That babies, and baby skin, require gentle and delicate care is pretty much universally known. The sheer volume of options in the market, however, can make it difficult to figure whether your little one needs a lip and cheek balm or if a moisturiser is good enough. To help demystify the world of baby care, noted cosmetic dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad shares her best advice on shopping for safe baby products.
Understanding baby skin
Your baby’s skin is 20 percent thinner than that of adults, increasing how prone it is to permeability and dryness. Because of how thin it is, it loses water faster, making it more sensitive. And then, of course, there are certain ingredients to watch out for—the twin threats of parabens and phthalates, more often seen in baby powders, that can trigger rashes and inflammation. Research is your best friend in this scenario. Bring yourself up to speed on products and ingredients and keep an eye out for those unsuitable for baby skin before you use anything on your little one.
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Ingredients to watch out for in skin care products
Since baby skin is prone to dryness, moisture-boosting baby products need to move to the head of the queue. When shopping for baby creams, keep an eye out for helpful hydration agents such as ceramides that help strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Colloidal oatmeal is helpful for soothing irritated skin, while sunflower, safflower and coconut oil are gentle agents for moisturising a baby’s skin. Look out for baby products containing vitamin E, as they can help safeguard the skin from environmental stressors, advises Dr. Sharad. The primary ingredients you need to steer clear from are parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and artificial fragrances, as they are likely to trigger unwanted reactions.
Patch testing is key
Looking for baby products that are formulated for their gentle skin might seem enough, but a general rule of thumb is also to look out for terms like hypoallergenic, indicating that they’re good for sensitive skin, and non-comedogenic, which prevents blocking of pores.
However, it is important to note that terms like ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘organic’ and ‘gentle’ are not regulated and don't have specific meanings in terms of safety. Hypoallergenic products are generally considered to be less likely to cause allergic reactions but since this term is not regulated, manufacturers are allowed to use it without any scientific evidence to back it up, Dr. Sharad cautions.
Similarly, organic products are understood to be devoid of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, but this term does not guarantee that a product is free from irritants or harmful ingredients.
This is why patch testing is, of course, a no-brainer to check for any undesired reaction. Patch test newly bought baby oils and other essentials on the baby’s arm or leg before application. Wait a few minutes, if you see no noticeable irritation, go ahead and apply.
Certifications to know of
For those seeking absolute peace of mind that a product is safe for baby skin, certain certifications can be handy markers that the product lives up to assured quality standards.
The Indian certifications to look out for include the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification, which indicates that a product conforms to Indian safety and quality standards, the Ayurvedic Certification for products made with Ayurvedic ingredients and devoid of synthetic chemicals, and the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification which indicates good manufacturing practices and strict quality control standards. The National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance indicates that a product has been evaluated by a panel of dermatologists and deemed appropriate for use on eczema-prone skin.
It’s worth noting that while certifications can be a good indication of a product’s safety and suitability for babies, it’s still important to read the ingredient list and be familiar with potential irritants. It’s also good practice to look up verified customer reviews online to ensure that the product is indeed safe for a baby's delicate skin.
