Best types of soaps for newborn babies

Best types of soaps for newborn babies

Dec 22 , 2022

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Nourish Products

I started Nourish after my first son, Aidan, was born because I suddenly became very aware of the types of products I was putting on him and, more importantly, what I DIDN'T want to put on his skin.

When starting this business, I quickly learned about all the harsh ingredients that big companies put into products that were supposed to be made for sensitive skin.

I didn't like what I found out...

Why do babies need different skin products than adults? Baby skin is more porous than adult skin. Their skin has a thinner upper layer compared to that of an adult. The papillae and blood vessels penetrate deeper into this upper layer of the skin, making it more sensitive to ingredients in products.

When it comes to choosing soap for newborns, it's important to select a product that is gentle and free from harsh ingredients that can irritate their delicate skin. Here are some key considerations when selecting soap for newborns:

Choose a soap that is free from sulfates and artificial fragrances:

Sulfates are harsh cleansing agents that can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. This becomes especially important if you and your little one live in a colder climate, because the frigid temperatures already dry out your skin and hair faster. Fragrances are another one that can be irritating to the skin, especially for newborns. Look for soap that is fragrance-free or made with natural fragrances like essential oils, which won’t have chemicals or dyes in them.

suds glistening

Avoid soap with alcohol:

Alcohol gets added to soaps and sanitizers for, well, its sanitizing abilities. However, it’s also extremely drying and irritating to the skin, especially when used in products like soap that you use so many times in a day. So, it's best to avoid soap that contains alcohol altogether.

dry hands up close

Look for soap that is formulated for newborns:

Many soaps are specifically formulated for newborns and are made with gentle, non-irritating ingredients. These types of soaps are a good choice for maintaining your newborn's delicate skin. An even better choice is to talk with your local soap-maker (Hello! ;) ) and inquire about what products are the gentlest. I’m always happy to give people soap recommendations for their needs.

newborn baby getting lotion rubbed on back

Choose natural ingredients:

A natural ingredient is a chemical compound that comes from the plant, mineral, animal or microbial kingdom. It is obtained by processes of physical extraction (e.g. pressure), without any transformation of its constituents -- meaning it’s taken from its natural source without being manipulated. This is the case, for example, of sunflower oil or olive oil commonly used in cosmetic products. Natural ingredients are generally gentler on the skin and are less likely to cause irritation. Look for soap that is made with natural ingredients, such as plant-based oils and extracts.

close up image of raw almonds

Consider your newborn's skin type:

Some newborns may have dry, sensitive skin, while others may have oily or acne-prone skin. Obviously, as a new parent, this might be a little hard to figure out on your own. A quick chat with your little one’s doctor, and some trial and error, will tell you what skin type you’re working with. Choose a soap that is formulated for your newborn's specific skin type to ensure that it is gentle and effective.

newborn baby’s feet sticking out of blanket

    To summarize:

    Overall, it's important to choose a soap that is gentle and free from harsh ingredients when caring for your newborn's delicate skin. By selecting a soap that is formulated specifically for newborns and made with natural ingredients, you can help to keep your newborn's skin clean, healthy, and irritation-free!

    Make sure to check out our collections, or contact us if you have any questions about the best soaps for you!

    selection of Nourish Luxury Essentials soaps looking colourful


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