best buys
The 10 best baby skincare products 2022
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Your baby’s skin is very delicate and, in the first few weeks, is especially sensitive. Which means you’ll want to use the best baby skin products from the moment they’re born.
But with so many creams, lotions and bubble baths to choose from it can be hard to know where to begin. As a guide, the best products for baby skin are usually specially formulated to be as gentle as possible.
We’ve rounded up 10 products suitable for newborn skin … and they’re all a hit with our Netmums community. You can read their verdicts too!
Yet it's not just about skincare. Scroll down for even more best buys if your baby has sensitive skin, including the best detergent for baby clothes (our Netmums parents swear by Fairy Non Bio ) and breathable bedding to keep your baby comfy.
Here’s our guide to some of the best baby skincare products this year.
1. Earth Friendly Baby Calming Lavender Bubble Bath
* Soothing lavender scent to calm your little one before bed
* Made with 99.2% natural ingredients
* Approved by dermatologists for baby sensitive skin
This organic foam wash has been lovingly created to softly and safely cleanse delicate baby skin and hair. It's infused with lavender and contains coltsfoot which can help soothe your baby's sensitive skin. A great addition to your bath time routine!
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘I use the Earth Friendly Baby organic range (lavender shampoo and body wash is a favourite) on my six month old and have been doing since he was about 4 weeks and his skin has always been lovely.’ – Per85hxm
2. Kokoso Natural Baby Coconut Oil
* Packed with nourishing natural nutrients and skin-loving fatty acids
* Each special pot contains the natural goodness of three premium organic coconuts
* Provides a natural and gentle way of caring for babies' skin from day one
Perfect for sensitive skin, this raw virgin organic coconut oil formula is specially selected for head-to-toe baby skincare. It's suitable from birth and new mothers can enjoy the amazing (and multitasking) benefits, too, as it can be used as a pregnancy tummy balm or even a hair mask. A must-try!
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘Can't beat good old coconut oil as a moisturiser.’ – CBB
3. Hydra Bebe Body Lotion
* Specially formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions
* Infused with jojoba oil, vitamins E and F, almond oil and shea butter
* Paraben, phthalate and phenoxyethanol-free
This gorgeously silky lotion mainly derives from natural products that help to soothe irritated skin and prevent dry patches. It's an ideal option for sensitive newborn babies as it's hypoallergenic and specially formulated to minimise allergic reactions. The bottle is designed with a pump applicator for easy application and the lotion is non-greasy, so it gets absorbed immediately.
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
'Mustela cradle cap treatment/cream works perfectly.' – Noe58aki
4. Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment
* Seals in skin's natural moisture
* Can be used at every nappy change to help the most sensitive of skins including newborns
* Helps the skin repair its natural protective barrier from nappy rash
This super-gentle nappy cream contains no parabens, preservatives, alcohol or fragrance. It has a water-in-oil formulation and keeps the skin healthy and hydrated, while the ingredient pro vitamin B5 helps the skin repair its natural protective barrier. The best part is that it forms a long lasting, transparent, protective layer that protects delicate skin from harmful irritants and any chafing.
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘I’ve recently been using Bepanthen and it's so good for my little one's skin. Any soreness or redness clears up in no time.’ – Louise N(225)
5. Childs Farm Moisturiser
* Formulated with over 98% naturally-derived ingredients
* Infused with grapefruit and tea tree oil
* Suitable for newborn skin that's sensitive or eczema-prone
This award-winning moisturiser is ideal for sensitive newborn skin. It will not only nurture a baby's body, face and hands, but also help fight eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
Made with mainly natural ingredients, it's also registered with The Vegan Society and certified by Cruelty Free International, so cares for both your little one and the planet.
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
'I use Childs Farm hair and body wash and moisturiser on my daughter. She suffers with eczema and other brands seem to make it worse.' – Tanya H(220)
6. Cheeky Panda Natural Wipes
* Made from 100% natural and sustainable bamboo
* Infused with 99% purified water and aloe vera and fruit extract
* Biodegradable and fragrance-free
Containing 99.99% purified water, these Cheeky Panda wipes are ideal for delicate skin, and won't ever irritate, even if your child has eczema. The aloe vera will nurture and soothe baby skin and leave it feeling super soft. The wipes are also fragrance-free for added sensitivity AND are biodegradable. An all-in-one must-have for an eco-conscious home.
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘Biodegradable wipes ... have nowhere near as many chemicals ... and are so much better for babies skin and environment.’ – Eil67nwz
7. Neal's Yard Remedies Mother & Baby Baby Balm
* Nourishes and soothes delicate skin
* Organic, hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested
* A shea butter, coconut and olive oils infused blend
This magical balm will nourish delicate newborn skin. Its fragrance-neutral blend of shea butter, coconut and olive oil, combined with sunflower oil will soothe and protect a newborn's skin. Another reassuring factor is that it's hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested AND includes no synthetic fragrance, colours or parabens.
