Best Baby Lotions – Top 10 Best Lotions for Baby Reviews

Having a new baby brings many exciting things to your life, so using the best baby lotions will help them feel comfortable through it all.

As a new parent, you have plenty to remember already when it comes to your little one’s skin. Choosing the best baby wipes, diapers, and detergents are just a few of these, however, the most important is probably the lotion you use.

At this stage in life, babies are delicate and fragile, and their skin is no exception. Don’t let dry, irritated skin get you or your little one down! Keep reading to learn about choosing a baby lotion as well as our top picks.

Why It’s Important to Choose a Safe Lotion for Your Baby?

Baby skin is very sensitive, so it’s important to choose a lotion that isn’t going to dry out or irritate your baby’s skin.

Baby skin is also very thin and sensitive when it comes to the chemicals that are applied to it. Since baby skin is made to stretch as they’re growing so rapidly at this age, they’re at a higher risk for their skin absorbing chemicals.

Since moisturizers and lotions are a vital part of any great skincare routine, you won’t want to skip the moisturizer. Before you choose any moisturizer or lotion for your baby, it’s important to find one that’s gentle and easy on their skin.

Adult Skin vs Baby Skin

It should come as no surprise that adult skin and baby skin is very different. As we mentioned previously, baby skin is very thin. It needs to have enough elasticity to cater to the baby’s growing body.

In addition to being thinner, baby skin is also more sensitive. So, while many of us can use lotions with fragrance or harsher chemicals, this is because our skin has become resilient against these ingredients. A baby’s skin is incredibly fragile so these harsher chemicals and fragrances are more likely to cause a rash or other irritation.

If harsh chemicals are applied to a baby’s skin, the risk of the baby absorbing those chemicals into the bloodstream is heightened as well. As adults, our skin is much thicker and it acts as a barrier between our blood and the outside elements.

If you can’t pronounce it and you don’t know what it is, you won’t want to put that ingredient on your baby’s skin, where you could probably get away with using it on your own skin.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Now that you know how fragile and unique a baby’s skin is, let’s talk about which ingredients should be avoided. While the best lotion for your baby will depend on their individual skin type, there are quite a few ingredients that should be avoided by all new parents.

These are:

1. Parabens

Parabens are a type of chemical that is used as a preservative in skincare products. Parabens prevent a product from gathering mold and they have a longer shelf life. While these products will save you money by not having to replace your products as often, it’s not worth the possible health impacts.

While many products will have a label disclosing that they contain parabens, it’s still important to look at the label with a keen eye. Keep an eye out for butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. These are the most common parabens that are used in skincare products.

It’s important to avoid parabens because they have been thought to cause certain types of cancer as well as hormone disruption. This happens when the product soaks into the skin and into the bloodstream, which is why babies are so susceptible to parabens.

While it would be best for all of us to avoid parabens, adults can probably get away with using products with them. Since the concentration is so small in the products we use, the parabens shouldn’t cause much harm to adults. Since baby skin is so much more sensitive and thinner, parabens shouldn’t be used at all with babies.

Keep in mind that almost all products that have water as the main ingredient need to use parabens to preserve them. This is a simple way to help you identify parabens.

2. Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene Glycol, or PEGs, are synthetic ingredients. These can be most easily identified by the strange names they typically have. Common PEGs are:

Basically any ingredient that ends with “eth” is bad news. The reason why PEGs should be avoided is that they can easily be contaminated during the manufacturing process. 1,4- dioxane is a harmful carcinogen that is often linked with PEGs.

Carcinogens can harm the nervous system if they get into the bloodstream. This will negatively impact the development of your baby if they’re exposed to them. Since you can’t tell if PEGs contain the carcinogen, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

In addition to avoiding PEGs, you’ll want to avoid products that contain heavy levels of petroleum.

3. Fragrance 

Phthalates are chemicals that are used to bind plastic to make it more flexible, as well as a solvent in cosmetic products. These harmful chemicals can interfere with the kidney, liver, lungs, and reproductive function. Also, they can disrupt the hormones in the body. If phthalates are present in a product, the label won’t directly say this.

Instead of looking for the word “phthalates,” look for fragrance on your label. If there’s fragrance in baby lotion, leave it and find another one. Not only can harmful chemicals impact your baby’s organs, but the chemicals used to create the smell are typically too harsh for baby skin if their skin is sensitive.

Baby skin is easily irritated, so the fragrance will only heighten your child’s risk of rash.

4. Propylene Glycol

This harmful chemical is used to thicken products. This can be used in boxed hair dye, deodorant, and even baby lotion. While the FDA has deemed propylene glycol as safe to use in cosmetics and food, it’s not recommended to use this on baby skin.

