Which Baby Skincare Products Should
I Start With?

Where to Start with Baby Skincare 

When it comes to caring for your baby’s skin, less is more. Their delicate skin is still developing, more absorbent than adult skin, and far more sensitive to irritation. So when building your baby’s skincare routine, it's not about how many products you use—it’s about what’s in them.

This guide breaks down the essential baby skincare items to start with—and more importantly, what ingredients to avoid to keep your little one safe from day one.

Start with These 3 Essentials

You don’t need a shelf full of baby products—just a few thoughtfully chosen items that are truly clean and non-toxic:

1. Fragrance-Free Baby Wash & Shampoo
   A gentle, tear-free formula made with non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. Look for washes free from sulfates, synthetic foaming agents, and added fragrance.

2. Nourishing Baby Lotion or Balm
   Babies lose moisture faster than adults. Choose a simple, hypoallergenic lotion or balm made with organic oils (like coconut, jojoba, or calendula) to protect and soothe dry skin.

3. A Clean Healing Spray or Diaper Rash Solution
   Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) sprays are safe, non-toxic, and great for calming irritation, rashes, or cuts. Calendula creams or zinc-based balms are also wonderful for diaper care.

Why Choosing Clean is So Important for Babies

A baby’s skin is up to 30% thinner than an adult’s, meaning it absorbs more of whatever is applied to it. Their detox systems are immature, so they aren’t as equipped to filter out toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, many mainstream baby products still contain harmful ingredients—even those marketed as “gentle” or “natural.”

That’s why it’s so important to choose clean, non-toxic products from the start.

Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Skincare

Here are the most common (and concerning) ingredients to steer clear of:

🚫 Fragrance / Parfum
Often a mix of undisclosed chemicals—many linked to allergies, skin irritation, and hormone disruption. Always choose fragrance-free.

🚫 Parabens
Preservatives like methylparaben or propylparaben can mimic estrogen and disrupt your baby’s hormone system.

🚫 Phthalates
Common in scented products and plastic packaging. Linked to developmental and reproductive concerns.

🚫 Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
Harsh foaming agents that can strip natural oils and irritate baby’s sensitive skin.

🚫 Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Found in some baby washes or wipes (like DMDM hydantoin or quaternium-15). These are potential carcinogens and strong irritants.

🚫 Petroleum-based ingredients
Look out for mineral oil, petrolatum, or paraffin. These can clog pores and trap heat and bacteria on baby’s skin.

🚫 Phenoxyethanol
A common synthetic preservative often used as a “clean” alternative to parabens, but may still be irritating to infants and newborns, especially in large quantities.

What to Look for Instead

Short, simple ingredient lists:

Fragrance-free or lightly scented with organic essential oils (only if age-appropriate)
EWG Verified, organic, or dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
Free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and preservatives

Choosing clean, non-toxic skincare isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s a way to protect your baby’s health during the most sensitive stages of development. Start with the basics, read labels carefully, and opt for brands committed to transparency and safety.

At The Clean Bean Marketplace, we’ve done the research for you. Every baby product we carry is carefully vetted to ensure it’s safe, gentle, and free from harmful toxins—so you can feel confident from day one.