Best oils for baby skin matter more than ever in 2025. Parents around the world still reach for oils as a natural way to moisturize, soothe, and bond with their newborns, but modern research and pediatric guidance are helping us choose safer, smarter options.
Baby skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. That means it needs gentle hydration and protection that will not disrupt the skin barrier or increase the risk of irritation. Traditional oils like olive oil are popular in many cultures and often feel comforting to use, but some studies suggest they can interfere with skin barrier development in newborns. Because of that, many caregivers are switching to alternatives that nourish without compromising skin health.
In this guide you will learn why oils are used in baby care, what science says about olive oil, and which oils dermatologists now recommend as safer choices. You will also get practical tips for safe application, patch testing, and product recommendations that are gentle, effective, and baby-friendly. Let’s find the best, evidence-backed way to keep your little one’s skin soft, hydrated, and healthy.
II. Understanding Baby Skin
A baby’s skin may look soft and flawless, but beneath the surface it is far more delicate than adult skin. The outer layer, known as the skin barrier, is still developing during the first year of life. This barrier is what keeps moisture in and irritants out, and when it is fragile, it is more prone to dryness, redness, and irritation.
Baby skin is also thinner and loses water faster than adult skin, which is why newborns often need extra help staying hydrated. Even small changes like cold weather, frequent bathing, or harsh soaps can strip away natural oils and leave the skin vulnerable.
Another key difference is that a baby’s immune system and microbiome are still maturing. The balance of “good” bacteria that help protect the skin is not yet fully established, which makes the skin more reactive to certain ingredients or environmental stressors.
Because of these unique traits, the products and oils you choose matter. What feels nourishing and harmless on your own skin may be too harsh for your baby. This is why experts recommend gentle, non-irritating, and barrier-supporting options over heavier or more aggressive oils.
Why Olive Oil Isn’t Ideal: Tradition vs. Science
For generations, olive oil has been a go-to choice for baby massages and skincare. It’s natural, widely available, and often associated with health benefits when used in cooking. Many families use it as part of cultural traditions, believing it to be gentle and nourishing.
But when it comes to baby skin, science tells a different story. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a fatty acid that can actually disrupt the skin’s protective barrier. Instead of locking in hydration, high amounts of oleic acid may make baby skin more permeable and prone to dryness, redness, or irritation. This effect is especially concerning for infants who already have sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Another issue is that olive oil is not considered non-comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. While babies don’t typically struggle with acne, clogged pores can lead to rashes or small bumps, further irritating delicate skin.
To be clear, olive oil isn’t harmful in all cases, and some babies may tolerate it just fine. However, compared to other natural oils that are higher in linoleic acid (which helps strengthen and hydrate the skin barrier), olive oil is not the most supportive option.
The takeaway: Olive oil may be rooted in tradition, but safer alternatives exist that are better suited to your baby’s delicate skin.
What Science Says: A Key Study Simplified
Parents often ask: “Is olive oil really that bad for baby skin, or is it just an internet rumor?” Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on guesswork. Researchers have studied this very question, and the findings give us some clear answers.
A team at the University of Manchester conducted a study in 2015 with over 100 newborns. The babies were divided into three groups:
- One group had olive oil massaged into their skin.
- Another group had sunflower oil applied.
- The third group had no oil at all.
After four weeks, researchers looked at how the babies’ skin barrier developed. The results were surprising:
- Babies with olive oil applied showed slower skin barrier development compared to those with no oil.
- While their skin looked soft and moisturized on the surface, underneath, the barrier wasn’t as strong as it should be.
- This weakened barrier could make babies more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, eczema, and even infections later on.
In simple terms: Olive oil made baby skin look healthy in the short term, but it actually slowed down the natural process of building a strong, protective barrier.
This doesn’t mean olive oil will instantly harm your baby’s skin. But it does mean that, when choosing an oil for daily use, there are better, safer options.
Best Oils for Baby Skin in 2025
If olive oil isn’t the best choice, what should parents reach for instead? The good news is that several natural oils are not only safe but also nourishing for your baby’s delicate skin. Below are three of the most trusted options, with their benefits explained simply.
🥥 Coconut Oil
- Why it’s great: Virgin coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a fatty acid with natural moisturizing and antibacterial properties.
- Benefits for babies: Helps keep skin soft, soothes mild rashes, and may even reduce symptoms of baby eczema.
- How to use: Choose cold-pressed, pure coconut oil. Apply a thin layer after bath time to lock in moisture.
