There’s nothing more precious than your baby’s skin. It’s only natural that moms would want to protect it with soothing products that keep it feeling smooth and healthy. Unfortunately, some products that are marketed towards moms and babies aren’t as safe as most of us would like them to be.
Luckily, there are dozens of natural and organic baby lotion options on the market today, perfect for keeping your little one’s skin soft and nourished.
In order to make your job a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best natural baby lotions available, as well as a list of pros and cons about each product, so you can make an informed decision!
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The Best Natural Baby Lotions
With so many natural baby lotions to choose from, a walk down the baby product aisle can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve narrowed everything down to our top picks below. (P.S. Many of these lotions can also be used as a diaper rash cream, thanks to their natural and organic ingredients.)
Speaking of which, you may want to check out our post about non-toxic diapers too!
Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion – EWG Rating – 1
Formerly known as Earth Mama Angel Baby, this company’s products are all certified as Climate Pledge Friendly under Amazon’s program for sustainable products and certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for products with organic ingredients. The company is also a Certified B Corporation. The Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion is perfect for children with sensitive skin, thanks to its all natural ingredients and fragrance-free formula.
Pros:
- Certified organic ingredients
- Hypoallergenic & no synthetic fragrances
Cons:
- Has a slight odor that fades after a few minutes
Cocobelle Baby Organic Coconut Oil – EWG Rating: N/A
For moms who want the purest of the pure, you can’t get more natural than this 100% organic coconut oil by Cocobelle. While there are tons of coconut oil products on the market, this one is guaranteed to be ethically sourced, organic, and packaged in BPA-free, recyclable jars. Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is very good for your baby’s skin and has many uses including warding off diaper rash, fighting cradle cap, and soothing eczema or dry skin. Cocobelle offers jarred coconut oil and liquid coconut oil, which is perfect to use as a calming massage oil.
Pros:
- 100% organic and ethically-sourced
- Single ingredient
Cons:
- Packaging is plastic (but BPA-free)
Attitude Unscented Natural Baby Body Lotion – EWG VERIFIED™
Attitude Baby Lotion contains natural plant-based ingredients that are safe and gentle for your baby’s skin, and it does a fantastic job of hydrating skin without leaving a sticky residue behind. This product does not contain any harsh chemicals, fragrances, or colorants which makes it perfect for sensitive skin. Attitude Baby Lotion is even great for adults!
Pros:
- EWG VERIFIED™ rating for baby’s safety
- Biodegradable
- Vegan, hypoallergenic, and free of harsh Ingredients
Cons:
- Thin, so you may need to apply it multiple times per day
Puracy Baby Lotion – EWG Rating – 2
This award-winning lotion harnesses the natural power of plant-based ingredients such as organic sunflower oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to soothe sensitive skin. Developed by doctors, this natural formula effectively fights common skin conditions such as cradle cap, eczema, and dry skin. Although lightweight, this lotion can last all day for maximum skin protection. No harsh ingredients or animal by-products are ever used, and all ingredients are biodegradable and not tested on animals.
Pros:
- Certified organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Contains Phenoxyethanol
Era Organics Healing Ointment for Babies – EWG Rating – N/A
Another fantastic lotion for common skin conditions such as cradle cap and eczema is this healing ointment by Era Organics. This tiny jar packs a powerful punch with healing ingredients such as coconut oil, calendula, beeswax, chickweed, chamomile, sunflower oil, rosemary, rosehip, arnica, and more. The inclusion of (organic) oats also helps calm itchy and irritated skin. The all-natural formula is also pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free.
Pros:
- USDA Certified Organic
- made in the USA
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
- Safe to use on diaper rashes and cradle cap too!
Cons:
- Doesn’t absorb as quickly as some of the other products on our list, so you may find it to be a little greasy
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Lotion – EWG Rating – 2
Lavish your baby’s delicate skin with Shea Moisture’s natural moisturizing lotion with ingredients such as raw shea oil, cocoa seed butter, chamomile & argan oil. Best of all, your little one can smell like a king or queen with the luxurious aroma of Frankincense and Myrrh. Gentle enough for everyday use yet strong enough for healing skin conditions such as eczema, your baby will love this calming lotion!
Pros:
- Good for use on adults too!
