Baby skin is sensitive and prone to dryness. So, we have created a list of the best baby lotions for your little one’s after-bath routine. Good-quality lotions provide gentle care to your child’s skin and protect against dryness, irritation, and moisture loss. Since baby skin is delicate and sensitive to irritants like harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, you should choose a lotion made from soothing ingredients. However, choosing the right lotion can be challenging with various available options. So, explore the products listed below to find a suitable lotion.
Why Does A Baby Need A Lotion?
Baby lotions help lock in skin moisture and keep the skin hydrated. A baby’s skin is extremely sensitive since it is thinner when compared to adults (1). It might make the skin more prone to losing moisture. Dry skin might lead to painful rashes, itching, infection, and so on. Baby lotions can help lock the skin moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
Types Of Baby Lotions
Baby lotions are formulated to suit the sensitive skin of babies. These lotions are hypoallergenic, so your baby is safe from any allergic reaction. While hunting for lotions, you will learn that baby lotions come in three different forms, namely lotion, cream, and ointment.
Which Lotion Will Suit Your Baby?
Baby lotions are mostly used to keep your baby safe from the painful effects of the following skin conditions.
Best Time To Apply The Lotion
Here, you can follow the adult mantra of moisturizing the skin when it is damp. The skin is moist after a bath, and adding lotion over it can provide effective hydration. This practice helps lock the moisture and keep dryness away.
17 Best Baby Lotions Of 2022
1. Best Pediatrician-Approved: Johnson’s Moisturizing Pink Baby Lotion
Enriched with coconut oil, this pediatrician-approved Pink Baby Lotion offers 24-hour nourishment to your baby’s sensitive skin. Pros
Coconut oil hydrates and replenishes the baby’s skin. Safe-to-use formula is free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. Hypoallergenic and does not cause skin irritations or allergies. Climate-pledge friendly
Cons
May not be moisturizing enough for some Pump may not work well
2. Best Hypoallergenic: Eucerin Baby Body Lotion
Eucerin Baby Body lotion is enriched with the goodness of natural shea butter that softens skin and protects it from dryness. Pros
Contains pro-vitamin B5, which effectively hydrates skin. Hypoallergenic Free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and alcohols. Dermatologist- and pediatrician-approved baby lotion.
Cons
May not suit delicate skin May not have a thick texture
3. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Lotion with NaturalCalm Essences
Unlike other generic lotions, this bedtime baby lotion with NaturalCalm aromas has been formulated not just to moisturize your baby’s skin, but also soothe your baby to sleep. Pros
Calming and soothing fragrance is infused with the goodness of lily, jasmine, rose, water ivy, and apricot, which help induce sleep. Hypoallergenic formula is free of harmful dyes, sulfates, and parabens, and does not cause skin irritation or allergies. Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested lotion gently moisturizes your baby’s skin for up to 24 hours. Non-greasy and absorbs quickly.
Cons
May lead to skin breakouts for some Scent may be overpowering for some
4. Best Moisture-Rich: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Body Lotion
Nourish your baby’s skin with this moisture-rich body lotion by Dove. Recommended for newborns and up, the Dove body lotion is formulated without dyes, phthalates, or parabens. It is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, making it safe for your little one’s sensitive and gentle skin. Pros
Safety-tested lotion Contains skin-natural nutrients Hypoallergenic pH-neutral Cruelty-free
Cons
May have a strong smell May be a little greasy
5. Best USDA-Certified: California Baby Calendula Everyday Lotion
This 100% plant-based lotion can keep your baby’s skin replenished for hours. With calendula and aloe vera as its main ingredients, the lotion helps hydrate dry and sensitive skin. Pros
Does not contain gluten, soy, oats, dairy, or nuts Non-greasy formula Helps reduce flakiness and soothes irritated skin. The USDA-certified product is free of petroleum-based synthetics
Cons
Some children may end up with bumps on the skin Some may feel that the lotion scent is strong
6. Best GMO-Free: Earth Mama Organic Baby Face Nose & Cheek Balm
Here is a lotion by Earth Mama that is specially designed for use on cheeks and nose. Its calendula and coconut formula helps soothe the baby’s drooling chin and dripping nose. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this video. Pros
Free of parabens, GMO, petroleum, artificial fragrances. and preservatives Helps keep the baby’s skin soft and moisturized Can be used as an alternative to petroleum jelly USDA-certified organic
Cons
Skin may end up becoming dry for some May not suit children with rashes
- Best For Eczema: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Specially created to soothe eczema, this colloidal oatmeal formula effectively moisturizes dry, itchy skin. The pediatrician and dermatologist-tested lotion is gentle on the baby’s skin and provides the much-needed nourishment. You can understand the cream better by checking out this video. Pros
Natural colloidal oatmeal formula prevents dry skin. Protects the skin’s moisture barrier. Free of steroids, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates pH-balanced
Cons
May not help relieve skin from dry patches May require frequent inspection to check if the lotion works in favor of the child
8. Best For Irritated Skin: Baby Magic Calming Baby Lotion
With lavender and chamomile as its key ingredients, this baby lotion by Baby Magic ensures your baby has a deep, peaceful sleep at night. Its rich and creamy formula gently moisturizes and cleanses your baby’s skin. Pros