🌻 Sunflower Oil (Use with Caution)
- Why it’s used: High in linoleic acid, which supports the skin barrier and helps prevent water loss.
- Benefits for babies: Can strengthen and protect fragile skin, and has been shown to reduce infection risks in preterm infants.
- The caution: Some studies suggest sunflower oil may slightly slow skin barrier development (similar to olive oil, though less dramatic). Use occasionally, not daily, and avoid if your baby shows any signs of irritation.
🌿 Argan Oil
- Why it’s special: Known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. It balances oleic and linoleic acids, making it gentle and deeply nourishing.
- Benefits for babies: Hydrates, protects the skin barrier, and has even been shown in research to help with diaper rash.
- How to use: Go for pure, cold-pressed argan oil. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before wider use.
💡 Pro Tip: Whatever oil you choose, always apply it right after bath time to help seal in moisture, and avoid products with added fragrance or essential oils on newborn skin.
How to Apply Baby Oils Safely
Even with safe, baby-friendly oils, how you use them makes all the difference. A few simple steps can help protect your baby’s delicate skin.
✅ Always Do a Patch Test
Before using a new oil all over your baby’s body, test it first:
- Rub a few drops on a small area, like the inner arm or leg.
- Wait 24 hours and check for redness, rash, or irritation.
- If the skin looks fine, you’re good to go.
🛁 Apply After Bath Time
The best moment to apply oil is right after your baby’s bath, when the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and keeps skin softer for longer.
🫶 Use Small Amounts
A little goes a long way. Start with just a few drops in your hands, warm it up, then gently massage onto your baby’s skin. Focus on dry areas like arms, legs, and tummy rather than the face, which can be more sensitive.
🚫 Avoid Extras
Stick to pure, cold-pressed oils. Avoid products with perfumes, essential oils, or additives. These can be too strong for newborn skin.
When to See a Pediatrician or Dermatologist
Most babies will do just fine with gentle oils and consistent care, but sometimes skin issues need professional attention. Reach out to your pediatrician or a dermatologist if:
- Dryness or irritation doesn’t improve after a few weeks of using safe oils and moisturizers.
- Red patches, oozing, or severe itching develop. These could signal eczema, infection, or an allergic reaction.
- Family history of eczema or allergies makes you worried about your baby’s risk.
- Cradle cap or rashes worsen instead of getting better with gentle care.
Early medical guidance can prevent small concerns from becoming bigger skin problems. A doctor may suggest specialized creams or treatments safe for infants.
Safe Skincare Product Alternatives
Not every parent feels comfortable experimenting with kitchen oils on their baby’s delicate skin — and that’s completely fine. Safe, dermatologist-tested, and baby-formulated products exist to give you the hydration and protection your little one needs, without the risks tied to olive oil or other food-based oils.
✨ Remih Baby Care Heroes:
- Baby Chelsea Hydrating and Nourishing Baby Lotion : A lightweight daily lotion made with calendula to soothe and niacinamide to strengthen your baby’s fragile skin barrier. Gentle enough for both face and body, fragrance-free, and designed for sensitive skin.
- Remih Baby Kit : A complete baby skincare set that includes:
- Baby Chelsea Body Lotion for daily hydration
- Baby Lavender Soap for gentle cleansing
- Palm Kernel Oil to lock in moisture after baths
This all-in-one kit takes the guesswork out of baby skincare, making it easier for parents to keep their little one’s skin soft, nourished, and glowing every day.
🌼 Bonus Picks for the Family:
- Remih Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer : Daily hydration for parents too.
- Remih Skin Brightening Milk : Lightweight nourishment that complements family skincare routines.
By choosing safe, proven products like Baby Chelsea or the full Baby Kit, parents can feel confident knowing they are giving their baby consistent care, backed by science and tailored for delicate skin.
Caring for your baby’s skin is about more than tradition, it’s about choosing safe, gentle, and effective options backed by science. While oils like olive oil may seem natural, research shows they can disrupt your baby’s fragile skin barrier and increase irritation. The good news is that there are safer choices available.
Consistency, safety, and gentle care are the foundations of healthy baby skin. By selecting proven, baby-formulated products, parents can nurture their little one’s skin with confidence, knowing it will stay soft, hydrated, and well-protected.
✨ Ready to give your baby the gentle care they deserve? Start with the Baby Chelsea Hydrating and Nourishing Baby Lotion for everyday hydration, or upgrade to the Remih Baby Kit for a complete skincare routine trusted by parents who want the best. Shop now at MyRemih.com and keep your baby’s skin glowing with safe, natural care.
