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- 10 Best Baby Lotions in 2022 (Pediatrician-Reviewed)
10 Best Baby Lotions in 2022 (Pediatrician-Reviewed)
We took a deep dive into the world of baby lotion and put together a list of the 10 best baby lotions available online. One of our favorites is Eucerin's Baby Lotion for its simple ingredient list. It's been clinically tested for irritation and contains natural ingredients to hydrate and soothe. See the rest of our picks below and check out our buying guide, which has been reviewed by a licensed pediatrician!
Amna Husain, MD, IBCLE, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant who owns and operates NJ’s first pediatric direct primary care (DPC) pediatric practice, Pure Direct Pediatrics. A mother herself and wife to a physician, she understands the struggles today's millenial mom faces when it comes to balancing time, self-care, and raising resilient children. She's dedicated to empowering today's parents through education and personalized support.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose Baby Lotions
Our skin is the largest organ we have and it’s going to grow and stay with your baby for the rest of his or her life. So it goes without saying we need to find a good lotion. We want to choose something that works, and more importantly, something that’s safe to use. Here are a few pointers on how to choose what’s right for your baby.
Choose a Lotion Based on a Specific Skin Need
Every baby is different: some sweat a lot, some have eczema, and some have baby acne. It's normal for babies to get rashes, spots, and bumps. When choosing a baby lotion, take into account any skin issues your baby currently has.
Ointments or Thick Lotions for Very Dry Skin
Very dry skin calls for a thick lotion or ointment. Usually, they contain high concentrations of moisturizing ingredients and have better staying power than a lotion with a thin consistency. Therefore, they are more effective in replenishing dry skin.
The dry and cold weather of winter can also rob your baby's skin of moisture and make it become dry and flaky. A rich and nourishing ointment and lotion are also great to keep the skin soft and protected in the harsh winter climate.
Ammonium lactate containing lotions are helpful for dry rough skin. Hyaluronic acid is great for hydration and youthful appearing skin and I love recommending this for moms as well, dealing with skin issues in the postpartum period.
Soothing Formulas for Eczema and Sensitive Skin
If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema, look for a formula with soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, vitamin B5, and aloe vera. Colloidal oatmeal has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to relieve itching. This ingredient can also create a protective barrier on your baby's skin to prevent irritation.
Vitamin B5 is another great choice. It can promote the healing process of damaged skin tissue, reinforce the skin's barrier, and alleviate inflammation. Aloe vera has also been hailed for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. It can help ease many skin conditions, including eczema and sunburn.
Keep in mind that sensitive skin is different for everyone. And a seemingly safe formula might actually cause a flare-up of eczema. So, always consult with a pediatrician to know what treatment works for your baby!
Look for Hydrating and Nourishing Ingredients for Maintenance
Babies have sensitive skin, so it's important to be aware of exactly what you're putting on them. Familiarize yourself with common baby lotion ingredients and check the label to ensure you're choosing a lotion that will benefit your baby's skin without harming or irritating it.
Humectants Like Glycerin for Hydration
Humectants are a type of ingredient found in lotion that hydrate the skin by drawing water from the lower layers to the top. They can be synthetic or naturally-derived. Glycerin is a synthetic humectant that's often found in baby lotion and is generally considered to be safe.
Natural humectants may have other benefits in addition to hydration. For example, hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant produced by the body that also promotes skin repair. Aloe vera is a plant-derived humectant that also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Humectants can be very helpful. They are hydroscopic substances that lock in hydration and moisture. You may see these commonly as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These substances work by attracting water and providing the moisture that skin needs. I'm a big fan of humectants in lotions and think they can be very helpful!
Some people prefer natural humectants like honey, but I don't advise this. Honey isn't safe for newborns and can even worsen rashes, so I typically tell families to instead use safer options like glycerin.