Result!
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
'The Neals Yard Baby Balm and Baby Barrier creams are perfect for little peachy bottoms and can be especially soothing to those which are itchy, sore and irritated.' –Qloj19nkb
8. Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
* Calendula extract soothes baby skin
* Gentlest protection for even newborn skin
* Organic thyme comforts your baby
Make your baby's bath time as relaxing and calming as possible with Weleda's Calendula baby body wash. The bottle goes a long way: you only need two or three splashes in your baby's bath. Mix with your hand for a peaceful bath that gently cleans your baby's delicate skin.
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘I use Weleda products on my 5 week old son. It's made his skin nice and soft and the dry skin is starting to go now.’ – Amy M(972)
9. Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Cream
* Clinically proven to moisturise for 24 hours
* Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft
* Suitable for baby skin prone to dryness or irritation
Soothe your baby's dry skin with this rich emollient cream. Designed for your little one's skin, it's a great way to moisturise while relaxing them with a gentle pre-bed massage.
Enriched with Vitamin E and 100% pure oat oil, it will nourish delicate skin, leaving your baby happy and content.
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘My little one had issues with dry skin. We started using the Aveeno baby soothing relief cream. It really helped.’ – Anonymous
10. Burt's Bees Nourishing Baby Oil
* Perfect for a soothing baby massage
* Locks in moisture for smooth, soft skin
* 100% natural origin
Gently nourish your newborn's skin with this blend of apricot and grape seed oils. You can also pour a few drops into your baby's bath water to leave their skin smooth and soft.
The gorgeous oil isn't just for your little one, you can use too!
OUR NETMUMS SAY:
‘Burt's Bees is amazing in my opinion. Have used their products on both my children. My daughter has eczema and their wash, bubble bath, apricot oil and buttermilk lotion were fantastic.’ - Lis15itp
Even more best buys for your baby
When it comes to your baby’s delicate skin, it’s not just creams, oils and washes you need to think about. Here’s a roundup of products to leave your baby feeling comfy and content.
1. Fairy Non Bio
You want to make sure anything touching your baby’s skin is as soft and irritant-free as possible. And there’s something else lots of our Netmums community swear by to protect delicate skin … Fairy Non Bio detergent and fabric softener.
Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener
Use the Sensitive Skin Dream Team of Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener when you’re washing baby clothes to leave them as comfy and soft as possible.
Fairy Non Bio has been voted the number one laundry brand for sensitive skin*. The Pods give your baby’s clothes a gentle clean while still tackling stains. Add Fairy Softener to your washing machine drawer to leave your baby’s clothes huggably soft.
For even more peace of mind, the Fairy Non Bio range has been awarded the Skin Health Alliance seal of approval, making it ideal for the most delicate of skin.
Our Netmums say:
'As a FTM, I've been very careful of what products I expose my baby to. Fairy Non Bio is a must have for new parents.'
*Online panel of 3,433 women among which Fairy Non Bio detergent/softener was voted most often as the #1 detergent and fabric softener for sensitive skin.
2. Baby nail clippers
Another simple way to protect your baby’s delicate skin is by trimming their nails. This will stop them accidentally scratching themselves or, when they’re a bit older, scratching to relieve any itchy sensations.
Look for baby nail clippers or small round-ended scissors. You could also use a fine emery board to gently file their tiny nails down.
Our Netmums say: 'I first cut my DD's nails when she was a few weeks old as they were quite long. I used baby nail clippers and did them when she was asleep.' – shareen b(2)
3. Cotton or bamboo baby clothes and bedding
You already know the best detergent for baby clothes. But it’s also a good idea to pick the right fabrics for your little one’s babygrows, pyjamas and outfits.
The National Eczema Society recommends cotton and bamboo clothes for people with the skin condition. They are also ideal for anyone with sensitive skin, including your baby. The general recommendation is to steer clear of synthetic fabrics and nylon as these don’t let skin breathe.
There are loads of super cute organic and bamboo baby clothes to choose from on the high street so search around for your favourite styles.
Our Netmums say: 'Organic clothes can really help if your child suffers from eczema as the clothes are not made with any harsh chemicals and therefore cause fewer allergies.' – Dim64fww
4. Top and tail bowl
Giving your baby a bath every day, especially in the early weeks, could dry their skin out.
Try a daily top and tail instead which will keep your baby clean without irritating their skin. Look for a top and tail bowl which has two compartments: one containing water to gently wash your baby’s face and the other for the water to wash your baby’s bottom.
Our Netmums say: 'I found it very useful as I would usually have my LO in one arm and be carrying the bowl to and from the bathroom in the other. Two bowls would have meant two trips. I fill it every morning and use it to wash my LO in his bedroom on his changing table, he is 5 months now.' – Sar40vgu
Read on:
• The best changing mats for babies
• The best sun creams for babies and toddlers
• The best 10 bath toys for babies and toddlers