Why Do Parents Use Oils on Baby Skin?
For generations, parents have massaged their babies with natural oils to keep their delicate skin soft and hydrated. In many cultures, including Cameroon, it’s common to apply oil to a baby’s skin to prevent dryness and even as part of bonding rituals. Massaging your little one’s skin with oil not only nourishes and protects their skin, but also provides a wonderful opportunity for parent-child bonding. In fact, baby massage has been linked to benefits like improved sleep, reduced crying, and stress relief for infants, making it a valued practice in infant care. Given these benefits, it’s no surprise that caregivers worldwide reach for oils as a natural moisturizer for babies.
Olive Oil – A Popular Choice (Especially in Cameroon)
One of the most commonly used oils for baby massage is olive oil, touted for its natural origin and moisturizing properties. In Cameroon, for example, olive oil is widely used on babies’ skin, partly due to its availability and a belief that "natural is best." Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, and it’s well-known as a heart-healthy cooking oil. Many parents assume that what’s healthy to eat should also be healthy to put on the skin. Olive oil does contain some beneficial components for skin such as linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid that can support the skin’s barrier) and vitamin E which in theory could help moisturize a baby’s skin. However, olive oil also contains a high proportion of oleic acid, and that’s where concerns arise.
Oleic acid is a fatty acid that, while great for heart health when consumed, can be harsh on the skin’s outer layer. Studies have shown that oleic acid can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and even increase inflammation on the skin
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. Olive oil happens to be chock full of oleic acid, more so than many other natural oils. This composition makes olive oil potentially problematic for direct use on skin especially the delicate, still-developing skin of infants. In fact, health experts advise against using olive oil on babies who have dry or eczema-prone skin, since the oleic acid could worsen irritation or eczema symptoms.
So while olive oil is a traditional favorite for baby massage, modern evidence suggests we should take a closer look at its effects before slathering it on our little ones.
What Science Says About Olive Oil on Baby Skin
Is olive oil actually bad for your baby’s skin? Recent research offers some important insights. In late 2015, a team of researchers at The University of Manchester led by midwife Alison Cooke conducted a clinical study to test how olive oil affects newborn baby skin. Their findings, published in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica in 2016, were eye-opening. The study involved 115 healthy newborns who were divided into three groups: one group had olive oil applied to their skin twice daily, another had sunflower oil, and the third had no oil at all. After 28 days, the researchers examined the babies’ skin barrier specifically looking at the lipid lamellae structure, which is like the “mortar” between skin cells that keeps the barrier strong.
The results showed that babies massaged with olive oil had a delayed development of their skin barrier function compared to babies who had no oil applied.
In plainer terms, using olive oil actually weakened the integrity of the skin barrier. The oil prevented the “mortar” between skin cells from developing as quickly, potentially creating tiny cracks that let moisture out and let irritants or allergens i..
This is a big concern, because a weak skin barrier is linked to conditions like eczema. As the lead researcher Alison Cooke explained, “oil prevents [the skin’s] mortar from developing as quickly and this could be linked to the development of conditions such as eczema”
Interestingly, the same study noted that the babies who received olive oil (and sunflower oil) massages did have softer, more hydrated skin than those who got no oil. On the surface, that sounds like a benefit – who doesn’t want a well-moisturized baby? But the scientists cautioned that this short-term hydration boost did not outweigh the potential harm of a weakened skin barrier. After all, having smooth skin today is not worth increasing the risk of skin problems tomorrow. The Manchester researchers went so far as to say that, until more research is done, they cannot recommend the use of olive oil (or sunflower oil) on newborn baby skin. In other words, despite olive oil’s natural appeal and widespread use, science suggests we should be cautious about using it regularly on infants.
It’s worth noting that this wasn’t the only study to raise red flags about olive oil on skin. A smaller 2013 study found that adults who applied olive oil to their skin for several weeks developed mild redness and irritation, implying that olive oil can thin or break down the outer skin layer in humans generally.
If olive oil can cause irritation on adult skin, one can imagine its effect on a baby’s much more delicate skin. Dermatologists also point out that olive oil’s tendency to disrupt the skin barrier might encourage the overgrowth of certain microbes. For example, the yeast Malassezia (which is naturally present on our skin) feeds on oils like olive oil, and an overgrowth of Malassezia can trigger issues such as infant seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) or worsen eczema. All this evidence doesn’t mean olive oil is “toxic” or universally bad many babies may not have any visible reaction to it but it does suggest that olive oil is not the ideal choice for every baby, especially if your little one has sensitive skin or a family history of eczema.
Safe Alternatives for Moisturizing a Baby’s Skin
If olive oil is off the table as a daily moisturizer, what oils can you use on your baby’s skin? The good news is that there are several other natural oils (and other emollient products) that are considered safe and beneficial for infant skin. These alternatives can help seal in moisture and protect your baby’s skin barrier without the same risks. Below are some baby-friendly options, backed by traditional use and scientific insight:
Coconut Oil: Virgin coconut oil is a popular choice for infant massage, and research supports its benefits. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and a unique compound called monolaurin, which not only moisturizes the skin but also has natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
In fact, some studies have found that coconut oil can improve symptoms of mild eczema in babies and help preterm infants maintain healthier skin. Many pediatric dermatologists recommend coconut oil for babies because it’s gentle, safe, and effective for keeping skin supple
Just be sure to use high-quality virgin coconut oil (ideally cold-pressed) to avoid any additives.
Sunflower Seed Oil: Sunflower oil has been used in neonatal care (especially in developing countries) with good results. It’s high in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that can support the skin’s lipid barrier and promote healing. In fact, sunflower seed oil applied to preterm infants in hospital settings has been shown to reduce infection rates by strengthening the skin barrier.
However, note that the same University of Manchester study mentioned earlier found that even sunflower oil, like olive oil, slightly impeded skin barrier development in healthy newborns.
The current thinking: sunflower oil is gentler than olive oil (and it has proven anti-microbial benefits), so if you must use a food-based oil, high-linoleic sunflower or safflower oil is preferable.
But moderation is key. Use it sparingly and watch for any skin irritation.
Argan Oil: Often called “liquid gold,” argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree and has been treasured in North Africa for centuries. Argan oil is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and a balanced mix of fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) that make it deeply nourishing for skin. It’s also very gentle and usually well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin. Many parents report great success using argan oil on their babies for dryness, rashes, or general massage. Science is starting to back this up: research shows argan oil can protect the skin’s barrier and improve skin hydration and texture
Remarkably, a recent study in 2023 found that argan oil was more effective than even a 1% hydrocortisone cream at healing diaper rash in infants. (Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid, so having a natural oil outperform it in a clinical trial is impressive!) This suggests argan oil has notable soothing and repairing qualities. When using argan oil, choose a pure, cold-pressed variety and do a small patch test first. Though allergic reactions are rare, it’s always good to be careful with any new product on baby skin.
Tip: Whichever oil or ointment you choose, apply it right after baby’s bath to help lock in moisture. Always use pure, high-quality oils (no added perfumes or essential oils in products for newborns). And remember to do a simple patch test: rub a few drops on a small area of your baby’s skin and watch for any redness or reaction over 24 hours before doing a full body massage.
