Baby oil for babies just seems like a foregone conclusion. After all, your little one has to get that “baby soft” skin somehow!
Along with providing super soft skin, baby oil also is the perfect ingredient for a baby massage.
No, babies don’t need massages because they’re carrying tension. Massages, especially at bedtime, help settle babies for a restful sleep. They can also help with digestion and boost muscle growth. Plus, it’s a lovely bonding activity between your baby and you!
As a mom, you want to feel confident in the products you use on your baby’s skin. As a mom myself, I kept this in mind and rounded up the best (and safest) baby oils. Read on to find your new favorite baby oil!
Always consult with your pediatrician before starting any products on your baby.
Best Natural Baby Oils
Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil uses calendula oil that is extracted from marigold flowers which gives it a scent that not everyone is a fan of; whereas Evereden Soothing Organic Baby Oil is fragrance free if that is an important criteria.
Evereden Soothing Organic Baby Oil
Evereden Soothing Organic Baby Oil is an oil full of only safe and natural ingredients, backed by science.
This baby oil ain’t playing around. First, the company Evereden was started by three doctors/mommies. All three hold degrees in dermatology from Ivy League schools (Stanford and Harvard)! So, they know a thing or two about skin.
Second, this company takes the United States’ highest standards – and takes it up a notch. Not only do these products meet US guidelines, but they also meet the strict standards set by the EU. 1,400 different ingredients are banned in the EU and you won’t find any of them in an Everden product. They also avoid common allergens like lavender and tea tree oil.
The five key ingredients in this product are sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. All of these oils have skin-protecting ingredients. Sunflower oil, for instance, is chock full of Vitamin E and helps skin retain moisture. Likewise, jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
In summary, you can’t beat this oil when it comes to sensitive skin. It’s dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. It’s non-toxic and fragrance-free. Oh, and it’s fast-absorbing – hallelujah!
A quick note: many customers have been alarmed by the date printed on the bottle they received. At the bottom of your Evereden bottle, you will find the production date, not the expiration date. From the production date, most Evereden products remain effective for two years.
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Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil is a 100% natural baby oil made to nourish your baby with love!
That bee logo represents a loyal fanbase. It’s a well-earned love; their products are good for you and the earth. The company is known for its bright yellow recyclable packaging and all-natural ingredients.
This nourishing oil is a combination of apricot, grapeseed, wheat germ, sunflower seed, soybean, and canola oils, along with rosemary leaf extract and a natural fragrance. All the ingredients are recognizable, which can be reassuring for a new mom. It’s also free from parabens, phthalates, petroleum, and sulfates for a soothing and safe oil.
To use, the company recommends either pouring some directly into the baby’s bath or massaging it directly onto the skin immediately after the bath. I especially appreciate how this oil doesn’t leave a sticky or slimy residue. After application, you can slip your baby right into those jammies, no problem.
Also, some moms swear this baby oil helps reduce their stretch marks. The company doesn’t claim this side effect and we only have anecdotal proof, but it’s worth trying!
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The Honest Company Organic Body Oil
The Honest Company Organic Body Oil is an organic baby oil created by a company with wellness in mind!
The Honest Company is the passion project of actress Jessica Alba. It’s considered a “wellness brand” that revolves around transparency and safety. Their products are organic and rigorously tested (but never on animals).
While the product doesn’t actually have the word “baby” anywhere on it, rest assured, this is a product intended for infants. On the other hand, though, the company highly recommends adding a drop or two to your favorite lotion or moisturizer.
My biggest criticism lies in the size and price. While the price is comparable to other baby oils, the size of the bottle is not. This oil only comes in a 4-ounce bottle. For the same cost, you could get a 20-ounce bottle of Amazon’s private-label baby oil.
Still, other baby oil brands don’t carry the same transparency or organic certifications. It’s important to know what exactly you’re putting on your baby, after all.
If you end up loving this organic moisturizer, you can subscribe (and save money!) for regular shipments of it! Both Amazon and the brand’s website offer a subscription service.
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Pipette Baby Oil
Pipette Baby Oil is a baby oil created with a mother’s protection in mind.
As a company, Pipette sets itself apart from the pack with its inclusion of squalane. When a baby is fresh out of the birth canal, they are covered in a waxy white substance called vernix. It plays a vital protective role for your baby while it’s still in the womb and can continue offering protection after birth.
