7 Natural Oils That Are Great For Your Baby's Skin
As any parent knows, keeping a baby's skin healthy, nourished, and soft is a top priority. But with all of the different lotions and oils on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Here are seven of the best natural oils that you can use to help keep your little one's skin healthy and happy.
7 Best Natural Oils for Babies
1. Coconut Oil
If you're looking for a natural and healthy option for your little one, then consider using coconut oil.
Coconut oil is gentle and effective at cleansing the skin, while also being naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can protect against infection. In addition, it helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and hydrated (it's best to apply coconut oil to your baby's skin after a bath!).
Plus, according to dermatologists, coconut oil is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types (however, do a patch test first!). Some studies have also shown that coconut oil can provide relief to baby skin that is affected by eczema, psoriasis, cradle cap, and diaper rashes.
Unlike other oils, coconut oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, providing long-lasting hydration. With so many benefits, it's no wonder that coconut oil is a staple in many households with young children!
2. Jojoba Oil
This oil is similar to coconut oil in terms of its ability to moisturize and protect your baby's skin. However, jojoba oil is a bit lighter in texture, making it easier to spread on your baby's skin. It is derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, and it is uniquely suited to moisturizing and protecting delicate skin.
The best part is that jojoba oil is also non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, which means it does not clog pores and very rarely causes allergic reactions. It is non-greasy and quickly absorbed, yet it provides long-lasting moisture.
In addition, jojoba oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin. These include vitamins E and B, as well as zinc and copper. As a result, jojoba oil can help to keep your baby's skin soft, supple, and healthy!
3. Calendula Oil
Calendula oil has been used for centuries to soothe and protect the skin. It is extracted from the flower of the calendula plant and is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. If you've ever wondered "is calendula good for babies?", yes is the answer!
When applied to the skin, calendula oil can relieve irritation, redness, and swelling; research shows that it also seems to facilitate faster wound healing.
According to skin experts, calendula oil is gentle enough to be used on babies' skin. When applied to a baby's bottom, it can even help to heal diaper rash and prevent future outbreaks. Looking for diaper rash tips? We have a few important ones!
Calendula oil can be used on other areas of a baby's body, such as the face, hands and feet. With its ability to soothe, heal, and protect delicate skin, calendula oil is an ideal choice for parents who are looking for a natural way to care for their baby's skin.
However, don't use calendula oil if your baby is allergic to plants that are part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
4. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. The Egyptians prized it for its soothing properties, and apparently, it was even used as an offering to the gods. Today, chamomile is still revered for its healing power, and chamomile oil is commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Chamomile oil is considered to be beneficial for your baby's skin, according to experts. It is gentle to use, and it may help to soothe skin irritations such as eczema or diaper rash. However, speak to your baby's dermatologist or pediatrician first!
In addition, chamomile oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and redness. Plus, it might also soothe your baby; strong anecdotal evidence shows that it can help babies who have difficulty sleeping.
To use chamomile oil on babies, add a few drops to their bath water. Or, you can mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and then apply it to an affected patch of skin.
However, note that it is an essential oil, so you should use it sparingly and must always dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut oil). Also, do not use essential oils on babies that are under 3 months old and do not let your baby ingest essential oils at any age.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is good for your baby's skin. This essential oil, known for its calming scent, has been shown to be effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, and has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Of course, it's important to always use lavender oil with a carrier oil. Plus, only use it on babies who are older than 3 months.
So, put a few drops in your baby's bath and watch how it promotes sleep and relaxation! Lavender oil is well-known for its calming effect on the mind and body, making it an ideal choice for massaging into your baby's skin before bedtime. It can also provide relief to a dry, itchy scalp that has dandruff.
However, make sure that your little one doesn't ingest the oil. Additionally, it's best to use an essential oil like lavender oil sparingly!
6. Olive Oil
While there are myriad lotions and potions on the market that promise to keep your baby's skin soft and healthy, one of the best options is actually something you probably already have in your kitchen: olive oil.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E, olive oil helps to protect, nourish, and repair your baby's delicate skin. It can also be used to prevent diaper rash and soothe eczema flare-ups and cradle caps. Olive oil also has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.
Best of all, it's suitable for even the most sensitive skin, making it a great choice for babies. So next time you're looking for a way to keep your little one's skin healthy, reach for the olive oil. Use it to massage your baby's body and scalp — you'll be nourishing their skin, bonding with them, and helping their muscles, bones, joints, and hair develop!
However, make sure to use organic extra virgin olive oil, because your baby deserves the most natural and best option of them all.
7. Tamanu oil
Tamanu oil is a natural nut oil that has been used for centuries to protect and moisturize the skin. The oil is extracted from the nut of the Tamanu tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Tamanu oil is non-greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin, making it an ideal choice for babies' delicate skin.
Tamanu oil contains fatty acids that help to nourish and hydrate the skin; it has very high fat content, so it's a great moisturizer for little ones with dry and chapped skin.
In addition, tamanu oil has been shown to promote healing, repair damage to the skin barrier, and encourage collagen production. Plus, it seems to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. For these reasons, tamanu oil is an excellent choice for baby's skin care routine!
However, if your baby is allergic to tree nuts, avoid using tamanu oil.
These are just a few of the best oils that you can use to help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy.
Experiment with different oils to see which ones work best for your little one's individual needs. Always remember to do a patch test before committing to a natural oil for your baby and don't forget to check with your baby's doctor as well!
If you're wondering what ingredients you should avoid in baby skincare, here's an article that can help you out!
Enjoy the goodness of natural oils with Nature's Baby Organics
If you want the benefit of all the natural oils mentioned in this article along with other beneficial oils such as tea tree oil, rapeseed oil, tangerine oil, shea butter, and safflower seed oil, then Nature's Baby Organics is the perfect option for your little one!
That's right, the best oils for baby skin have been utilized in our award-winning baby care products that are USDA Certified organic and made from the finest natural ingredients that are gentle and soothing.
In fact, our cruelty-free, fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved, hypoallergenic, and toxin-free baby products are specially formulated for those with sensitive and problem-prone skin, so you don't have to worry about your baby's delicate skin when you're using them. Our products are perfect not just for babies but for the entire family!
So, if you want the goodness of natural oils for babies but don't have time to get all the oils, our organic baby products — from body washes to lotions — are the way to go!