As a mother or soon-to-be mother, your shopping list for your newborn may seem endless, but true necessities are few—one of them being baby lotion. Despite their soft appearance, babies are born with naturally dry, sensitive skin that needs proper moisturization. In the womb, they are protected by vernix caseosa, a moisturizing layer that is wiped off at birth, leaving their skin vulnerable to dryness and peeling. This makes baby lotion essential for maintaining their skin barrier. But why baby lotion instead of regular moisturizers? Read on to find out!
Baby lotions vs. normal moisturiser creams
The main difference between baby lotion and moisturising cream is the concentration of water and oil present in each product – baby lotions tend to have higher water content and contain less oil, as compared to creams.
Differences in application
Baby lotions have a lighter, water-based texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue, making them ideal for daily moisturizing. In contrast, thicker baby creams are better for targeting dry or irritated areas, as they create a protective barrier to lock in moisture and keep irritants out. Dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD, suggests using lighter moisturizers during the day and heavier ones at night. Given Singapore’s hot and humid weather, baby lotions are more suitable for daytime use compared to thicker creams.
Usage of different skin types
When choosing between baby lotion and cream, consider your baby’s skin type. For normal skin and basic hydration, a light baby lotion is enough to keep skin moisturized throughout the day. However, for dry, sensitive skin or eczema, a thicker moisturizing cream is better, as it provides a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
What to look out for in suitable baby lotions
Now that you have a better idea of what baby lotion exactly does, here are some further considerations to look at, when choosing a suitable baby lotion.
Ingredients
As with all baby products, it is crucial to make sure the baby lotion you choose is free of allergens and safe for your baby’s skin. It is also recommended to avoid fragrances, preservatives, parabens and sulfates.
Different skin types
As mentioned above, it is important to note which skin type your baby has, so that you can choose the best baby lotion for them.
Normal skin refers to mildly flakey and peeled skin – this is extremely normal as newborns typically experience this due to the removal of vernix caseosa. Your baby’s skin will become stronger, and the peeling should eventually subside.
However, it is recommended to keep their skin moisturised to prevent the development of future skin problems, as your baby’s skin is much thinner compared to adult skin.
Dry and sensitive skin, on the other hand, may appear as the development of dry patches of skin, or rashes. It may be due to your baby having sensitive skin that is reacting to allergens.
According to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, applying a hypoallergenic moisturiser will help maintain the protective skin barrier, protecting the skin against irritants. Lastly, in some cases, patches of red itchy skin on your baby may indicate eczema.
According to Boston’s Children’s Hospital, dry skin can often trigger eczema in babies, and treatment typically constitutes of special moisturising creams or lotions prescribed by paediatricians.
Best baby lotions in Singapore
Now that you have much more information on baby lotion and skin types, here are seven recommendations from us, catering to various skin types and moisturising needs!
Mama’s Choice Baby Skin Vitamin Lotion is not your regular baby lotion. This natural formula not only moisturises and nourishes the skin but also helps reduce the appearance of scars from insect bites.This baby lotion is enriched with avocado, which protects the skin from pollution and free radicals, olive oil helps regenerate the skin, and multivitamins nourish the skin. Best of all, it’s proven effective. In a product efficacy panel test, nine out of 10 mamas agree that this lotion effectively reduces the appearance of mosquito or insect bites.
Price: $5.90 for 100g
Where to Buy: Mama’s Choice Official Website
Mustela’s Hydra Bebe Body Lotion is a daily moisturizer formulated to provide immediate and long-lasting hydration for your baby’s delicate skin. Enriched with 97% plant-based ingredients, including Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Vitamins E and F, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Perseose, it helps protect and hydrate the skin. The lotion is hypoallergenic and free from parabens, making it suitable for daily use on normal skin types.
Price: $21.42 for 300ml
Where to Buy: Lazada
Ezerra Lotion is a gentle moisturizer specifically formulated to alleviate discomfort associated with eczema in infants and children. It contains natural plant-derived ingredients, including Stimutex-AS, which mimics anti-histamine properties to relieve itchiness and redness, and Saccharide Isomerate, a moisture magnet that provides intense hydration and helps restore the skin’s barrier function. This lotion is ideal for daily use, especially after bathing, to maintain moisture over large areas of the body and keep the skin feeling comfortable.
