Why Natural Oils Are Better for Your Baby's Skin

When my baby was born, I was overwhelmed with love and a strong desire to protect her. Like you, I wanted only the best for my little one, and I quickly realized the importance of choosing the right skincare.

We all want the best for our babies, and it turns out, natural baby skincare is the way to go. Today, I’ll share with you why natural oils are not just better but are truly supportive of your baby’s delicate skin.

The Magic of Natural Oils

Did you know that baby skin is five times more absorbent than adult skin and up to 30% thinner? As a matter of fact, baby skin up to six months is more like mucous membrane which is incredibly permeable.

This makes the choice of what you put on their skin incredibly important. In my journey of research and discovery, I found that natural oils, such as coconut oil and sunflower oil, have profound benefits for baby skin. These oils are not only absorbed well but also provide essential nutrients that support healthy skin development​​​​.

If you're curious about the unique needs of baby skin and how to care for it naturally, be sure to check out my blog post on Understanding Baby Skin: Unique Needs and How to Care for It Naturally. It's packed with insights that every new mom should know!

Nourishing and Protecting

•   Nutritional Boost: Natural oils are like a superfood for your baby’s skin.  Coconut oil, for example, is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed and metabolized, providing essential fatty acids that help maintain and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Sunflower oil, on the other hand, is packed with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which is crucial for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. 
  
  
• Gentle and Safe: Natural oils are free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and other potentially harmful chemicals found in many conventional skincare products. Additionally, mineral oil has a large molecule and tends to stay on the surface of the skin, bringing no nourishment. 
•   Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found that prenatal exposure to pesticides was associated with slower auditory processing and impaired neurodevelopment in infants. These findings highlight the importance of avoiding products that may contain harmful chemicals, such as those found in non-organic skincare products​​. 
• Support Immune system: I found a study summarizing a number of studies done in developing countries showing that topical emollient therapy for preemie babies can reduce infection related mortality by 50% among preterm babies <37 weeks gestation. Use of nourishing plant based oils on baby's skin supports the immune system and protects the skin from infection. In return, the immune system protects the skin better.  

Why Say No to Mineral Oils?

Mineral oils and petrolatum might be common in many baby skincare products, but they offer little to no nutritional value. They tend to sit on the surface of the skin, creating a barrier that can actually inhibit the skin’s natural functions. Unlike natural oils, mineral oils do not provide the essential fatty acids needed for healthy skin development.

Mineral oil was included in many of the studies done and consistently showed to be substantially less supportive. It does not contribute to thermoregulation or nourish the skin. And it did not contribute to the growth in length or weight of the baby.  

Choosing the Best Natural Oils for Your Baby  

When it comes to picking natural oils, quality matters. Here are my top recommendations:

1. Coconut Oil: A powerhouse for moisturizing and providing essential nutrients. It’s easily absorbed and supports thermoregulation.
2. Cocoa Butter: Rich in saturated fatty acids, this butter nourishes and protects the skin, keeping it soft and smooth.
3. Shea Butter: Another excellent source of saturated fatty acids, shea butter is incredibly moisturizing and supports the skin’s barrier function.
4. Sunflower Oil: Absorbs quickly and provides essential fatty acids, making it a great choice for baby massage.
5. Sesame Oil: Highly healing and nourishing, though a bit slippery, it’s wonderful for sensitive skin.

For Expecting Mothers: Introducing Bump Butter

Expecting moms, taking care of your skin is just as important. Our specially formulated Bump Butter is designed to nourish and protect your skin during pregnancy. Made with the same high-quality, virgin cold-pressed oils and crude butters, it helps maintain skin elasticity and provides essential nutrients to support your skin as it stretches and grows. Using Bump Butter can help prevent stretch marks and keep your skin soft and healthy throughout your pregnancy journey.

For Newborns and Preemies: First Touch Formula

For the most delicate skin, including that of preterm babies, our First Touch Formula is crafted to provide the ultimate care. This gentle blend of natural oils and butters, including coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter, is designed to nourish and protect your baby’s skin from day one. The fast-absorbing fatty acids help strengthen and protect your baby's skin, making it an ideal choice for those crucial early days and for babies in the NICU.

"With our First Touch Formula, you can rest assured that your baby is getting the best possible start."

As a mom, there’s nothing more important than the well-being of your child. By choosing natural, plant-based oils, you’re giving your baby’s skin the best possible care. These oils nourish, protect, and support healthy growth in a way that synthetic products simply can’t. And for expecting mothers, our Bump Butter offers the same level of care and nourishment for your skin during this special time. For your newborn, especially preemies, our First Touch Formula provides the gentle, nurturing care they need from day one.

I'm Henrieta, natural skincare formulator and aromatherapist.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to better baby skincare. 

Sources:

Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Infant: Clinical Implications

Topical application of coconut oil to the skin of preterm infants: a systematic review

Adverse Associations of both Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Organophosphorous Pesticides with Infant Neurodevelopment in an Agricultural Area of Jiangsu Province, China

Emollient therapy for preterm newborn infants – evidence from the developing world

Neonatal emollient therapy and massage practices in Africa: a scoping review