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Top 6 Best Baby Oils for Newborn

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedAugust 26, 2024

The arrival of a new baby most often inspires much happiness, but it involves numerous responsibilities as well. One of these responsibilities is being in charge of the soft skin of the baby. A newborn baby's skin requires extra care so choosing the most appropriate baby oil is very important due to that.

Baby oil is a product that is used in massages or just skincare with the aim of creating healthy skin and preventing dryness. Care must be taken to use the very best baby oil for newborns since some of them may harm your little one by causing skin rash or skin allergy. When choosing a baby oil, it is essential to consider the type of oil that does not cause any irritation or allergic reactions, which may be caused by chemicals included in manufacturing the oil.


The Honest Company Organic Body Oil

Editor's Choice

The Honest Company Organic Body Oil

The Honest Company Organic Body Oil is a standout for newborn care. Its unscented formula, free from harmful chemicals, is perfect for sensitive baby skin. Its an excellent choice for post-bath hydration. Highly recommended for parents seeking a gentle, organic body oil for their newborns.

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The best organic body oil for your newborn is The Honest Company Organic Body Oil, which is gentle on the skin.

Pros

  • Helps soothe dry, itchy skin; designed to seal in moisture and keep skin soft + hydrated
  • Made without Parabens, PEGs, Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes, Silicones, Mineral Oil
  • Made with Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil; Unscented

Cons

  • The pump dispenser may not work properly
  • Some users may prefer a scented oil
  • The oil may be too slick for some users

I used this oil on a newborn and was amazed at how fast it was absorbed into her skin and did not leave it oily. The oil is also fragrance-free, which is very helpful if the baby’s skin is especially delicate. We also like the fact that no toxic chemicals such as parabens, PEGs, synthetic fragrances, dyes, silicones, and mineral oil are used in the making of the oil.

A disadvantage, however, is the possibility of the pump dispenser malfunctioning, which can be very inconvenient. Also, some users may need a scented oil, but having no scent is good, in our opinion. Last but not least, some users may complain that the oil is too slippery for them, but the truth is, it’s a perfect natural conditioner to apply after taking a shower.

In conclusion, we strongly suggest parents choose The Honest Company Organic Body Oil for the skincare needs of their newborn.


HobaCare Organic Baby Care 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

HobaCare Organic Baby Care 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

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We highly recommend HobaCare Organic Baby Care 100% Pure Jojoba Oil for newborns due to its organic and skin-friendly formulation.

Pros

  • The organic and skin-friendly formulation makes it an ideal oil for body moisturization, hair conditioning, and aromatherapy.
  • Pure jojoba oil is non-comedogenic and has an indefinite shelf life.
  • HobaCare bath oil is bottled in BPA + phthalate-free containers.

Cons

  • Some customers may find it a bit pricey.
  • The oil may take a bit longer to absorb into the skin compared to other baby oils.
  • The scent may not be appealing to some users.

HobaCare Organic Baby Care 100% Pure Jojoba Oil is a gentle, multi-use oil for skin softening. It can be applied after baths to ease cradle cap and diaper chafing. The oil can also be used for a comforting massage. We found that it reduced occasional dry skin and irritation effectively.

The HobaCare Organic Baby Care 100% Pure Jojoba Oil is cruelty-free, pesticide-free, vegan, UV pasteurized, nonallergenic, and paraben-free. The oil is formulated for sensitive skin, making it an excellent choice for newborns.

In conclusion, HobaCare Organic Baby Care 100% Pure Jojoba Oil is an excellent choice for parents looking for an organic and skin-friendly oil for their newborns. The oil is gentle, multi-use, and effective in reducing occasional dry skin and irritation.


Mustela Baby Oil

Mustela Baby Oil

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We strongly endorse Mustela Baby Oil for use in infants. It is a moisturizing oil for baby massage, and all natural avocado, pomegranate and sunflower oil.

Pros

  • The natural ingredients make it safe for newborns.
  • It's moisturizing and perfect for baby massages.
  • The pomegranate scent is lovely.