Price: $14.75 for 150ml
Where to Buy: Shopee
GAIA Natural Baby Soothing Cream is a gentle, multipurpose moisturizer designed to protect and nourish delicate baby skin. Enriched with organic ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and evening primrose oil, it helps soothe dryness, irritation, and redness. The cream forms a light protective barrier with beeswax, zinc, and castor oil, keeping skin soft and hydrated. Suitable for use on the face, body, and nappy area, it’s perfect for daily care. Free from harsh chemicals, it’s ideal for newborns and sensitive skin.
Price: $20.90 for 100ml
Where to Buy: Shopee
If your baby suffers from eczema, the California Baby eczema cream is the best lotion for them! On top of being free of mineral and petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic fragrances and dyes, it is also gluten-free. This makes it suitable for all types of sensitive skin, as well as babies with various allergies. It relies on its certified, gluten-free oatmeal, proven to be extremely effective in protecting and healing cracked and irritated dry skin due to eczema.
Price: $29.90 for 59ml
Where to Buy: Shopee
Earth Mama is a brand that needs no introduction! It is highly raved about for its range of baby products. And its baby lotion is no different. Being naturally unscented makes it suitable for sensitive skin, and it is moisturising for all skin types, from babies to adults alike. This lotion is hence perfect for all skin types to provide that extra daily hydration and moisture to not just your little one, but yourself as well!
Price: $32.90 for 240ml
Where to Buy: Pupsik
For mothers looking to purchase an equally good baby lotion at a lower price point, Johnson Baby Lotion is the one for you! Johnson Baby Lotion is an extremely reliable household product, and its baby lotion moisturises and protects the skin for up to 24 hours. Additionally, Johnson Baby Lotion contains natural calm essence, clinically proven to help calm and comfort a baby before sleep, making for an amazing budget lotion to add to your baby’s bedtime routine!
Price: $18.81 for 801ml
Where to Buy: Amazon
QV Baby Skin Lotion is a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer specifically formulated for babies’ delicate and sensitive skin. Enriched with Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), it helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier function, providing up to 24 hours of hydration. The non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula is free from common irritants such as colorants, propylene glycol, and lanolin, making it suitable for daily use, even on eczema-prone skin. Pediatrician-recommended and dermatologically tested, this lotion ensures gentle care for your baby’s skin.
Price: $27.50 for 250ml
Where to Buy: Watsons
Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion is a hypoallergenic moisturizer designed to provide 24-hour hydration for your baby’s delicate skin. Its gentle formula helps replenish essential nutrients, supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Free from parabens and phthalates, this lotion is suitable for daily use, ensuring your baby’s skin remains soft and smooth.
Price: $23.68 for 384ml
Where to Buy: Amazon
CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion is a gentle, fragrance-free lotion formulated to hydrate and protect your baby’s delicate skin. Enriched with essential ceramides, niacinamide, and vitamin E, it helps restore the skin’s natural barrier while providing long-lasting moisture. The lightweight, non-greasy formula is free from parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, making it suitable for daily use on sensitive skin. Developed with pediatric dermatologists, this lotion ensures your baby’s skin remains soft and healthy.
Price: $16.57 for 237ml
Where to Buy: Amazon
Twinkle Baby Face Crème is a gentle moisturizer formulated to address sensitive skin issues in infants and children, particularly on the cheeks and neck. It effectively soothes conditions such as eczema and redness resulting from reactions to dairy products, allergens like pollen and dust, or sudden temperature changes. Enriched with herbal oriental plant extracts and seed oils, this light crème helps manage skin sensitivity, reduces stress and redness, and promotes a fairer complexion with the inclusion of turmeric.
Price: $35.00 for 50g
Where to Buy: Twinkle Official Website
When to use baby lotions
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of which baby lotion you would like to purchase! Before that, you may be wondering, when is the best time to apply baby lotion? We recommend you use baby lotion on your baby right after bathtime. This helps in locking moisture and supporting the skin barrier. Doing so at the same time every day will help ensure consistency of routine! Plus, it ensures your baby’s skin is always well-hydrated before bed.
Let’s make bathing time with your baby fun by using products that are essentially good for their skin, check out: Best Baby Wash for Baby’s Sensitive Skin
