Glazed Donut Baby
The statement stopped me in my tracks: "My baby every single night goes to bed like a glazed doughnut. I slather him." I wondered, how can Hailey Bieber, founder of a billion-dollar beauty brand, not know that slathering a baby in French pharmacy lotion is a terrible idea?
The real problem is the number of women who hang on her every word and will follow her lead.
The Ultimate Cleanwashed Category
Most people don’t realize that baby skincare is the ultimate clean-washed category. We assume these products are safe simply because they’re made for babies. The truth is, they are treated exactly the same as adult products under the law - virtually unregulated.
Two Reasons to Skip Daily Lotion
Slathering a baby in lotion daily is not only unnecessary, but it can also disrupt their delicate, developing skin microbiome. Baby lotion is problematic for two main reasons.
First, lotions are mostly water. To keep them shelf-stable, they require a robust preservative system. These preservatives don't just kill bad bacteria in the bottle. They can also harm the good bacteria on your baby's skin.
Alarmingly, one study found 355% more parabens (endocrine-disrupting preservatives) in infants who had lotion applied to their bodies compared to those who did not.
Second, most baby lotions (including popular French pharmacy brands like Mustela and Klorane) contain synthetic fragrance. These fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets, so their ingredients are undisclosed. However, study after study shows they often hide chemicals that can disrupt hormones and trigger skin allergies.
Further, why are we interfering with the natural smell of a baby? Who are we trying to please?
A Simpler, Safer Routine
When it comes to caring for a baby’s skin, less is always best. The "more is more" approach of daily baths and an onslaught of products often leads to the very problems you're trying to prevent, like irritation and eczema. Even too much water can dry out their delicate skin.
Instead of lotion, opt for an organic balm or oil on an as-needed basis for dry spots. Look for simple formulas with no water, no preservatives, and no fragrance.
Ultimately, the best skincare advice for your baby doesn't come from a celebrity's Instagram feed or a French pharmacy shelf. It comes from trusting that their skin already has what it needs. Your baby doesn't need to be glazed. Choosing simplicity gives them a start that is truly clean, safe, and natural.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Does this change how you view baby skincare?