Cons

  • The bottle is small, so you may need to purchase more frequently.
  • It's a bit pricey compared to other baby oils.
  • The pump dispenses a small amount of oil at a time.

Mustela Baby Oil has been helpful for a number of weeks now, and we consider it an effective moisturizer for our baby. It is made from natural substances, which gives us confidence that we are not putting our baby through any form of harm. I also like the smell of pomegranate, and it makes our baby smell good, too.

The only disadvantage we notice is that it comes in a small bottle that may require a person to buy more often. Also, it seems a bit expensive when compared to other baby oils that are currently available. But still, we believe it is quite worthy to invest in it because the quality of the product is always the best.

In conclusion, if you are searching for an innocuous, hydrating baby oil for your newborn, Mustela Baby Oil will not disappoint.


Himalaya Nourishing Baby Oil

Himalaya Nourishing Baby Oil

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We suggest that you use the Himalaya Nourishing Baby Oil on your newborn. It is gentle on the skin, nourishing, and does not test on animals.

Pros

  • The Vitamin E from Olive Oil nourishes delicate skin, while Ashwagandha or Winter Cherry has antioxidants that support baby’s skin before or after a bath.
  • This light, non-staining oil is ideal to massage your baby and to help soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin to relieve dryness.
  • The oil is dermatologically tested and mild for babies, specially designed to preserve the health of your baby’s delicate and sensitive skin.

Cons

  • Some customers may not like the scent of the oil.
  • The oil may be too greasy for some customers.
  • The packaging may not be suitable for travel.

The Himalaya Nourishing Baby Oil worked well for us because it had a pleasant smell and provided relief from dry skin. The oil is absolutely nontoxic and very clear, ideal for daily massages. The Vitamin E from Olive Oil and Ashwagandha or Winter Cherry protects the skin of our baby and supplies the necessary antioxidants for skin health. We also want to note that the oil is dermatologically tested and mild for babies, which is very good for our baby’s skin. It contains no parabens, mineral oil, lanolin, phthalates, or synthetic color, and it is cruelty-free. However, some customers may not enjoy the scent of the oil, and its taste may be too greasy for some. Although it is not the best for traveling, it is ideal for everyday use within the home. All in all, Himalaya Nourishing Baby Oil gets a two-thumbs up; it is especially suitable for any parent in search of a mild and moisturizing oil for their baby.


Mustela Stelatopia Eczema-Prone Skin Cleansing Oil

Mustela Stelatopia Eczema-Prone Skin Cleansing Oil

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Mustela Stelatopia Eczema-Prone Skin Cleansing Oil is our most recommended product for cleaning newborns with sensitive skin.

Pros

  • The natural ingredients in the oil, such as avocado and sunflower oil, help to soothe and moisturize the skin.
  • It is fragrance-free and tear-free, making it gentle on the baby's skin and eyes.
  • The oil is biodegradable, making it environmentally-friendly.

Cons

  • The oil may be a bit pricey compared to other baby oils on the market.
  • Some users have reported that the oil has a strong, unpleasant odor.
  • The oil may not work for babies with severe eczema or other skin conditions.

We recently used Mustela Stelatopia Eczema-Prone Skin Cleansing Oil for our newborn baby, which had great outcomes for her sensitive skin. The oil indeed left the baby's skin soft and fresh, not causing any inflammation. This was also greatly welcomed by us as the oil is also free from fragrance and any tear-causing potency, thus making bath time more enjoyable for our little one.

Perhaps one of our favorite things about this oil is that it is made from natural ingredients such as avocado and sunflower oil, which are widely known to be mild on the skin. We also noted that it is biodegradable—always a plus for the ‘green’ parents.

However, we observed that the oil is a bit pricey compared to some other baby oils available in the market, which can be a point of concern for parents. We also have come across complaints that the oil has an obnoxious smell, though we did not experience the same while using it. Last, when we state that this oil helped control our baby’s mild eczema, we want to point out that it may be helpful for infants with milder skin problems and not those who have worsened skin conditions.

In general, we would strongly suggest Mustela Stelatopia Eczema-Prone Skin Cleansing Oil to other parents of newborn babies with sensitive skin. It is a natural, efficient, and harmless creation that will provide your baby with smooth and silky skin.


