Ask The Herbalist: Why is it Important to Choose Natural Skin Care for Baby?

by Denise Williams June 2, 2025

Question: Why is it important to use natural skin care products on Baby?

Answer: I advocate using natural products all the time in everyday life for everyone, however, when it comes to baby , it is even more essential. Baby’s skin is delicate and still developing — it’s thinner, more sensitive, and more absorbent . Choosing clean, non-toxic skincare helps protect their natural barrier and keep things simple, safe, and gentle from the start.

Question: When it comes to baby care products, what ingredients should we be avoiding and why?

Answer: In many of the conventional personal care products we are burdened with many synthetic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, sulphates - many studies have shown them to be carcinogenic, hormone disrupting, and irritating to the skin. As babies' skin is incredibly delicate and sensitive, it it vital to avoid certain ingredients and learn what to look out for on your ingredient list.

Here are my top 5 ingredients to avoid and why:

Fragrance: This is a catch- all term that often hides a cocktail of synthetic chemicals, some of which can be allergens or endocrine disruptors.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This is a harsh foaming agent found in washes and bubble baths that can strip the skin's natural oils and cause irritation especially to babies prone to eczema.
Phthalates: Commonly used to make fragrances last longer; they have been linked to developmental and reproductive concerns.
Petroleum-based ingredients (like mineral oil or paraffin): These can clog pores and don’t offer any nourishment to the skin.
Parabens: A preservative linked to hormone disruption and being carcinogenic. Quite honestly I would be surprised if they are still in baby products- but look out for them in other areas of your household products. They are a big no no!

Question: What are your top 3 ingredients for baby skin care products.

Answer: There are so many great herbal and natural ingredients for babies it difficult to just pick 3. Here are a few that I personally love:

Calendula: Calendula is one of the best herbs for treating topical skin problems. It may safely be used wherever there is an inflammation on the skin. A powerful healer and anti-inflammatory along with being anti-fungal. It promotes cellular growth to help the healing of wounds. Topically it aids in treating skin irritations, rashes, baby eczema, and even diaper rash associated with yeast infection. Calendula is a wonderful herb for babies, being both potent and gentle.

Chamomile: Chamomile offers an endless list of healing properties. High in the volatile oil azulene, chamomile is an effective anti-inflammatory. Used in bathwater, or massage oil to help relieve stress and anxiety.

Shea Butter and Beeswax: Superior moisturizing and reparative abilities shea butter and beeswax also act as a barrier to protect the skin along with reducing inflammation of the skin.