Occlusives and Emollients to Soften and Lock In Moisture
While humectants help draw moisture to the skin, lotions also need ingredients to prevent that moisture from dissipating. These types of ingredients are referred to as emollients (softeners) and occlusives (protectors).
Emollients and occlusives are typically found in the form of butters, oils, or fatty alcohols, and work by filling in cracks in dry skin to create a water-repellent barrier. These ingredients can be especially helpful for conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Common ingredients include petrolatum and cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol, which are considered to be safe for use in skincare by the FDA. Alternately, you can find plant-derived ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, and a multitude of nourishing oils such as jojoba, sunflower, olive, and coconut.
For various forms of dry skin, I recommend ceramide containing creams and lotions. Ceramides are a type of fat. Oils can help as well in some situations. However, oil on skin can intensify UV rays. Also, oil on the skin, especially on the face, can worsen neonatal acne and even infantile acne.
The great part about fats like ceramides is that they're part of the skin barrier and by moisturizing with a ceramide containing lotion, we are able to help repair the skin barrier (for example, in patients with eczema) and seal in the moisture that humectants bring in.
Keep an Eye Out for Possible Irritants for Babies
Babies have sensitive skin, so it's important to pay attention to potentially irritating ingredients. As a general rule, the simpler the better. Some ingredients are added for aesthetic purposes and really aren't necessary to keep skin soft and moisturized.
One common culprit is fragrance - a catch-all term that can contain both synthetic and natural ingredients. This ingredient may trigger allergic contact dermatitis, so try to avoid it! Also, look out for synthetic dyes. While these may turn the lotion a pretty shade, they're not necessary and may cause irritation.
Sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate can have a dehydrating effect on the skin and might cause allergic reactions like itching and redness. Short-chain alcohols like ethanol and denatured alcohol can also dry out the skin and might aggravate your baby's pre-existing skin condition.
Note that even natural ingredients can be irritating for babies with sensitive skin or allergies. For example, essential oils like lemon might cause redness to babies with highly sensitive skin. So, keep track of your baby's allergies and when in doubt, do a spot test on a small patch of skin.
You can also look for a lotion that has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. Only products that are suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin are awarded this seal.
Fragrances can cause contact dermatitis. I typically recommend fragrance-free lotions and creams. Fragrances can be irritating and actually cause more symptoms of itch and discomfort. "Unscented" doesn't typically mean fragrance-free, but just that the scent or fragrance is masked. Therefore, I always tell families to go for fragrance-free if possible for their little ones.
Common fragrances include lavender, vanilla, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and coconut. Many of these scents seem alluring especially lavender or vanilla when it comes to our young babies, as we associate these scents with helping them sleep longer.
Some children have no issues with scented lotions or fragrances, but in general, I find that items that are fragrance-free do a better job of actually moisturizing with an excellent ingredient profile.
Start Small to Make Sure It's Safe
Make sure the lotion will suit your baby before going all-in on a Costco pack. You may face some issues: the lotion’s not thick enough for dry skin (or is too thick for sweaty skin), or the fragrance is too strong or too irritating.
If the lotion doesn’t suit the baby, then the second bottle will be a waste, so purchasing one in the smallest available size is the smartest way to go. If you're having trouble choosing between multiple lotions, buy the smallest size of each to try them out and see which one works best.
I recommend trying out small amounts of a new moisturizer initially, in the event that you have any allergic or irritating response to the lotion or its ingredients.
Usually, if you try out a new product, I recommend using it on a broader region of the body like the leg or thigh rather than the face. That way, if there is a reaction, you don't have to worry about trying to cover or hide your face. Usually, reactions we see are dry or irritated skin, with occasional itchiness as well.
Be Wary of Buzzwords
Cosmetics are regulated by the FDA, which currently has no standard definition of the terms "hypoallergenic" and "natural." This means that a manufacturer can use these words to promote their product without meeting a specific set of regulations, so your understanding of the word may be different than theirs.
