My first and only child just turned one, and over the past year, my vanity has slowly made room for his skin-care products alongside my own. Somewhere along the way, though, that line blurred and, admittedly, I couldn’t resist dipping into his stash myself. Before long, I realized that between the gentle formulas, satisfying textures and surprisingly chic packaging, the baby aisle has become an underrated source of topicals for me.
In hindsight, it makes sense. Baby formulas tend to skip potential irritants in favor of barrier-supporting ingredients. Of course, not everything labeled baby-safe meets the same standards. A good framework, according to West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Jacob Beer, MD, is to look for gentle, fragrance-free skin-care products—especially those with ceramides and colloidal oatmeal to help soothe inflammation, support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
A quick disclaimer: Check with your and your baby’s provider before sharing or trying new products, but the above is fairly standard guidance. The same goes for what to avoid: Dr. Beer suggests steering clear of fragrance, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, methylisothiazolinone and harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be sensitizing for both babies and adults.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up seven baby beauty products I share with my son—and will be restocking for both of us.
1 / 10
Well before my little guy made his debut, I’d heard plenty of praise about this brand—and now that I’ve tried it, it’s worth the hype. This All-Over Ointment is arguably the most popular product from the clean baby skin-care line, and it’s multipurpose for everything from cradle cap and diaper rash to everyday dryness and even eczema flares. Its star ingredient is soothing colloidal oatmeal, which is just as kind on my skin when I overdo it with actives as it is on my baby’s.
As the brand explains, the formula is “richer and more protective than a typical lotion,” with a thicker texture that helps create a longer-lasting moisture barrier—especially helpful for dry patches, flare-ups and areas that need extra TLC.
2 / 10
As someone with a soft spot for sculptural packaging that doubles as decor, I’ll admit I initially judged this product by its looks (I loved its simplicity, which reads as inherently chic to me). But once I applied it to my baby’s dry skin and watched it drink it up, I started reaching for it on my own cuticles and anywhere that needed a little extra moisture.
The formula is approved by the National Eczema Association and features a fragrance-free blend of plant oils and butters. It’s also petrolatum-free. Not that petrolatum is a bad thing—it’s a gold-standard occlusive—but skipping it gives this balm a lighter, more easily absorbed feel than something like Vaseline, whose main ingredient is petrolatum.
3 / 10
As a longtime beauty editor, touting the necessity of daily sunscreen is practically written into my DNA—and that same enthusiasm now carries over to my little one.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, parents should introduce sunscreen at six months. I’ve been using this one from Thinkbaby, and while I’m a fan, my baby’s completely unbothered by it—which feels like a win.
This mineral SPF contains 20% zinc oxide, a robust concentration that delivers reliable broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and its fragrance-free, mineral-based formula makes it a gentle, baby-friendly option for everyday use. I also use it on my own skin, especially over moles and scars that need dependable protection.
4 / 10
This Skin Rescue Spray is brand-new to Pipette’s baby lineup, and it taps into one of the most talked-about ingredients right now: hypochlorous acid. It’s known for helping keep skin clean—it’s a gentle antimicrobial that keeps bacteria in check while also calming irritation—so it’s just as useful for my baby as it is for me. I reach for it on everything from little rashes and red cheeks to post-workout or irritated skin on my own face.
5 / 10
Another newbie: the plant-based, plastic-free wipe brand biom recently launched its Baby One-Handed Wipe Kit—a baby-friendly version of its refillable dispenser that locks onto your changing station for less chaos. I was already obsessed with the brand’s chic, simple, transparent approach to its all-purpose wipes and refill system, so this launch has rocked our world in the best way.
6 / 10
Okay, full disclosure: neither my baby nor I have tried this one yet, but it’s high on our wishlist. I mean, look at it. Beyond the playful packaging—more aesthetically pleasing than some of my own products—the formula sounds just as good: chamomile and calendula extracts to soothe, aloe vera leaf extract and jojoba seed oil to hydrate and a blend of mild, plant-derived surfactants that create soft, long-lasting bubbles without being harsh on delicate baby skin.
7 / 10
Trust—you won’t regret stocking up on this alcohol-free hand sanitizer from Babyganics, which uses benzalkonium chloride as its active ingredient to help kill bacteria without the sting of alcohol. The formula is tested to eliminate 99.9 percent of common germs. It’s also less drying and easy to toss into all your bags for you and baby.
8 / 10
I am embarrassed to admit that I’ve stolen this straight out of my baby’s nursery a couple of times when my skin was desperate for moisture. As an essential oil lover, I love that there’s a dedicated aroma pad where you can add a few drops (lavender at night is my go-to) so you get both the aromatherapy and humidity benefits, and it’s super easy to take apart and clean.
9 / 10
While I’ll admit I don’t love that this hair and body wash contains fragrance, the lavender and vanilla scent is genuinely soothing—especially at night. As a mom who bathes with her little one, I really enjoy the calming feel it brings to our routine.
I also love that the bottle is generous in size (it’s 18 fl oz). One lasted us about three months, which makes the price feel like a steal. If you’re not fragrance-averse for you or your baby, its five-star reviews across the board don’t lie.
10 / 10
Is this the coolest, most innovative or prettiest product on this list? No—but dare I say it’s one of the most important. When my son ends up with a little scratch from his nails or has random chapped, dry spots or a small case of diaper rash, I reach for this. Same goes for me, minus the diaper rash.