Propylene glycol is also used to de-ice airplanes before take-off, so is that something you really want to apply to your baby’s skin? If the chemical is strong enough to remove ice from a massive aircraft, it shouldn’t be used on fragile baby skin.

Choose These Labels

Knowing what you should have in a baby lotion is just as important as knowing what you shouldn’t. As you keep in mind which ingredients to avoid, look for these on the label:

1. Butters and Oils

Ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil are great for baby skin. They’re natural ingredients but they also provide an ample amount of moisture to save your baby’s dry skin.

Since coconut oil is rich in protein and fatty acids, it’s a safe and gentle ingredient to restore moisture to your baby’s skin. Not only will coconut oil moisturize the skin but it can help reduce water loss in the skin as well.

If you choose to give your baby a massage, coconut oil is a great tool to use for this. Infant massage is a great way to increase the bond you have with your baby as well as improve their sleep. Use coconut oil for the massage and notice how smooth their skin feels after!

2. Short Ingredient List

Like most things you’re using in and on your body, it’s best to find labels with the fewest ingredients possible. The fewer ingredients that make up your lotion the better you can feel about knowing exactly what’s going on your baby’s skin.

Not only should you look for a short ingredient list when it comes to the number of ingredients, but you should look for short names in your ingredient list. A great rule of thumb is to avoid ingredients that you can’t pronounce. If it’s too long for you to pronounce then it’s probably made up of chemicals that you don’t want on your baby’s skin.

3. Look for Products Without Water As the Main Ingredient

As we mentioned earlier, when products have a high concentration of water, parabens are typically needed to extend the shelf life of the product. Since you want to avoid putting parabens on your baby’s skin, look for water as the main ingredient.

In addition to parabens, a product that has a high concentration of water may need fillers or thickeners. These are typically made from harmful chemicals, so a product with a base of water should be avoided entirely.

Applying the Lotion

Lotion should be applied when your baby’s skin is dry. While baby skin is naturally very smooth, sometimes they need a little bit of moisture when they get out of the bath.

After you bathe your little one, use the slather technique. Apply a generous amount of a safe lotion all over your baby. Keep any health conditions in mind when applying the lotion, for example, eczema or a rash. If they have either of these problems, try to find a product that helps these irritations.

Best Baby Lotions on the Market Reviews

The Best Organic Baby Lotions

   1    The Honest Company All-Purpose Balm

This baby lotion is hypoallergenic and organic. It contains ingredients that are plant-based and it’s perfect for soothing dry skin.

With coconut, olive, and sunflower seed oil, you can feel confident that your baby’s skin will be moisturized and nourished without any of the harsh chemicals or fragrances. The Honest Company All-Purpose Balm won the Cribsie award in 2019 for its simple and versatile formula. Mom’s everywhere are choosing this because they know exactly what’s in it and they don’t have to worry about using it on skin that is easily irritated.

This all-purpose balm is great for replenishing even the most sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a great, organic lotion, feel free to use this on yourself as well! The Honest Company states that they put your baby’s health and safety first, so this balm has been tested and specifically crafted for fragile baby skin.

   2    Earth Mama Baby Lotion

This specific bundle comes with two bottles of lotion, which is great for the busy mom who doesn’t have time to run to the store often. Plus, buying your baby supplies in bulk will often save you money in the long run.

Earth Mama’s lotion isn’t scented with perfumes or fragrances, instead, the lotion gets its clean and natural smell from herbs. If your baby’s skin is irritated, this lotion is great for using on it. The simplicity of the formula makes it a great choice for any baby, no matter how sensitive their skin.

There is no petroleum, parabens, mineral oil, or other harmful chemicals in this organic baby lotion. The manufacturers say this formula is gentle enough for newborns and skin that’s experiencing rash or eczema. Among some of the great ingredients in this product are shea butter, organic calendula oil, and organic aloe leaf juice.

   3    The Honest Company Purely Sensitive

This lotion is great for your baby’s body and face. Many lotions work for a baby’s body, but they cause irritation when applied to the face. That won’t happen with this formula. This gentle lotion contains no fragrances as well as no dyes, parabens, or phthalates.

Natural ingredients included in the formula are calendula and aloe. The formula is also plant-based and hypoallergenic, so the most sensitive baby skin can feel replenished and hydrated.

The Best Rated Baby Lotions for Eczema

   4    CeraVe Baby

When you apply this lotion to your baby’s skin you won’t need to worry about applying it again until the next day. With a formula that is made to last long, CeraVe baby lotion will keep your little one’s skin moisturized for 24 hours. So, unless your little one is fresh out of the bath or they have a dry patch, you can save on the product by only using it once per day.

The essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-11) help your baby’s skin stay moisturized and healthy. They create a protective skin barrier that will prevent dangerous toxins from soaking into your baby’s skin!

You don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals with this lotion, as it’s free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. If your baby struggles with eczema, this lotion is great for treating it. The gentle formula has been approved by the National Eczema Association.

This lotion has also been developed with the help of dermatologists. Among the great ingredients are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to form a protective barrier and retain moisture.

   5    Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

If your baby has a rash or another irritation on their skin, Aquaphor’s healing ointment is great for treating that. This healing ointment can be used on diaper rash, a rash from drool, dry skin, and minor cuts and bruises.

When you apply the Aquaphor to the affected area, it only takes around 6 hours to begin healing the irritation. It can also be used to treat eczema if your baby has flare-ups after their bath. The formula is hypoallergenic, free of parabens, and free of fragrance, so even the most sensitive skin can feel relief after an irritation.

Aquaphor is unique because the formula allows for the skin to breathe while moisturizing effectively.

   6    Eucerin Baby Lotion for Eczema

This lotion is another great option if your baby struggles with eczema and dry skin. Colloidal oatmeal provides a gentle and hydrating lotion for your little one to avoid eczema flare-ups. This formula is free of steroids, dyes, and fragrance. This is one lotion that shouldn’t be used on babies unless they are over 3 months old.

Do you struggle with eczema as well? Luckily, this lotion can serve both you and your baby, saving money on a variety of products. Eucerin’s lotion for eczema serves as a hydrating and protective barrier for the skin for up to 24 hours. So, you don’t have to worry about reapplying until your baby’s next bath.

It’s best to use this product every day to prevent eczema flare-ups from happening.

The Best-Smelling Baby Lotion

   7    Aveeno Baby

Aveeno Baby keeps your little one’s skin moisturized for 24 hours, so you can wait between applications. With the long-lasting formula, you only really need to apply the lotion after baths.

Natural and moisture-rich oatmeal is one of the great ingredients included in this lotion. Have you ever heard of giving oatmeal baths to soothe skin irritation or moisturize the skin? Well, Aveeno brings the oatmeal bath to a bottle.

No drying alcohols are present in this formula, as the lotion is suitable for hypoallergenic skin. The formula also absorbs into the skin quickly, so you don’t have to worry about your baby slipping and sliding around for too long! Aveeno Baby will leave your baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth without the greasy feeling many lotions create.

Many users consider this lotion to be the best-smelling, as natural hints of lavender and vanilla are present.

The Best Healing Baby Lotion

   8    E-RA Organics Healing Ointment

This lotion is perfect for a variety of skin conditions. From cradle cap to diaper rash to even hives, this healing ointment is a must-have if your baby’s skin gets irritated often.

While this lotion may not be the most affordable option for some new moms, it’s definitely an asset if your baby gets rashes often. This formula is free of parabens, fragrance, dyes, toxins, and phthalates. Some of the great ingredients in this product are:

So, whether your baby is suffering from baby acne, a chapped nose, or damaged skin, this ointment is a great option for treatment and prevention.

The Best Lotion and Body Wash Pack

   9    Aveeno Baby Lotion and Bath Pack

If you’re looking for a combo pack for bath supplies, this one by Aveeno is a great option. Not only is this pack affordable, but it’s great for sensitive skin. Bath time should be relaxing for you and your little one and this calming and moisturizing pack ensures that.

With relaxing natural scents of lavender and vanilla, these products are known to help ease your baby’s anxiety during bath time and before bed. Combining an infant massage with a calming product will help your little one sleep soundly through the night.

Tear-free and soap-free, this calming formula uses oatmeal to lock moisture into your baby’s skin that will last until the next day.

The Best Value Baby Lotion

   10    Burt’s Bees Gift Set

All of the products are made from natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals, parabens, dyes, and fragrance. This gift set is crafted with sensitive skin in mind. So, whether your little one has a diaper rash or just dry skin, you have all the tools needed to take care of them.

Plus, the adorable bee towel will work great for after baths or even as a burping rag. Bathtime should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one, and this set makes it much easier.

Which Product Will You Choose?

Choosing the best baby lotions for your little one is a big decision. The choice you make should be based on their skin type. Baby skin is gentle and fragile so it’s important to use lotions that reflect that.

Whichever product out of these you decide to try, know that you’re taking a step towards healthy and smooth skin for your little one.