It’s likely that your doctors and nurses have or will recommend delaying your baby’s first bath for a couple of days. There are many reasons behind this, only one of which is the desire to preserve the vernix.
In that cheese-like vernix, there is an abundance of something called squalene, spelled with an E. Squalene is the all-natural moisturizer your uterus created just for your tiny new baby. It’s meant to hydrate a baby’s skin once it leaves the protective womb.
So, you’re probably thinking we should probably bottle this squalene stuff. We have tried, but it is pretty unstable and not a great candidate for toiletries. However, squalene can be hydrogenated into squalane, spelled with an A. I know, I know, but stick with me.
Traditionally, squalane was derived from shark liver or olive oil. Pipette’s R&D team decided to find a cruelty-free option. From their research, they created a version of squalane that comes from Brazilian sugarcane.
Pipette’s baby oil has been shown to improve skin’s hydration by 160%, thanks to its plant-derived ingredients like squalene.
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Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil
The Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil is a gentle baby oil that’s trusted by NICUs!
Earth Mama baby oil is made primarily with calendula oil and a grapeseed blend. Calendula oil is extracted from marigold flowers and it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some research has shown it can help with diaper rash!
Grapeseed oil, as the name implies, is made from the seeds of grapes. This oil contains amounts of linoleic acid, which helps strengthen the skin’s barrier to keep moisture in and irritants out.
In terms of irritants, you won’t find any in this bottle. Earth Mama’s baby oil is so sensitive and gentle, it’s used in NICUs on vulnerable newborns! Likewise, it has no artificial fragrance, petroleum, mineral oil, or parabens.
As with all baby oils, this calendula oil is a great addition to a bedtime massage ritual. It also helps clear the dreaded cradle cap. While your results may vary, many parents have found it useful in fighting their child’s eczema. One happy mama was satisfied with how the oil kept steroid use down in his son’s eczema treatment.
While it does come in a deceptively small bottle, don’t let that dissuade you. These 4 fluid ounces are mighty. Some moms have found they can go months with just one tiny bottle!
While this oil has no artificial fragrance, that stands to reason that it doesn’t have a perfumed scent. Calendula has a smell some describe as musky or woody, while grapeseed oil can smell nutty or sweet. In the end, you get a unique fragrance and some parents are not fans of it.
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Best Baby Coconut Oils
COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Cocobelle Baby Organic Virgin Coconut Oil are both organic, made from pure virgin coconut oil, and both packaged in 8 oz containers, however, the Cocobelle Oil is a bit pricier than the COCO & CO. Oil.
COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oilis pure coconut oil made just for your baby.
When you purchase a jar of COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, you are receiving just one ingredient. That’s right, this 2-ounce jar doesn’t have a long ingredient list. The ingredient list simply reads “coconut oil.”
COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil comes from their patented ultra-cold pressed process. This comes without the greasy feeling of other coconut oils like the ones in the grocery store. With a unique extraction method they get the best silky coconut oil available.
Like all coconut oil, this cosmetic is multi-use. While at night, it soothes your baby to sleep as you massage with it. You can throw out your Destin since coconut oil doubles as a diaper rash ointment. Oh, and for the breastfeeding mom, it can soothe dry cracked nipples.
If you truly wish, you can even cook with this coconut oil. That is the kind of purity that COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil provides! Still, I’d rather use it to soothe eczema and cradle cap!
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Cocobelle Baby 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Cocobelle Baby 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is an oily super moisturizer in a jar!
You might be curious about what makes a coconut oil “virgin.” Basically, it means the coconut oil is unprocessed. It’s made from fresh coconut and hasn’t been bleached or deodorized. If you would cook with it, it would have a strong coconut flavor.
In terms of your baby’s skin, coconut oil is full of healthy fats, like linoleic acid and lauric acid. These fats help lock in moisture. Coconut oil also has antibacterial properties and has been shown to reduce inflammation.
With virgin coconut oil, you get all of the benefits without any of the unnecessary processing. Plus, whenever I use coconut oil, everything smells like the beach, and isn’t that amazing? Imagine your newborn smelling like a vacation! This will come especially in handy those few first months when you really could use a vacation.
