The 10 Best Baby Oils
Special Honors
Kiehl's Mom & Baby Nurturing This offering from Kiehl's is infused with olive fruit oil and apricot kernel oil, which contain vitamin E and fatty acids that help gently nourish and soften skin. It's pediatrician and dermatologist-tested to help minimize allergy risk and is sensitivity-tested for daily use. kiehls.com
Sophie La Girafe Safe for little ones zero months and up, this baby oil from Sophie La Girafe is a viscous selection that runs off the palms, so only a small amount is needed. It can be used in the bath to help reduce the water's drying effect, and as a mild cleanser and moisturizer. It uses white tea to fortify skin and provide antioxidant protection, and has soothing lavender and nourishing olive oil. It's also certified organic. sophielagirafecosmetics.com
Editor's Notes
November 23, 2020:
In our most recent update, we removed Elizabeth Parker Naturals due to availability concerns and replaced it with Evereden Soothing, a gentle, all-natural oil that only has five ingredients. Despite it being composed only of oils, it is surprisingly non-greasy and lightweight. We also swapped Weleda Tummy for Pipette Squalane because of availability issues. Pipette Squalane also has a short and simple list of gentle ingredients. It uses a combination of fatty acids, plant-derived squalane, and ceramides that hydrate and protect fragile baby skin.
September 30, 2019:
We made a handful of changes with our most recent update, including removing Weleda Calendula due to availability issues, as well as swapping Johnson's Gel for Johnson's Creamy, another thicker solution that does double duty as a bug repellent. You'll also find we let go of Nature's Baby Organics Mandarin Coconut to make way for our number one choice, Cetaphil Moisturizing.
Every baby is different, so we selected a diverse array of formulas to cater to that. And while every choice on this list is formulated especially for infants, you should still always do a small patch test on your little one before administering it to their entire body, just to ensure they have no intolerance for any ingredient.
After ensuring the safety and diversity of the products listed here, we prioritized subtle scents, non-greasy formulas, quick absorption, and easy dispensing bottles and caps.
Many of these work best once your tot has come straight out of the bathtub, as skin drinks in moisturizer much better when it's slightly wet. And remember, even when oils are made with natural ingredients, they should never, ever be left where your youngster can reach them. Always close and store baby oil safely out of reach of children and pets.