The term "organic" is a bit different since it's regulated by the USDA. If a lotion is USDA-certified organic, it means the manufacturer has met specific government regulations. However, note that the USDA certification applies only to the agricultural ingredients in the lotion.
In general, you don't need to discount these words completely, but they shouldn't be the sole factor in choosing a baby lotion. It's much more important to look at the actual ingredient list - even ingredients that are natural or organic can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
A lot of people think natural, chemical-free, or organic must be better. I have to advise-be wary of "organic" or "all natural" as they still contain chemicals and botanical extracts at high concentrations that can be irritating to the skin. I tell families that poison ivy is natural and organic, but we don't rub that on our skin!
10
Best Baby Lotions Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Eucerin Baby Body Lotion | | Best for Fortifying the Skin's Barrier Function | |
2 | Puracy Organic Baby Lotion | | Best for the Natural and Calming Scent | |
3 | Weleda Calendula Body Lotion | | Best Calming Lotion for Skin Irritation and Eczema | |
4 | Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion | | Best Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion | |
5 | Noodle & Boo Super Soft Lotion | | Best Non-Greasy and Hypoallergenic Formula | |
6 | Aveeno Baby Baby Daily Moisture Lotion | | Best for Protecting the Skin and Preventing Moisture Loss | |
7 | CeraVe Baby Lotion | | Best for Preventing Skin Irritation | |
8 | Baby Dove Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Lotion | | Best Cruelty-Free Formula Suitable for Eczema-Prone Skin | |
9 | Johnson's Baby Baby Nourishing Lotion | | Best for Keeping Your Baby's Skin Moisturized | |
10 | Cetaphil Baby Soft Baby Body Lotion | | Best Small-Sized Option for Eczema-Prone Skin |
Best for Fortifying the Skin's Barrier Function
Pros:
- Made with pro-vitamin B5 and shea butter to reinforce the skin's protective barrier and soothe skin irritation
- Doesn't contain fragrances or drying alcohols
- Maintains skin hydration with glycerin and dimethicone
- Texture is a bit thin and watery
The Eucerin brand has been endorsed by dermatologists for many years. This lotion is formulated without fragrances or drying alcohols, making it suitable for your baby's delicate skin. It's also enriched with pro-vitamin B5 and shea butter to improve the skin's protective barrier and relieve inflammation.
Some complaints have been voiced about the thin and watery texture of the baby lotion. Besides that, the majority find it to be super moisturizing. They further mention that it clears up dry patches without irritating their baby's sensitive skin.
PuracyOrganic Baby Lotion
Best for the Natural and Calming Scent
Pros:
- The combination of sunflower oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin
- Includes aloe vera and vitamin E to reduce inflammation and calm the skin
- Contains lavender and pink grapefruit essential oil for a floral and fruity scent
- Non-greasy consistency
- Pump bottle can be difficult to use
Puracy's Organic Baby Lotion is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients. The formula is loaded with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil to keep your baby's skin healthy. It has a light fruity and floral scent derived from lavender and pink grapefruit essential oil.
Some reviewers complain about the packaging, saying that it's hard to get the lotion out of the bottle. Nonetheless, most say that this lotion leaves their baby's skin feeling soft to the touch. They also praise the fast-absorbing texture that doesn't leave behind any greasy residue.
WeledaCalendula Body Lotion
Best Calming Lotion for Skin Irritation and Eczema
Pros:
- Moisturizes and softens the skin with cocoa seed butter, sweet almond oil, sesame oil, and glycerin
- Calendula and matricaria flower extracts are soothing to the skin
- Great for skin conditions like eczema and acne
Cons:
- Thick, greasy consistency
- Scent is a bit overwhelming
With a light chamomile fragrance, this NATRUE (Europe’s leading natural and organic certifier) certified lotion keeps baby’s skin soft with plant-based oils and butters like cocoa seed butter and sesame seed oil. It also has calendula and matricaria flower extracts, both of which possess anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin irritation.
