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If you want a nourishing lotion for your baby’s sensitive skin, check out our list of the best lotions for dry baby skin. Your baby’s skin may get dry due to conditions such as eczema, allergic reactions, and rashes. These soothing baby lotions for dry skin from trusted brands provide your baby’s skin with hydration, nourishment, and moisture to keep the skin soft and supple. Since the baby’s skin is delicate, you should choose an organic and natural product that will work on sensitive skin and provide an intense dose of moisture. Go through our list to find the right nourishing baby lotions for dry skin.
Top Picks
9 Best Lotions For Babies’ Dry Skin In 2024
1. Best Fragrance-Free: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Aveeno baby lotion for dry skin is free of fragrances and non-comedogenic. It comes in an 18-fluid ounce pump bottle and helps keep the skin moisturized for the entire day. The lotion has healthy ingredients, including soothing oatmeal that can get absorbed quickly into the skin. It is clinically proven for dry skin, helping to lock in moisture to improve the health of your baby’s skin. This video offers a more detailed explanation of this baby lotion.
Pros
- Contains rich emollients
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for daily use
- No animal testing
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Might feel sticky
- Might settle on top of the skin
- May have a peculiar fragrance
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 41,510 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2. Best Non-Greasy: Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil
The 16-fluid ounce formula from the trusted brand Neutrogena contains sesame oil that glides easily on the skin and helps hydrate and soften it. It is lightweight and sheer to quickly vanish into the skin, providing essential hydration your baby’s skin requires. The extra-moisturizing baby lotion for dry skin has sesame oil that can give the skin a radiant glow while helping retain moisture. It’s best used on damp skin and then towel dried.
Pros
- Can be added to bathwater
- Can be applied directly on elbows, knee, cuticles, etc
- Has a soothing and a subtle fragrance
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Fragrance may be overpowering
- Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 20,604 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
3. Best Paraben-Free: Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
Packed in a 16.9-fluid ounce bottle, this light and rich dry skin lotion for the baby is unscented and comes in a liquid form. It helps condition and exfoliate flaky and dry skin. The calming lotion for baby dry skin is enriched with many natural moisturizing ingredients found in the skin to help restore the radiance. It is dye-and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Helps deliver hydration for 24 hours
- Contains alpha-hydroxy to add radiance to the skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Might irritate the skin
- Contains mineral oil
- May have a greasy and sticky texture
- Not created specifically for babies
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 17,708 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion Best Fragrance-Free | Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil Best Non-Greasy | Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion Best Paraben-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.037 ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 2 x 9.2 inches | 9.17 x 2.28 x 2.28 inches | 3.35 x 1.7 x 9.15 inches |
| Weight | - | 8.5 Ounces | 1.1 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 41,510 | 20,604 | 17,708 |
| Price | $15.59 | $14.99 | $11.77 |
4. Best Hypoallergenic: Cetaphil Baby Ultra Soothing Lotion
Cetaphil baby body lotion for dry skin acts as a skin barrier to protect the skin for 24 hours. It is clinically proven for sensitive and dry skin and is hypoallergenic. Dermatologist-tested and ultra-soothing, this moisturizing body cream for dry skin helps moisturize, nourish, and hydrate the baby’s skin.
Pros
- Colorant- and paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Baby lotion with shea butter for dry skin
- Suitable for daily use
- Made for face and body
- Affordable price
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
- May not be moisturizing enough
"The lotion is rich, creamy, and not too oily. It hydrates my baby's skin for hours. I will be purchasing this again!"
Point to consider5. Best Anti-Inflammatory: BareBaby Organics Premium Moisturizing Lotion
With aloe vera, coconut oil, chamomile, jojoba, and shea butter, this natural and organic baby lotion for dry skin is free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. You will experience smoother and softer skin after one use, even with cradle cap, eczema, or extra-dry skin. The lightweight lotion can spread evenly on the skin and gets absorbed quickly. It is made from 100% organic ingredients (oils and extracts) that won’t irritate the baby’s delicate skin.
Pros
- Gluten-free and vegan
- 95% plant-based
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial properties
Cons
- May have a strong floral scent
- Might leak easily
"This lotion has a smooth and creamy texture without being oily or sticky. It keeps the skin hydrated without causing breakouts. The entire family loves its pleasant smell."
6. Best For Sensitive Skin: Mee Beauty Baby Mee Bee Gentle Baby Body Lotion
Suitable for sensitive skin, this tried-and-tested, fragrance-free lotion for baby dry skin helps heal rashes from diapers and other allergic reactions. It helps make the skin soft, nourished, and moisturized. Its key ingredients include pure honey, which prevents itching and is effective for eczema and cradle cap. This baby moisturizer for dry skin also has organic aloe leaf juice that has 32 essential minerals and vitamins to soothe the skin. It comes in a pump dispensing bottle.
Pros
- Contains shea butter
- Comes in an eight-fluid ounce bottle
- Paraben-free
- Made of 70% organic ingredients
Cons
- May have a peculiar fragrance
"This potent lotion is soothing. I love that it contains organic ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and honey—all known for their moisturizing effects."
7. Best Easy-To-Absorb: Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion (Original)
Burt’s Bees Baby Lotion is a gentle moisturizer suitable for delicate baby skin, providing 24-hour hydration. It is a fast-absorbing baby lotion for dry skin that is made with the natural goodness of shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and buttermilk to instantly soften and supple the skin. Moreover, this expert-approved gentle baby lotion for dry and sensitive skin is free of parabens, SLS, petrolatum, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe and effective for everyday use.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic baby lotion
- Pediatrician-tested
- 99% natural origin
- Locks in moisture
- No animal testing
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
- Some may find the lotion thicker than expected
"Having tested numerous lotions, this one stands out for me. It has a gentle yet refreshing scent and hydrates the skin well, leaving it soft as soon as it is applied. Also, it does not leave a greasy film."
