Baby Skincare

Baby skin is fundamentally different from adult skin. It’s thinner, more permeable, and loses moisture faster — which is why standard adult skincare products, even gentle ones, can cause reactions in babies. The first year is also when eczema, cradle cap, baby acne, heat rash, and contact dermatitis are most likely to appear, often simultaneously.

This section covers everything in the baby skincare category: daily moisturizers and body lotions, barrier creams for diaper rash, eczema-specific formulas, sunscreens safe for babies under 12 months (mineral-only), baby oils, and wipes for sensitive skin. We also review specialty products like oatmeal-based soaps and ceramide creams recommended by pediatric dermatologists.

Every product we recommend has been evaluated against three criteria: EWG Skin Deep score (we aim for 3 or below), absence of the most common baby skin irritants (fragrance, formaldehyde releasers, methylisothiazolinone), and real-world testing on babies with sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

We also cover the basics parents often miss: why “fragrance-free” is not the same as “unscented,” how to do a proper patch test before introducing a new product, and what the AAP actually recommends for newborn skin care in the first few weeks.

Browse the guides below to find the safest, most effective skincare products for your baby’s specific skin type and concerns.

4 reviews