- Certified Organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Has a scent that you/your baby may be sensitive to
- All of the ingredients are not as natural as other products on our list
California Baby Calendula Moisturizing Cream – EWG Rating – 2
This cream from California Baby is free of all top allergens (with the exception of coconut) and scented with lavender and sage essential oils. Aloe vera calms and hydrates skin alongside calendula extract for a non-greasy application. This cream is perfect for healing and soothing baby acne, dry and sensitive skin, or eczema. No animal testing is ever done, all ingredients are vegan and plant-based, and California Baby products are made in the USA in a certified organic facility.
Pros:
- Great for adult use as well
- Absorbs easily
- Cruelty-free
- Organic ingredients
Cons:
- Has a scent that may be too much for you or your baby
The Honest Company Organic All-Purpose Balm – EWG Rating – 1
Yes, the same company that makes one of our favorite non-toxic diapers makes a great natural baby lotion as well. The Honest Company’s Organic All-Purpose Balm is one of the most popular natural options on the market – and for good reason. Their natural line of baby products is both adorable and effective. As a USDA Certified Organic product, this balm contains only hypoallergenic plant-based and botanical elements. Soothing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula do their magic to treat a variety of common skin ailments including itchiness, dryness, redness, and eczema. This gentle balm is mild enough for baby and perfect for everyday use for the whole family.
Pros:
- Great for adult use as well
- All ingredients are organic and hypoallergenic
- Easy to apply/absorbs quickly
- You can add it to your honest diaper subscription for a discount
Cons:
- Has a grainy feel at first, but it rubs in and goes away
Baby Mantra Calming Lotion – EWG VERIFIED™
Shea butter and lavender oil combine for a calming and gentle body lotion that is perfect for naptime and bedtime! All ingredients are allergy-tested, cruelty-free, and all-natural. Parents love the non-greasy formula that protects skin without leaving behind a residue. Other plant-based ingredients include honeysuckle and coconut oil. Special certifications include PETA’s cruelty-free distinction, the EWG VERIFIED™ seal, and the Natural Products Association certification.
Pros:
- Plant-based
- Infused with vitamin e and shea butter for ultimate moisturization and skin-healthy benefits
Cons:
- Contains alcohol, which may irritate super sensitive skin
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Lotion – EWG VERIFIED™
New moms and pregnant women both love this silky smooth, unscented baby lotion made with plant-based hypoallergenic ingredients. Perfect for babies, kids, and adults of all ages with sensitive skin, the formula includes non-GMO colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy skin and eczema. Shea butter, jojoba oil and calendula also help calm and hydrate skin while offering a luxurious feeling. Babo Botanicals products are made in the USA and the company is a certified B Corporation.
Pros:
- Certified Organic ingredients
- Great for sensitive skin
- Natural and vegan ingredients (no harsh chemicals, fragrances or colorants)
Cons:
- Takes a while to rub in because of how thick it is
Ora’s Amazing Herbal Newborn Salve – EWG VERIFIED™
For those times when you need a bit more healing than your regular everyday lotion, give this healing salve a try. Developed especially for cloth-diapered babies with cloth-diaper safe ingredients, Ora’s Amazing Herbal Newborn Salve is cold infused with organic herbs that heal and protect your baby’s sensitive skin, and it only has 6 ingredients. Use it all over after baby’s bath time, or try it as a diaper cream for those stubborn diaper rashes.
Pros:
- Cold-infused – process is done at room temperature to preserve active ingredients
- Heals and protects sensitive skin
- 100% natural and safe for babies (no harsh chemicals, fragrances or colorants)
- Can be used as a diaper cream too
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other products on this list
NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Care Cleanser & Moisturizer – EWG VERIFIED™
This 3-in-1 formula replaces your everyday baby lotion, diaper rash cream and baby wipes. Many parents use this product with water wipes or cloth wipes in place of traditional baby wipes. Instead of needing to This 3-in-1 formula replaces your everyday baby lotion, diaper rash cream and baby wipes. Many parents use this product with water wipes or cloth wipes in place of traditional baby wipes. Instead of needing to use 2 or 3 different products, you can achieve the same results with just this one. The pH-balanced cleanser and moisturizer is great for babies with sensitive skin. With just a few simple ingredients (limewater, sunflower oil, olive oil, beeswax, and glyceryl stearate) your little one’s skin will be left clean and protected.