Has a non-greasy texture and absorbs quickly into the skin Pure lavender and chamomile extracts provide a calming effect Infused with vitamins and aloe to soothe irritated skin Free of dyes and is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
Cons
May contain lanolin Pump may not be durable enough
- Best Paraben-Free: Babyganics Daily Lotion
You can apply this lotion to your baby regularly after a bath. It will leave your baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth all day. Pros
Formulated with NeoNourish seed oil blend, which includes tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils Shea butter and cocoa butter provide deep nourishment to the baby’s skin Does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals Dermatologist and pediatrician-tested formula is free of dyes and fragrances Hypoallergenic lotion does not cause skin irritations and allergies
Cons
Lotion may dry out the skin for some May have a peculiar scent
10. Best For Moisture Retention: Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion
The quick-to-absorb, creamy, and non-greasy formula gently nourishes your baby’s sensitive skin and leaves it soft and hydrated. Pros
Helps in moisture retention Free of dyes, parabens, and phthalates Dermatologist-tested Rich in vitamin A and E Hypoallergenic formula and does not cause skin irritation or allergies
Cons
Some children may not like the scent May not suit sensitive skin
- Seventh Generation Baby Lotion With Moisturizing Coconut Care
Made of 98% plant-based ingredients like shea butter, cocoa seed butter, sunflower seed, and coconut oil, this baby lotion moisturizes the baby’s skin and prevents dry skin. Pros
Pure coconut oil formula ensures deep nourishment Non-greasy formula is light on the baby’s skin Gluten-free and does not contain harmful chemicals USDA-certified Has a mild and soothing scent
Cons
May need to be reapplied May take time to absorb into the skin
- Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Lotion With Organic Calendula
Does your baby’s skin get easily irritated by skin products? Do not worry, and try this organic lotion by Earth Mama instead. It contains natural and safe ingredients. Pros
Made with organic herbs and oils that gently moisturize your baby’s sensitive skin. Irritation-free formula that is free of petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, and artificial fragrance. Lavender scent offers a calming effect. Leaping Bunny-certified for quality
Cons
May not suit children allergic to soy May not be eczema-friendly
- Puracy Organic Baby Lotion This lotion is enriched with natural ingredients like organic sunflower oil, aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and vegetable glycerin to provide deep nourishment to your baby’s gentle skin. It suits all skin types and makes the baby’s skin soft and smooth. Pros
Developed by doctors Non-toxic, vegan formula is suitable for sensitive and dry skin and is hypoallergenic Lightweight lotion does not make skin feel greasy Provides deep moisturization for 24 hours
Cons
Scent may be overpowering for some May leave a residue after application
14. Babo Botanicals Calming Baby Lotion
Devoid of harmful chemicals, this plant-based formula helps soothe dry and irritated skin. This hypoallergenic lotion is suited for sensitive skin. Pros
Enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties Shea butter, sunflower, and chamomile help induce sleep Free of gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond, walnut, and synthetic fragrances Mild chamomile and lavender scent
Cons
Children may find the scent to be strong May not absorb into the skin quickly
- Johnson’s Moisturizing Baby Body Lotion With Vanilla & Oat Extract
Enriched with the goodness of oat and vanilla extracts, this gentle baby lotion is free from harmful fragrances and can moisturize your baby’s skin and keep it hydrated for 24 hours. Pros
It nourishes the baby’s skin It is free of dyes, parabens, and phthalates The gentle formula helps maintain the skin’s pH-balance Pediatrician and dermatologist-tested
Cons
Lotion may be slightly watery May not be suitable for winter dryness
- The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Face + Body Lotion
Made from natural ingredients such as chamomile, calendula, aloe, olive oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, this lotion is fast-absorbing and non-greasy. Pros
It is a hypoallergenic lotion and is free of synthetic fragrance, silicones, and parabens Suitable for dry and allergy-prone skin Does not contain mineral oil Not tested on animals Helps calm irritated skin and nourish the natural moisture balance
Cons
May be slightly watery May not suit sensitive skin
- Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Lotion
The clinically-tested formula is created especially for dry and sensitive skin. The plant-based formula is safe to use for both babies and adults. Pros
Enriched with the proprietary Nutri-Soothe Complex, which contains calendula, chamomile, kudzu, watercress, and meadowsweet. The formula does not contain gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, walnut, and almond. Organic chamomile helps soften rough skin. Jojoba oils leave the skin hydrated. Helps soothe sensitive skin and relieve eczema
Cons
May end up leaving the skin looking patchy Some children may find the fragrance to be intense
Tips To Select A Baby Lotion
Here are a few pointers you can use while looking for a lotion for your baby.
Why Trust MomJunction?
After considering numerous parental reviews from different trusted websites, we have compiled this list of the best baby lotions. Our products are based on customer preferences for ingredients, healing properties, and skin type. This post presents you with detailed descriptions of each product and a buying guide consisting of all the factors to look for in a baby lotion before making a purchase.
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