One major complaint about this baby lotion is its greasy texture. It's said that it has a strong scent as well. Nevertheless, many buyers confirm that the formula makes their baby's skin soft without triggering allergic reactions. A lot of reviewers have seen improvements in their baby’s eczema and acne after using this lotion, too.
Earth MamaSimply Non-Scents Baby Lotion
Best Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion
Pros:
- Doesn't contain potentially irritating ingredients such as artificial fragrance
- Soothe and moisturize the skin with ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and oat protein
- Thick consistency that goes on smoothly
- Has an alcohol smell
Earth Mama's lotion is made from certified organic ingredients and is free from potential irritants like mineral oil and artificial fragrance. It contains many soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, oat protein, and shea butter as well.
Some reviewers mention that this lotion smells like alcohol. This is because it contains cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that's actually beneficial to skin and stabilizing the product's formula. On another note, most reviewers find it to be effective in combating dryness and softening their baby's skin. They also confirm that the formula is gentle on sensitive skin.
Noodle & BooSuper Soft Lotion
Best Non-Greasy and Hypoallergenic Formula
Pros:
- Vitamins E and C are potent antioxidants that can prevent and repair dry skin
- Has sweet almond oil to fight dryness and soothe skin conditions like eczema
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Creamy and quick-absorbing consistency
Cons:
- Fragrance is strong and unpleasant
Packed with vitamins E and C, the Super Soft Lotion can help moisturize and heal your baby's dry skin. Another key ingredient is sweet almond oil, which contains a high amount of antioxidants and can improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The formula is free of common irritants like dyes, sulfates, and essential oils.
The strong and artificial scent is a let-down for a couple of reviewers. But the majority compliment the creamy consistency that absorbs well into the skin without making it greasy. They also find that this lotion leaves their baby's skin soft and smooth without causing any skin irritation.
Aveeno BabyBaby Daily Moisture Lotion
Best for Protecting the Skin and Preventing Moisture Loss
Pros:
- Oat kernel flour can help alleviate dry skin, irritation, and itchiness
- Contains 1.2 percent dimethicone to form a protective barrier over the skin
- Glycerin minimizes moisture loss and keeps the skin hydrated
- Doesn't have fragrances
Cons:
- Thick texture that may not be great for hot and humid weather
This lotion is enriched with oat kernel flour, dimethicone, and glycerin to strengthen the skin's barrier, prevent moisture loss, and soothe sensitive skin. The formula can also keep your baby's skin soft, smooth, and moisturized after application. Another plus point is that it doesn't contain fragrance ingredients.
Although some reviewers find the texture a bit greasy, most compliment the moisturizing and fragrance-free formula and further say that it leaves their baby's skin soft. Some parents also comment that it helps their child's eczema.
Best for Preventing Skin Irritation
Pros:
- Ceramides can repair your baby skin's barrier, lock in moisture, and prevent irritation
- Keeps the skin hydrated and smooth with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and dimethicone
- Absorbs nicely into the skin
- Free from fragrances
Cons:
- Doesn't provide enough moisture for dry skin
CeraVe's baby lotion are made with ceramides, lipids that are naturally found in the skin. They can help enhance the skin's barrier and protect the skin from dryness as well as irritation. It also has dimethicone, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. This gentle formula is free from dyes and fragrances.
Some reviewers say this lotion isn't moisturizing enough for very dry skin. However, most love how easily this lotion sinks into their baby's skin and are pleased that it leaves no smell. Many find it to be an effective treatment for eczema as well.
Baby Dove Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Lotion
Best Cruelty-Free Formula Suitable for Eczema-Prone Skin
Pros:
- Hydrates and smoothens the skin with dimethicone, glycerin, and cyprylyl glycol
- Certified cruelty-free by PETA
- Works well for eczema-prone skin
- Doesn't leave behind any greasy residue
- Scent isn't pleasant to some buyers
This lotion has been accepted by the National Eczema Association to be suitable for eczema-prone skin. It's formulated with dimethicone, glycerin, and cyprylyl glycol to smoothen and soften your baby's skin. It's also free of common allergens like fragrances and dyes.