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Best Baby Massage Oil
Life & Pursuits Organic Baby Massage Oil
Life & Pursuits Organic Baby Massage Oil is a holistic approach to baby oil.
This baby oil boldly brands itself as “a mother’s touch.” To its credit, it is 100% natural (and 95% organic), so moms can feel good about using it on their baby’s skin. It’s also vegan and a form of Ayurveda therapy.
Ayurveda is a system of medicine derived from India that focuses on holistic healing. Its primary goal is to find a balance between the mind, the body, and the spirit. Ayurveda treatment often includes massage, which is where this natural baby massage oil comes in.
Along with Vitamin E, this oil is composed of three cold-pressed oils (coconut, sesame, and sunflower). Also, it contains traditional Ayurveda herbs: Ashwagandha, Calendula, Manjistha, and Turmeric.
Like other baby oils, this Life & Pursuits offering does keep your baby’s skin supple and hydrated. The company also claims that this oil can help with diaper rashes – and customer reviews back it up. Many customers were thrilled to find their babies’ rashes cleared up with one application.
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Best Baby Oils
Johnson’s Creamy Baby Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E is a creamy baby oil; whereas Johnson’s Baby Oil is Johnson’s traditional baby oil made from mineral oil.
Solimo Baby Oil with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E
Solimo Baby Oil with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E is everything you need in baby oil while following a budget.
Solimo is Amazon’s private label brand that umbrellas over quite a selection of products, including coffee pods, tampons, and garbage bags. Likewise, the brand also manufactures baby oil.
This baby oil doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel. It’s simply mineral oil mixed with some aloe and Vitamin E. It’s important to point out here that the ingredient does include “fragrance” so bear in mind if you or your baby have any sensitivities.
With Solimo, Amazon aims to keep shopping simple – and they do. With a short ingredient list and a generous 20-ounce bottle, this baby oil is as simple as it gets. Even so, the price is simple too. There was a time that Johnson’s was the best budget baby oil, but with a significantly cheaper price, Solimo pulls ahead.
You can also subscribe for auto-deliveries of this baby oil, meaning no late-night runs to the store when you run out!
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Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E
Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E is an old favorite making a comeback.
Johnson’s Baby, one of the top baby product brands for over 100 years, knows a thing or two about baby oil. Thanks to their decades of knowledge, you can trust them when they go slightly unconventional, like releasing a creamy baby oil.
Its main oily components are soybean oil, mineral oil, and cottonseed oil. This baby oil won’t leave a greasy residue and does leave a sweet floral scent.
For a long time, this baby product was near impossible to find, due to its popularity. Then, Johnson & Johnson sentenced it with discontinuation, before reintroducing it to an adoring public.
Why the popularity? Through blogs and Pinterest, this baby oil has earned a reputation as a mosquito repellant. Johnson & Johnson does not market their product as a repellant, nor do they encourage it for that use. However, consumers are crafty and always come up with creative uses for products.
In the end, don’t purchase this product with dreams of a summer with no mosquito bites. However, if you and your baby lotion up before going outside and the bugs avoid you, then just consider it an extra bonus.
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Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Oil with Natural Calm Aromas
Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Oil with Natural Calm Aromas is your new bedtime tool!
This clear bottle contains 300 ml of dermatologist and pediatrician approval. This fast-absorbing oil is hypoallergenic and completely free of any phthalates, parabens, and dyes. Oh, and did I mention it has a lavender scent?
Why is lavender in a baby oil significant? It has to do with when baby oil is commonly applied. Commonly, parents will massage in baby oil after a bath and before bedtime. The scent of lavender is a natural anxiety-reducer and can promote rest.
After a relaxing bath, don’t be shocked if your little one dozes off in the middle of their lavender oil massage! Actually, you probably will be hoping for it!
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Johnson’s Baby Oil
Johnson’s Baby Oil is the traditional baby oil we all know well!
Johnson’s Baby oil for babies is the original – the OG, if you will. The iconic bottle, that teardrop label: we all recognize it immediately. Face it, for a product to endure so many decades on the shelves, it must be doing something right and it must be doing it well.
Parents the world over have fallen in love with the light pleasant scent of this baby oil. One customer swears this wonderful scent made even a crying baby seem pleasant! I would best describe the fragrance as a light cotton smell.