8. Best Cruelty-Free: SheaMoisture Baby Lotion
SheaMoisture baby lotion incorporates argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter to help heal baby eczema. It helps soothe and moisturize the baby’s skin, and you can apply it after a bath or any other time. This sensitive skin baby lotion for dry skin is gentle on the face and is free of mineral oils, sulfates, and phthalates. The trusted baby skincare product also contains frankincense and myrrh which can rejuvenate the skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- No animal testing
- Contains chamomile
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"My baby seems to love the subtle smell of this lotion. It hydrates the skin as soon as it is applied. However, unlike regular options, I need to take a tad bit more of this lotion for ample coverage. I recommend this to other parents."
Point to consider9. Best Light Scented: Wink Naturals Llama Baby Lotion
With coconut oil and shea butter, this body lotion is suitable for all skin types and tones and gently moisturizes your baby’s delicate skin. The safe and effective formula is free of petroleum, sulfates, dyes, harsh chemicals, and other toxins. It is lightly scented and contains citrus and pure lavender essential oils to help hydrate the skin. The hydrating baby lotion for dry skin helps cleanse and condition the skin without irritating it and incorporates macadamia seed oil, olive oil, and oat protein.
Pros
- Contains sunflower seed oil
- Suitable for all ages
- Contains antioxidants
- Has a delightful scent
- Contains lavender and citrus essential oils
Cons
- Has a thick texture
"I am in awe of its moisturizing properties. The lotion's moisturization lasts up to two hand washes. Its scent is mild and soothing."
How To Choose The Right Lotion For Baby’s Dry Skin?
Consider the following factors when buying a good baby lotion for dry skin.
- Ingredients: Check the list of ingredients before making a purchase. Look for a lotion that is free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, dyes, alcohol, colors, etc. Natural, organic and botanical ingredients are ideal when it comes to babies. Opt for a pediatrician-recommended lotion for dry skin to ensure your baby’s safety.
MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a California-based beauty nurse practitioner says, “Pay close attention to the ingredients that are in the lotions and creams that you use for your baby. Babies, especially infants, have very delicate skin and are more sensitive. Choose a lotion that aligns with your baby’s specific needs.”
- Skin condition: Several lotions are suitable for eczema-prone skin, diaper rashes, irritated skin, itchy skin, and more. Choose one that specifically targets your baby’s needs, and opt for allergy-tested lotions for baby dry skin to avoid rashes and allergic reactions.
- Fragrance: It is recommended to buy a lotion with a light and subtle natural scent or an unscented one.
- Target area: Look for which body part requires some attention and care, and then choose a lotion or cream accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are lotions safe for newborns?
Lotions are not essential unless your baby’s skin is very dry (1). If you plan to use a lotion, consider one specially made for a baby’s skin.
2. Can I put lotion on my one-month-old baby’s face?
Yes, you may apply lotion on your baby’s face if it is dry. However, consult a dermatologist before using a lotion to determine the causes of dry skin.
3. What skincare ingredients should my baby stay away from?
You should avoid using lotions that contain parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, BPA, glycol, synthetic fragrances, SLS, and other nasty chemicals to keep your baby’s skin safe and irritant-free.
4. How often should I put lotion on my baby?
Apply moisturizer or lotion to the baby’s skin only when needed. Lotions should not be a part of the baby’s regular skincare routine unless a dermatologist recommends it.
5. What are the benefits of using a lotion for a baby?
A baby-friendly lotion can keep your baby’s skin smooth, nourished, and irritant-free. However, ensure that the lotion does not come into contact with your baby’s eyes.
6. When should I start using lotion on my baby’s skin?
You may use a dermatologist-tested baby lotion for dry skin on your baby’s skin after four weeks from birth. However, ensure you use it only if your baby’s skin is dry.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our seasoned writers and reviewers bring you the best products after extensive research. Here, we list the best lotions for a baby’s dry skin that are guaranteed to help mothers ensure that the skin of their little ones is smooth and nourished. Since you need to be careful when choosing a lotion for a baby, we have handpicked lotions based on reviewers’ experiences and formulated with safe ingredients to ensure the child’s safety. From listing out the best products to providing you with helpful buying tips, we’ve got you covered.
Your child’s sensitive skin needs the right product to stay healthy, supple and moisturized. Our list of the best lotions for baby’s dry skin includes several safe options made of natural ingredients and various benefits to help you make an informed decision. These trusted lotions are chemical-free to prevent irritation and allergies and keep your child’s skin soft and nourished. When choosing the right product, consider your child’s skin type, ingredients, and other factors to get the best results.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Lotions For Babies With Dry Skin?
It is essential to use deep-hydrating lotions specially formulated for babies with dry skin. These lotions provide soothing hydration and promote healthy, supple skin right from the start while helping to avoid flaky and itchy skin. Refer to the infographic below to learn about the factors to consider when selecting the most suitable dry skin lotion for your baby.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bathing and Skin Care for the Newborn
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=bathing-and-skin-care-for-the-newborn-90-P02628 - Avoiding Dry Winter Skin in Babies and Toddlers
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Avoiding-Dry-Winter-Skin-in-Babies-and-Toddlers.aspx
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