Even though a handful of reviewers are not a fan of the scent, the majority are pleased with the gentle formula that doesn't irritate their baby's skin. It's said that the lotion is also moisturizing and has a great texture that doesn't make the skin feel greasy.
Johnson's BabyBaby Nourishing Lotion
Best for Keeping Your Baby's Skin Moisturized
Pros:
- Provides long-lasting moisture and calm inflammation with coconut oil
- A hypoallergenic formula that's free from potential irritants like dyes and fragrances
- Glycerin and dimethicone help smoothen the skin
- Absorbs easily into the skin
Cons:
- Unpleasant scent
This lotion is formulated with coconut oil to seal in moisture, reduce inflammation, and protect the delicate skin of your baby. The addition of glycerin and dimethicone further helps keep your baby's skin smooth and hydrated. The formula is also free from potential irritants such as fragrances and dyes.
A few buyers weren't too fond of the lotion's scent. On the other hand, most are contented with the lightweight texture that doesn't make their baby's skin feel greasy. According to many buyers, it's moisturizing and non-irritating as well.
Cetaphil BabySoft Baby Body Lotion
Best Small-Sized Option for Eczema-Prone Skin
Pros:
- Has one percent colloidal oatmeal to ease skin irritation and itching
- Shea butter and sunflower seed oil soften and give a soothing effect on the skin
- Endorsed by the National Eczema Association as suitable for eczema-prone skin
- Small size means you can try it out more easily
- Thin consistency
- Not super moisturizing to the skin
This lotion from Cetaphil is formulated with one percent colloidal oatmeal, a soothing ingredient that can help soothe irritation due to eczema. The formula also includes sunflower seed oil, shea butter, panthenol, and niacinamide to nourish, soften, and protect your baby's delicate skin.
A couple of buyers mention that the lotion has a thin texture and doesn't provide enough moisture to their baby's skin. Meanwhile, many parents are happy that this baby lotion helps alleviate their baby's eczema. They also love that it doesn't have a strong scent and keeps their baby's skin super soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single lotion that can suit every baby's need. Hopefully, our buying guide has provided you with useful tips to help you choose the best lotion for your baby. However, you might still have some questions about baby lotions. We've tried to answer some of the most common questions here.
When should I start using baby lotion?
Most baby lotions are safe to use even on newborns! But we suggest consulting with your pediatrician beforehand to make sure the lotion isn't irritating to your baby's sensitive skin.
What baby lotion keeps mosquitoes away?
Scents derived from essential oils such as lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, and mint can drive mosquitoes away. So, baby lotions formulated with those ingredients can help ward off mosquitoes.
But again, essential oils might cause allergic reactions to those with very sensitive skin. So, make sure the formula is safe for your baby before applying it to their skin.
Is a baby oil better than a lotion?
Baby oils and lotions have varying benefits and drawbacks, so we can't really say that one type is better than the other. Baby oils contain a high amount of oils such as mineral oil and can help lock in moisture and smoothen your baby's skin. They are usually applied after a bath or shower.
Baby lotions can be applied as needed. They absorb into the skin more quickly than baby oils and are easier and less messy to apply, too!
Keep Your Baby Happy and Healthy
The number of baby products out there can be overwhelming for both newbies and experienced parents. Check out some of our other curated lists and find your next favorite thing.
Amazon's Best Selling Baby Lotions
Not satisfied with our choices? See what's selling on Amazon! You may even recognize a few options on there from our list.
In Collaboration With Pediatrician Dr. S. Amna Husain
Top 5 Baby Lotions
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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- Kids and baby
- 10 Best Baby Lotions in 2022 (Pediatrician-Reviewed)
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