Baby Skincare: Keep It Simple

Need baby skincare products in a hurry? Check out our favorite products for newborns here:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0447/3157/files/NEW_BLOG_POST_CTA_BUTTON_6_480x480

Babies. They’re delicious little bundles of sweet-smelling goodness and innocence, and all we want to do is keep them safe, warm, fed, and happy. We get lots of information from our healthcare providers about breastfeeding, or which formula is best if nursing is not an option, but not as much education about skincare. In fact, if you delivered your baby in a hospital, you were probably sent home with baby skincare products that aren’t as healthy as you’d hope for the tender skin of a fresh creature. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD I AVOID USING IN MY BABY'S SKINCARE?

While we don’t want to add worry to the life of a new parent, there are a few specific skincare ingredients you should avoid with a new baby. Synthetic fragrance is a huge category, and should be avoided in skincare and in products used in the home (laundry, candles, cleaning products). Fragrance can contain hundreds of ingredients, often including phthalates, which interfere with multiple endocrine systems by disrupting thyroid and reproductive hormones. (Due to the sensitive, developing environment of the newborn endocrine system, even essential oils are not recommended for babies under six months, and then only sparingly until they’re over a year old.) Parabens (used to preserve lotions and creams) are worth avoiding, as they are endocrine disruptors as well. And sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, used as a foaming agent, is a significant skin irritant found in baby shampoos, body washes, and laundry detergent (even those marketed as baby-specific). 

Luckily, you won’t miss any of these things one bit once you’ve replaced them with cleaner, healthier options. Here’s what we recommend to care for your little one’s skin, head to toe—and beyond. 

WHAT OSMIA PRODUCTS CAN I USE FOR MY NEWBORN?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0447/3157/products/OhSo_Pkg_060120WhiteBackground_480x480Once your baby’s umbilical stump has fallen off, you can start a soothing bath routine for him or her. You can wash both hair and body (avoiding the eyes) with our gentle Oh So Soap, made with organic olive oil, organic mango butter, and organic buttermilk powder. There are no essential oils or harsh detergents—nothing to irritate your baby’s skin or hormone cycles.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0447/3157/files/Naked_Pkg_101121WhiteBackground_e53d1f09-a7e3-4203-a061-b6bcf8a6197a_480x480

Fresh out of the bath, place your baby safely on a clean towel and massage Naked Body Oil into his or her skin while their skin is still quite wet or damp. Let it absorb while you’re giving a soothing massage or singing your favorite lullaby. 

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0447/3157/files/NakedMousse_Spoon_032420WhiteBackground_480x480

Our fluffy, whipped shea butter Naked Body Mousse is incredible for baby massage after the bath, or for use on (either set of) chapped baby cheeks! It’s also excellent for tired nursing-mama neck and shoulder massages, in case you know any tired mamas... 

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0447/3157/files/LipDoctor_Front_092520WhiteBackground_e3f846a0-0be7-4661-9225-7749ff80fd55_480x480

We know you’ll be kissing that baby about a million times a day, so make sure your kisses are safe and gentle for your baby’s skin. Lip Doctor has no essential oils, and is soothing for chapped baby lips, too. 

WHAT HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS ARE SAFE FOR NEWBORN SKIN?

And as far as household items go, here are a few of our favorite recommendations!

With love and healthy, baby-soft skin from us to you,

//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0447/3157/files/FINAL_Sarah_Signature_b0e2358c-d8c6-469e-8547-48d786a8d05e_1024x1024

//osmiaskincare.com/cdn/shop/files/Sarah_Headshot

OUR WELLNESS + SKINCARE EXPERT

Sarah Villafranco, MD

Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where she practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, she took a local soap making class, and fell in love with the chemistry and artistry of making soap. Sarah went into research mode and was alarmed to learn how many potentially harmful ingredients were in most skincare products on the market. She knew she could make better, safer products that were as effective (if not more so) than conventional products. After a few years of research and development, Sarah stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and now helps people find healthier, happier skin as CEO of the brand.