Pros:
- Short ingredients list (only 5 ingredients!)
- Great for adults as well (try it as a non-toxic makeup remover!)
- Works well for diaper rashes
Cons:
- Not as thick as other lotions on this list
Pipette Baby Lotion (Fragrance-Free) – EWG VERIFIED™
This EWG VERIFIED™ lotion is dermatologist-tested and pediatrician-approved for your peace of mind! Made with 100% nontoxic and plant-based ingredients, Pipette Baby Lotion is good for your baby’s skin – and the environment. Specialized ingredients such as sugar-cane-derived squalene, bio-fermented ceramides, and pomegranate sterols mimic the natural protective state of your baby’s skin at birth and replenish their natural moisture. The fragrance-free formula is perfect for those suffering from eczema or sensitive skin.
Pros:
- EWG VERIFIED™ for baby’s safety
- Made with plant-based ingredients
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Though it’s fragrance-free, it has a smell that some people may not like
Hello Bello Premium Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion – EWG VERIFIED™
Another great plant-based option that has earned the EWG VERIFIED™seal is the new Hello Bello Fragrance-Free Premium Baby Lotion. Also available in 4 other scents, this dermatologist-tested formula is pH-balanced and hypoallergenic for healthy skin. Organic vegan ingredients like jojoba seed oil, shea butter and calendula nourish your baby’s skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.
Pros:
- Organic ingredients (no harsh chemicals, fragrances or colorants)
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula for sensitive skin
- Available in two sizes (8.5 oz and 16 oz)
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Has a long list of ingredients
Calm A Mama Happy Baby Balm – EWG Rating – Unknown
This healing balm is made from just a few simple and natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and calendula. The soothing formula is perfect for both diaper rashes and everyday use. Calm A Mama’s products are made in the USA and certified cruelty-free as well as USDA organic. Best of all, many nursing moms report that this balm does double duty as an ideal nipple cream.
Pros:
- Mostly organic ingredients
- No harsh chemicals, fragrances or colorants
- Great for both baby and mom
Cons:
- Not vegan (contains beeswax)
What is “Natural” Baby Lotion?
In case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of different labels popping up these days – from “organic” to “cruelty-free!” One particular label that many parents hope to see on baby products is the word “natural.” Unfortunately for those who use it, the term “natural” is not actually legally regulated and there’s no official definition of what it means. This can be a little misleading as companies may use this term without offering any additional information about the product ingredients.
So, what exactly does “natural” mean when it comes to baby lotion – or any other product for that matter? In short, not much. By definition, it means to be made up of substances found in nature. When you flip over a bottle of baby lotion and see the ingredient list, natural products should have mostly plant-derived ingredients with very few synthetic additives.
In order to avoid putting harsh chemicals on your baby’s skin, you need to look at the ingredients on the label.
Ingredients to Avoid When You’re Looking for Organic Baby Lotion
Since any brand can greenwash their products and claim the term “natural,” it’s important to familiarize yourself with the ingredients you should avoid. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) is a great resource for learning about harmful chemicals found in personal care products, including baby lotion.
Their Skin Deep Database offers information on over 74,000 personal care items including 1,500 brands and nearly 800 different chemicals!
Here are some of the top ingredients you should avoid when you’re looking for the best natural baby lotion:
Parabens
Parabens are an endocrine and hormone disruptor, and they have no place in your baby’s lotion. Exposure to parabens during your child’s crucial developmental years could have devastating effects on their growth, brain development, and future reproductive health. You can find them in lots of other products too, including your baby dish soap.
What to look for on the label: ingredients ending in -paraben (ie, ethylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
Artificial Fragrances
They may smell nice, but synthetic scents carry some risks too. Research shows that chemically-based fragrances can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some children (and adults too!). The FDA doesn’t require that companies disclose the chemical components of their artificially-created scents, so the word “fragrance” should be read as “undisclosed chemicals.” Who knows what could be lurking in your lotion bottle under the guise of a floral scent?
