Before I had my first son, I didn’t think much about baby skincare. I figured I’d grab a gentle baby wash and lotion, and that would be enough. I was wrong.
By the time he was a few weeks old, his skin was dry, rough, and covered in red patches. At first, I thought it was just newborn peeling, but then came the itchiness, the flares, the constant scratching. Turns out, he had eczema, and suddenly, baby skincare became a full-on research project for me.
I tried so many products – some worked, some made things worse, and some were just meh. After trial and error, I finally found the best products that actually help with sensitive, dry, and eczema-prone baby skin. If you’re dealing with the same thing, here are the top baby skincare products I swear by.
Best Baby Skincare Products for Dry & Sensitive Skin
1. Mustela
Mustela’s line is made specifically for babies with eczema, and it was a lifesaver for my son.
The emollient cream is rich but non-greasy, and it absorbs quickly – perfect for keeping baby’s skin moisturized all day. It is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and contains avocado extract to replenish moisture. The cleansing water is also amazing to get rid of those newborn rashes.
Mustella has been my go to brand with my three kids and I never have to lose a nights sleep over new flare ups or rashes.
Moreso, it is pediatrician and dermatologist-tested, making it a safe and reliable choice for delicate baby skin.
2. Tubby Todd All Over Ointment
Moms in eczema groups swear by this one, and I can confirm – it works. It’s a thick, balm-like ointment that hydrates deep and helps calm irritated skin.
I apply this to dry patches, and by the next morning, they look so much better. It works on everything from eczema to diaper rash and is packed with plant-based ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and avocado oil.
A little goes a long way, making it a great addition to your baby’s skincare routine.
3. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
This is the classic when it comes to protecting dry skin. It’s similar to Vaseline. You typically want to apply Aquaphor right after bath time to seal in moisture and prevent rough patches from getting worse.
It creates a protective barrier without clogging pores and works for diaper rash, drool rash, and chapped skin. Since it’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin types.
4. CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe is another dermatologist-favorite brand, and their baby line is just as good.
This cream has ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture.
5. Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy
The Aveeno eczema range is also a great option for sensitive skin. It helps calm flare-ups so baby isn’t scratching all night.
All products contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritation and provides deep hydration for long-lasting moisture. Since it’s fragrance-free and steroid-free, it can be used daily without worrying about harsh ingredients.
Check out Aveeno eczema therapy moisturiser, aveeno cleansing wash and aveeno colloidal oatmeal bath therapy.
6. Weleda Baby Calendula Body Cream
If you prefer gentle, plant-based skincare, Weleda’s calendula cream is a great option.
Calendula is naturally soothing and helps reduce redness and irritation. This cream is made with organic ingredients like almond oil, lanolin, and calendula extract. It is gentle enough for daily use and provides a protective layer against environmental irritants.
Check out WELEDA calendula cream here.
7. Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief hypogel
This is a great alternative to steroid creams when eczema flares up. It contains colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and licorice root extract, which help calm inflammation and restore the skin barrier. It is safe for daily use, absorbs quickly, and is free from fragrance, dyes, and steroids.
Check out EUCERIN hypogel here
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FAQs: Baby Skincare for Dry & Sensitive Skin
How often should I bathe my baby if they have dry skin?
Babies with dry or sensitive skin should be bathed only two to three times a week. Bathing too often can strip the skin of natural oils, making dryness worse. Always use lukewarm water instead of hot water and limit bath time to ten minutes max.
What should I use to wash my baby’s clothes?
Using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent is best for babies with sensitive skin. Good options include Dreft Pure, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, and Tide Free & Gentle. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets should be avoided because they can leave residues that irritate the skin.
How can I treat cradle cap on a baby with sensitive skin?
Applying a few drops of coconut oil or baby-safe oil to the scalp and letting it sit for ten to fifteen minutes can help loosen flakes. Afterward, gently brush the flakes off with a soft baby brush. Using a gentle, fragrance-free baby shampoo, like Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo, can also help keep the scalp clean and irritation-free.
What should I do if my baby’s skin flares up?
Applying a thick moisturizer like Aveeno Eczema Balm or Aquaphor immediately after bath time can help soothe flare-ups. Using a humidifier in the nursery can also help keep moisture in the air and prevent further dryness. Dressing baby in cotton clothing instead of wool or fleece can also help minimize irritation. If flare-ups persist, consulting a pediatrician or dermatologist for further recommendations is the best approach.
Final Thoughts
If your baby has dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, finding the right skincare routine makes all the difference. I’ve been through the trial-and-error process, and these are the only products that truly worked for us.
The key is moisturizing often, using gentle products, and avoiding harsh irritants in soaps, detergents, and fabrics. If your baby’s skin still isn’t improving, always check with your pediatrician or dermatologist – sometimes prescription creams are needed for severe cases.
