will definitely benefit from this type of hydration.
In this comparison article you can read more about baby lotions, their absorption, which skin conditions they can heal and how they differ from baby oils.
When To Apply Baby Lotion
The best time to rub the baby lotion onto your little one is after bath time. In that way, you will retain moisture and the skin’s water content. It would be best if you could do so within a few minutes after bathing your baby.
How To Choose The Best Baby Lotion
When it comes to your baby’s skincare, there are some things to consider when choosing skin products.
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Skin Conditions
The first and most important thing to consider is whether your little one suffers from some skin condition.
For example, suppose your baby suffers from eczema or has dry or sensitive skin. In that case, you will have to be especially careful when choosing the body lotion.
Sometimes, you will need to look for specialized products to help your precious one deal with their skin issue.
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Lotion, Ointment, Cream Or Balm?
Even though you may think there is no difference, these skincare products differ.
Due to higher concentrations of oil, ointments and creams feel heavier and stickier than lotion.
Balms are oil and wax-based, while creams, lotions, and ointments are water and oil-based. That is why creams, lotions, and ointments are probably better for skin issues such as eczema.
What’s more, lotions are the thinnest in texture and are easy to spread – and absorb fast. They provide quick result.
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First Ingredient
Before purchasing a baby lotion, read the label carefully. The first ingredient on the label is the one that makes up the majority of the product.
Look for natural, organic ingredients. Baby skin is so delicate and prone to dryness and irritation. It is not that hard to look after the first ingredient for their safety, right?
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Fragrance-Free
Baby lotions that contain fragrances and perfumes can irritate a baby’s skin and breathing. Therefore, always opt for fragrance-free products, especially in newborns.
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Moisturizing Ingredients To Look For In The Best Natural Baby Lotion
A moisturizer is as good as its ingredients. The best baby moisturizing ingredients are natural and organic ones.
And these primarily include organic sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, cocoa butter, avocado oil, canola oil, and grape seed oil. If these ingredients are certified organic it’s even better!
There’s one more ingredient that your little ones’ skin will love: squalane3. It helps to hydrate skin by retaining the moisture and it naturally strengthens skin barrier.
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Harmful Ingredients To Avoid
Besides perfumes, you don’t want any soaps in your baby lotion, as these ingredients may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and discomfort.
Furthermore, the lotion shouldn’t contain parabens. Because infants can absorb parabens more than adults, making them more vulnerable to potentially harmful effects. Ensure your baby lotion doesn’t contain dyes, as these are unnecessary.
Also, phthalates are potentially dangerous ingredients in baby products that are linked to a range of ailments.
Propylene glycol is another ingredient to avoid, as it may cause irritations and allergic reactions in your little one.
Other ingredients that you should at least try to avoid are: sodium hydroxide, potassium sorbate, glyceryl stearate citrate, disodium EDTA, ethylhexyl palmitate, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol4 especially if they are listed at the beginning of the ingredients list!
Which Brand Is Best For Baby Lotion?
Take time to study the ingredients and consider all other things that may suit or not suit you.
After thorough research I can say that the best brand for baby lotion brand is Earth Mama Organics, Motherlove, as well as Pipette (I also recommend these brands for the best and safest baby oils).
But of course there is no perfect cream that would moisturize and heal all skin types and conditions, and in the end you will need to find a lotion that will suit YOUR baby.
Whatever you decide, please choose a non toxic baby lotion with natural and – if possible – certified organic ingredients, and free from harmful chemicals, to reduce the risk of allergic reaction, skin rashes or more severe health problems.
Article By Edna Skopljak
Edna Skopljak is Medical Doctor (MD) who works in University Medical Centre in Ljubljana. She’s a She also worked as an editor at BJBMS medical journal for several years. She wrote content for several health-related websites and the BJBMS blog. She’s a mom of a 15-month-old.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
Resources:
https://www.ewg.org/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/
https://www.naturalinstinct.com.au/
Sources of pictures:
Pictures of Earth Mama Lotion with LittleBabyGear logo belong to LittleBabyGear.com. Others belong to Earth Mama Organics Brand. Source: https://earthmamaorganics.com/
Pictures of Motherlove Lotion belong to Motherlove Brand. Source: https://www.motherlove.com/
Pictures of Pipette Lotion belong to Pipette Brand. Source: https://www.pipettebaby.com/
Pictures of Honest Lotion belong to The Honest Company Brand. Source: honest.com/
Pictures of Babo Botanicals Lotion belong to Babo Botanicals Brand. Source: https://www.babobotanicals.com/
Pictures of SheaMoisture Lotion belong to SheaMoisture Brand. Source: https://www.sheamoisture.com/
Pictures of Babyology Lotion belong to Babyology Brand. Source: https://babyology-care.com/
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