What to look for on the label: fragrance, aroma, parfum
Artificial Colors
Like artificial fragrances, synthetic colors are unsafe for developing children and can cause concerns ranging from mild skin irritation to ADHD.
What to look for on the label: FD&C Red No. 6
1,4-Dioxane
1,4-dioxane isn’t an ingredient that you can see on the label of your baby lotion; it’s a byproduct of certain synthetic ingredients. It’s present in many products like baby lotion, body wash, and shampoo. Though there is little human research on the effects of 1,4 dioxane, animal studies have found an association between it and liver and kidney damage. The EPA classifies it as a likely carcinogen, and it can also cause skin and eye irritation.
What to look for on the label: PEG, Polyethylene, Polyethylene glycol, Polyoxyethylene, and other ingredients with “-eth-” or “-oxynol-” in the name
Mineral Oil or Petrolatum
Companies often list mineral oil on their labels as simply “baby oil,” and petrolatum is used in almost half of all baby lotions. However, these common crude oil derivatives can clog pores and irritate skin, and they may accumulate in the body over time. Research has also linked these products to issues like lipoid pneumonia (when ingested) and rheumatoid arthritis. There is simply no reason to use petroleum-based products on your child’s delicate skin.
What to look for on the label: deobase, heavy mineral oil, light mineral oil, liquid paraffin, liquid petrolatum, mineral oil, mineral oil hydrocarbon solvent (petroleum); mineral oil (saturated parrafin oil), paraffin oil, paraffin oils, paraffinum liquidum, petroleum white mineral oil, prolatum oil, and white mineral oil, petroleum
Propylene Glycol
Infamous for being a common ingredient used in anti-freeze, this common skin care ingredient is linked to PG toxicity with extensive use, which can cause nervous system damage. Infants, in particular are at higher risk of PG toxicity. Propylene glycol can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
What to look for on the label: 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, 2-hydroxypropanol, methylethyl glycol, propane-1,2-diol, and propylene glycol
When To Apply Natural Baby Lotions
It’s important for your baby’s skin to stay moisturized, but you don’t necessarily have to apply baby lotion every single day. (In fact, our family rarely ever uses baby lotion, and our babies all have great skin!)
Some families choose to apply baby lotion as a part of a relaxing bedtime routine, while others like to put it on right after a bath when the skin is at its most receptive. There’s no hard and fast rule, but you should make sure to apply lotion when your baby’s skin takes on a dry or slightly irritated look. When you do apply it, make sure that the lotion is absorbed well before putting on pajamas or clothing. You don’t want to have to change your baby’s clothes because they got lotion on them!
Is Baby Lotion Safe For Newborns?
Baby lotion is typically safe for newborns once they are a couple days old, but you should avoid using it on a regular basis and allow your newborn’s skin to rejuvenate itself when possible. Some research does not recommend using lotion on preterm babies though. If your baby has very dry skin or any existing skin conditions, you should always discuss using any kind of lotions and moisturizing products with their doctor.
Babies have very thin and sensitive skin, and their tiny pores make them more susceptible to having an allergic reaction or irritation from harsh chemicals. So if you choose to use lotion on your newborn, be sure to always pay close attention to ingredients and choose one of the best natural baby lotions above.
What Lotion Is Best For A Newborn Baby?
Because of their delicate skin, newborns have specific needs that are different from older children. You should always choose a hypoallergenic formula that’s free of parabens and other harsh chemicals.
Our favorite lotion for newborns is Ora’s Amazing Newborn Salve. It is formulated without baby oil, animal ingredients, or harmful fragrances and preservatives. And it’s fragrance-free! It will leave your newborn with soft, healthy skin for up to 24 hours.
That being said, you should always check with your pediatrician when choosing any type of baby care product. They will know your child’s skin best, and they will be able to tell you which lotion is best for their age.
Can Adults Use Baby Lotion?
Yes, adults can use baby lotion too! You never need to feel like baby products are just for babies. Baby lotion is typically lighter and less pore-clogging, so it’s a great moisturizer option for everyone – even adults with sensitive skin.
Nothing matters more to a new mom than the products they use in caring for their little ones. In recent years, more and more companies are listening to consumer demand and offering non-toxic eco-friendly products. Help give your baby a healthy start with the purchase of natural baby lotions such as the ones listed above!