In fact, the fragrance is one of two ingredients in this oil. You read that correctly – this Johnson’s baby oil only has two ingredients. Mineral oil and a touch of fragrance are all you’ll find in this bottle. That means this oil is free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
It’s such a simple and effective oil that parents have trusted it for generations. This oil can be purchased in three different sizes: 3 fluid ounces, 14 fluid ounces, and 20 fluid ounces.
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Comparing Baby Oils
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Cocobelle Baby 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil | 9.2 | 9.0 | 26.99 |
| Evereden Soothing Organic Baby Oil | 9.6 | 9.2 | 26.00 |
| Life & Pursuits Organic Baby Massage Oil | 4.3 | 8.6 | 22.00 |
| Burt's Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil | 3.9 | 9.2 | 18.95 |
| COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil | 9.2 | 9.2 | 17.49 |
| Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil | 9.0 | 9.2 | 14.97 |
| The Honest Company Organic Body Oil | 9.9 | 9.2 | 13.39 |
| Pipette Baby Oil | 9.8 | 8.8 | 8.99 |
| Johnson's Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E | 9.9 | 9.6 | 7.78 |
| Johnson's Baby Oil | 6.7 | 9.0 | 6.12 |
| Solimo Baby Oil with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E | - | 9.4 | 3.59 |
Buying Criteria for Baby Oil For Babies
Type of Oil
Baby oil can be made of just about any oil. The list of these oils is almost endless. Here’s just a small list of popular oils:
- Mineral oil
- Argan oil
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Tamanu oil
All of the above oils are considered safe for use in baby toiletries like baby massage oil. While they all achieve the desired effect of oil (moisturization), each oil has its own distinct benefits as well. Mineral oil is a potential irritant which can also clog pores.
Take for example avocado oil. Avocado is having a big moment right now in the mainstream. We are putting it in and on everything.
While the green fruit may be trendy, it’s also super effective. Avocados are loaded with vitamins A and E, along with beta carotene and fatty acids. Studies have shown avocado oil to be effective in increasing collagen production and has an antimicrobial effect.
On the other hand, grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants and is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. This aspect makes it ideal for a baby’s sensitive skin. If you would like to try out some grapeseed oil yourself, it has been shown to fade scars and tighten skin!
For your baby’s massage oil, you can’t go wrong with most oils. However, you can slip up with other ingredients.
Ingredients
In terms of ingredients in baby oil for babies, your biggest concern should be what ones to avoid. In general, there are some basic no-nos for baby products. Parabens, phthalates, and sulfates tend to be the big ones.
Parabens are added to cosmetic products to inhibit bacterial growth and extend shelf life. They are also known as hormone disruptors. It’s believed that parabens mimic estrogen and are possibly linked to different issues such as breast tumors.
Phthalates, besides being nearly impossible to spell, are on researchers’ watch list. The term “phthalates” doesn’t describe one chemical, but an entire family of chemicals. Some phthalates have been banned from baby products, for example, while others remain in toiletries.
Researchers have linked phthalates to chronic diseases, lower sperm counts and abnormalities, and early onset puberty. For some reason, boys tend to be more affected by the chemical. While none of the research is definitive, it’s best to avoid phthalates when possible.
Sulfates are one of the latest chemicals to be ostracized. It’s the reason soap and shampoo bubble up. It’s an effective cleanser, but a harsh skin irritant. Those with sensitive skin, like infants, for instance, should steer clear of sulfates.
There are other ingredients to keep an eye out for. For example, in 2009, there was quite an uproar when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics performed tests on baby products and found trace levels of formaldehyde. Yikes!
Beyond the dangerous ingredients, many parents also may try to avoid fragrances. A lot of people, including both children and adults, have sensitivities to fragrances and perfumes. For those with fragrance sensitivity, smelling perfume can cause headaches, nausea, congestion, and even a rash.
FAQs About Baby Oil For Babies
What are the benefits of baby oil for babies?
Baby oil helps keep babies’ skin soft and hydrated. It’s gentle and light enough for even a newborn’s skin. Likewise, it can help ease the flaking caused by cradle cap.
The exact cause of cradle cap isn’t known, but it’s an incredibly common condition in newborns that causes yellow scales on the baby’s scalp. For scale removal, apply baby oil to the scales and let it sit for a few minutes. After, wash it out with baby cradle cap shampoo and gently brush the scales off.