Johnson's Baby Oil, Mineral Oil Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

Johnson's Baby Oil, Mineral Oil Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

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For a mild lotion for the delicate skin of your newborn, Johnson’s Baby Oil is quite suitable since it is gentle.

Pros

  • This baby oil is enriched with natural Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, which helps moisturize and protect your baby's skin from dryness.
  • It forms a silky moisturizing barrier that locks in up to 10 times more moisture on wet skin than an ordinary lotion can on dry skin.
  • It's hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and contains no parabens, phthalates, or dyes, making it gentle and mild for your baby's skin.

Cons

  • Some customers may find the scent to be too strong.
  • The oil may leave a greasy feeling on the skin if too much is applied.
  • The bottle may be difficult to use with one hand while holding your baby.

It is advisable to use Johnson’s Baby Oil, as it has a moisturizing and protective effect on the skin. It is especially suitable for application after bath time, as a massage oil in the evening, or any time when you want to lock in moisture on your skin. The natural ingredients of aloe vera and Vitamin E make it a very good soap to use, especially for rough skin types.

The thin layer of film it creates when applied to wet skin can lock moisture in and leave your baby’s skin feeling soft, smooth, and delicate. Moreover, it has been clinically tested to be gentle and mild, so users can use it easily.

From our interaction, we have noticed that Johnson’s Baby Oil is easily spread on the baby’s skin and the perfect oil to use for baby massage, not to mention the relaxing activity you would engage in with your baby. However, some customers may see it as having a foul smell and it also feels oily on the skin in case more of the substance has been applied. The bottle may also be awkward to hold in one hand and to feed the baby, particularly when the baby is young and cannot sit reliably and steady the bottle with their own hands.

All in all, we believe that Johnson’s Baby Oil is an ideal product for new parents seeking a safe and effective baby oil.

Buying Guide

Here are some guidelines when selecting the finest baby oil for your newborn baby:

Ingredients

The ideal baby oil should not contain substances that can cause skin irritation to the baby or any other form of harm. Consider oils that are popular for their moisturizing properties, like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. A good product is one that does not contain core chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

Texture

The consistency of the baby oil is also an essential factor. You would like a product that is gentle on the baby skin and easy for the skin to absorb. Never use oils that are sticky or have heavy textures since they can cause build up or cause a blockage to the pores.

Scent

Some baby oils contain added perfumes to make the liquid have a nice smell but this should be avoided as the baby oil should be unscented or lightly scented. Some perfumes can cause rashes on the baby’s skin or even trigger allergies in them.

Packaging

Make sure that the baby oil has a cap that is easy to squeeze or has a flip top so as to make it easy when you are applying the oil. DO NOT buy a product that comes in a jar since these products are usually cumbersome to apply and are likely to bring in bacteria once they get applied to dirty hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some recommended oils for newborn baby massage?

It is recommended that parents use coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil to massage their newborn babies. These oils do not harm the baby’s delicate skin and offer the necessary nutrition.

Is almond oil a good option for baby massage?

Almond oil is another suitable oil for baby massage since it contains vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to note that some babies are allergic to nuts, and therefore, before applying any almond oil, the parent needs to do a skin test.

Which oils are best for treating cradle cap in babies?

Coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil are some of the best oils for treating cradle cap in babies. These oils help reduce scalp dryness and break up flakes.

What are some recommended oils for babies with eczema?

Some of the other recommended oils for babies with eczema include jojoba oil, almond oil, and sunflower oil. These oils do not harm the skin and are excellent at calming it and improving moisture in the affected area.

Can coconut oil be used for baby massage?

Indeed, coconut oil is good for baby massage since it does not harm the baby’s skin and is also good nutrition for the skin. Hypoallip is also readily soaked up by the skin and does not leave the skin feeling oily.

When is it safe to start oil massage for a newborn baby?

Oil massage is relatively safe to begin in the first month of a baby’s life. Again, medical advice from a pediatrician should be sought before any form of massage, especially for babies and toddlers, is administered.

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