Vegan Baby Moisturisers – How To Choose The Right One

When it comes to choosing a moisturiser for your baby, naturally you want a product that not only aligns with your ethical and ecological ethos, but one that’s as good for your little one’s skin as possible.

Choosing a vegan moisturiser is usually the way to go as these sustainable, cruelty-free products provide gentle, nourishing care for your baby’s delicate skin. But with a vast array of options to choose from, how do you know which one’s right for your baby?

In this post, we go over the main things to look out for when searching for vegan baby moisturisers to help you find the best one for your little bundle of joy.

Check the Ingredients List

When you begin your search for a suitable baby moisturiser, first you should check the ingredients list. Look for products with natural, plant-based ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and calendula. 

At the same time, try to avoid products with synthetic chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances and dyes as these can all cause irritation to your baby’s sensitive skin.

Hypoallergenic Formulas

Hypoallergenic formulas are specially designed products that are less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities in those with sensitive skin – such as babies.

Opting for a hypoallergenic vegan moisturiser helps protect your baby’s sensitive skin as these products are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Fragrance-Free or Natural Scents

One consideration to make when choosing a moisturiser for your baby is whether to choose one that’s fragrance-free or go for a product with a natural scent. 

Ultimately, this should come down to how sensitive your baby’s skin is. Although a moisturiser with a natural scent can be soothing during application, if your tot has extremely sensitive skin then a fragrance-free option might well be the best choice.

Dermatologically-Tested

Dermatologically-tested means that a product has undergone proper evaluation and assessment by dermatologists to ensure its safety and suitability for use on the skin.

Look for moisturisers that have this mark of approval as it'll help ensure the product you choose is suitable for your baby’s skin.

Skin Type Compatibility

Skin type is always a crucial consideration when purchasing any moisturiser, but it’s even more important if it’s being bought for your baby. 

Some vegan moisturisers are specially formulated for dry or eczema-prone skin, while others are suitable for all skin types. Be sure to choose the one that’s right for your child as they could have a bad reaction if the wrong type of moisturiser is applied.

Allergy Considerations

Babies tend to be more prone to allergens and triggers as their skin is sensitive and their immune system is still developing. 

If your baby has any known allergies, remember to cross-reference the ingredients with their allergen list to ensure the moisturiser doesn't contain any potential triggers.

Packaging and Sustainability

As a vegan, chances are you’re an eco-conscious consumer keen to purchase products that have as little an environmental impact as possible. 

While some vegan brands are committed to sustainability, others aren't as ethically committed as they seem, slapping the word vegan on their products simply because they think it’s trendy. 

Look for eco-friendly packaging options made from recyclable or biodegradable materials, which help contribute to a healthier planet.

Cruelty-Free Certification

Another way companies fool customers into believing their products are more ethical than they actually are is with their ingredients list. Sadly, the term “vegan” isn’t regulated by law, and it’s usually used to simply indicate a product doesn’t contain animal-derived products. 

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the product or its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. In fact, the market is awash with “vegan” products that could never be classed as cruelty-free.

To avoid these, check for cruelty-free certifications on the product's packaging, indicating that no animals were harmed during testing or production.

Reviews and Recommendations

These days, it’s really easy to learn about other peoples’ experiences with a product or service. With so many online review platforms out there, simply type the name of a product into Google and you should be able to learn about the experiences of previous customers in seconds.

Reading reviews can offer valuable insights into the moisturiser's effectiveness and suitability for babies, helping you decide whether it’s the right product for your baby.

Conduct A Patch Test

Before applying the moisturiser all over your baby's body, perform a patch test. To be on the safe side, apply a small amount to a discreet area of your baby's skin and observe for any adverse reactions over a 24-hour period.

Moisture Retention

A moisturiser that retains moisture is crucial for babies because it helps protect their sensitive skin from dryness, irritation and discomfort while helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Good-quality products should provide long-lasting hydration. Look out for those that mention moisture retention as one of their benefits. Likewise, keep an eye out for natural ingredients that help the skin retain moisture – known as humectants. Some beneficial natural humectants include aloe vera, jojoba oil and cocoa butter.

Consult Your Paediatrician

A paediatrician can offer expert guidance on choosing the right moisturiser for your baby. They’ll do this by assessing your baby’s unique skin needs, recommending suitable products and ensuring the moisturiser is safe and effective for your child's skin.

If you have specific concerns about your baby's skin or if they have any pre-existing skin conditions, consulting your paediatrician or a dermatologist for guidance on choosing the most suitable moisturiser will help ensure you don’t use any unsuitable products, as well as providing peace of mind.

Tread With Caution

DIY skincare can be fun and educational, but remember to tread with caution when finding your baby’s moisturiser. As we’ve learned, it can be a bit of a minefield out there, but after reading over the points we’ve covered, you should now be armed with enough information to make the right choice.

So those are the main considerations to look out for when you’re selecting moisturisers for babies. Although there’s a lot to look out for, as a parent, the wellbeing of your baby is obviously your number one priority so it always pays to go that extra mile to find the right products.