The best time for all-over oil application is right after a bath when the skin is still moist. Baby oil can help lock in that moisture to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple.
A routine bedtime massage can also lull a baby into a sleepy state. As part of your bedtime ritual, give your baby a light massage with oil. This touch will relax them. Hopefully, they’ll be relaxed enough to doze off!
What are the best types of baby oils?
There are so many different oils found in mass-produced baby oils.
The traditional baby oil, like the one your mom probably used on you, is made with mineral oil. For example, Johnson’s baby oil included in this list is mainly comprised of mineral oil.
Mineral oil is a lightweight and odorless oil and is derived from petroleum. It’s found in many cosmetic products, including baby oil. It’s especially good at locking in moisture. It is potential irritant which can clog pores.
Coconut oil is easily the second most common oil. As the name implies, coconut oil is made from coconut. It’s 100% fat, with 80% of that being saturated fat.
Understandably, all that saturated fat isn’t ideal for a healthy heart, but it’s amazing for skin. A 2017 study found coconut oil improved skin’s protective properties.
The list of oils goes on and on. It includes argan, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, olive, and sunflower, just to name a few. Each has its own benefits and all are generally considered safe for use on baby skin.
Selecting the best type of oil for your baby’s special skin may be a system of trial and error. As much as I wish our babies could enter this world and be able to tell us what works and does not work for them, that just isn’t the case!
Is baby oil safe for babies?
Many of the ingredients included in these products are controversial, or have limited or no data/research on use for babies. Some ingredients have been linked to health problems. Many products have not been evaluated by the FDA. Since no studies have been conducted with these products on babies there is no absolute certainty that these are 100% safe. Always consult with your pediatrician before starting any products on your baby.
Since the FDA does not regulate cosmetic products, the Environmental Work Group (EWG) has created a database of products. It offers information on the most popular products and ingredients, such as whether the product is an irritant/allergen or linked to organ/reproductive toxicities. It rates products from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least toxic. It is best to stick to products that rate EWG verified, 1 or 2.
Since baby oil is specially formulated for babies, they are typically free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and dyes. Because baby oil is free from such ingredients, it’s safe for use on newborn and infant skin.
With that said, keep baby oil out of the reach of said baby. There have been cases of children drinking baby oil. Baby oil is a hydrocarbon, a chemical that is dangerous to the lungs. If someone takes a swig of baby oil, it can easily go down the wrong way and enter the lungs instead of the stomach.
Poison Control unfortunately often receives calls about children drinking baby oil. Sometimes, observation of worsening symptoms at home is enough, but in some cases, an emergency trip may be in order. When hydrocarbons reach the lungs, it can lead to death.
In summary, baby oil can be safe for use on your baby’s skin. Even so, it is not safe to consume and should be kept out of reach of children.
How can I warm up baby oil?
When you’re trying to soothe your baby into a snuggly and sleepy mood, some cold oil on the skin might prove to be counterproductive. Your baby may benefit from baby massage oil being warmed up before use.
The easiest way to warm up baby oil is to squirt it between your hands and then rub your palms together. The friction will ever so slightly warm the oil.
If you’d prefer, you can warm up the oil in the microwave. If you are absolutely certain that the bottle or tub of oil contains no metal, you can pop the entire thing in the microwave for 15 seconds.
To avoid microwaving the entire bottle, pour some out into a bowl or other container. Then you can warm the oil for 15 seconds.
After microwaving any baby oil, you need to perform a temperature check before it ever touches your baby’s skin. If it’s hot to your touch, wait for it to cool down.
Can’t I just use my own massage oil on my baby?
No. As a rule, adult cosmetic products should not be used on young babies. Because they are not formulated for sensitive infant skin, adult massage oils can damage your baby’s skin.
How does baby skin differ from adult skin? At the molecular level, it’s structurally different. The skin cells are smaller and the collagen fibers thinner. Infant skin is 20% thinner than adult skin. Because of this, it’s more likely to experience dryness.
On the other hand, you can use your baby’s massage oil on your own skin! Some oils are used to remove makeup, soothe eczema and psoriasis, and even help with the appearance of stretch marks!
