Key Highlights 

• A child’s skin is more delicate than that of an adult 
• A child’s skin will lose moisture far more quickly than that of an adult 
• Baby soap is formulated with key ingredients to cleanse their skin very gently 
• The ingredients are carefully picked in order to reduce the chances of skin allergies and rash outbreaks 
• The soaps are created on the policy on ‘no tears formula’, to reduce irritation to the eyes
• Olive oil, milk protein, glycerine, honey and almond oil are some key ingredients to keep an eye out for when picking a baby soap

Introduction

A child’s skin loses moisture quicker than an adult’s skin, and that’s what makes it necessary for you to take extra effort to keep your little one’s skin saturated and hydrated. With regard to cleansing and moisturizing an infant’s skin, you need to be aware of the best cleaning products available in the market. It is important to choose a soap that suits your baby’s skin type, climate and age.

The market is flooded with baby cleansing products that claim to be safe and gentle for your baby’s delicate skin. So here we have compiled a rundown of the best baby soaps that are truly gentle on your little one’s skin: 

The Best Baby Soaps in India:

1. Sebamed baby cleansing bar – 150g 

Sebamed is a German-based product with 100 per cent soap and alkali-free composition. It can be used as early as one month onwards after the birth of the baby.

Benefits:

• The moisturizing complex, amino acids and vitamins help to hydrate and nourish the baby’s skin along with reducing water loss through the skin.
• Contains chamomile which is known to soothe the skin.
• Consists of panthenol which helps stimulate the regeneration of the skin.
• Packed with mild and pleasing botanical fragrance.
• Helps reduce the incidence of dry skin.
• Perfect for babies and adults with sensitive skin. 
• Almost 0% irritant and allergic reactions, leaving skin soft after wash 

2. Dove baby bar rich moisture soap box of 75 g

Dove baby bar is a product of Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Dove started its array of beauty products in 1957 in the US. It is formulated with a unique blend of mild cleansers and  ¼ moisturizing cream, allowing your little one’s skin the gentle care it needs and deserves.

Benefits:

• Its hypoallergenic formula makes it gentle for your baby’s comfort.
• Its composition is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates and dyes which are reasons for irritated skin.
• It is created with a prebiotic moisturizer which keeps the skin soft and supple. 
• Has a mild fragrance particularly developed for babies.
• Uses recyclable plastic and is certified by PETA as cruelty-free.

3. Johnson’s baby soap 

Johnson and Johnson is a US-based pharma company and also one of the most well-known drug makers. Johnson and Johnson were founded in 1886 approximately over 125 years ago and developed its significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry in 1959. Johnson’s baby soap is clinically proven to be gentle and mild on the baby’s skin.

Benefits:

• Enriched with Vitamin E, which helps provide moisture to the skin.
• Suitable for all skin types. 
• Contains glycerine which helps keep skin soft and supple.
• It is clinically proven to be mild on a baby’s skin.
• Provides rich and creamy lather for healthy cleansing of the baby’s delicate skin.

4. Mamaearth baby soap

Mamaearth company is an Indian brand that was founded in 2016. The aim of Mamaearth is to provide natural baby care, skin care and hair care products that are toxin-free. Mamaearth uses Ayurveda and science in the development of natural and toxin-free products.

Benefits:

• It is suitable for a newborn’s sensitive skin.
• It is balanced at 5.5pH, which is healthy for a baby’s delicate skin.
• It is plastic positive and certified by PETA as cruelty-free. 
• It is hypoallergenic, which means it won’t irritate the skin.
• Formulated to be completely free of toxins such as SLES, SLS, silicones, parabens, synthetic perfumes and colours.
• It contains shea butter. Vitamin A in shea butter is known to improve skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
• Has goat milk which is filled with skin minerals like selenium and Vitamin A great for dry and sensitive skin.

5. Himalaya extra moisturizing baby soap 

Himalaya is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company based in Bangalore. It was established in the year 1930 and produces health care products that include Ayurvedic ingredients. Himalaya extra moisturizing baby soap is formulated to gently cleanse the baby’s soft skin without causing dryness of skin post-bath.

Benefits:

• Created with almond oil which is known to be a great skin softener and moisturizer.
• Contains milk proteins that provide the baby’s skin with needed nourishment.
• It includes olive oil which helps repair damaged skin tissues and provide hydration to even the most sensitive skin.
• Indian aloe in the soap has soothing properties and conditions the skin. 
• Clinically tested to be safe and gentle.

Since our childhood, we have always related to Johnson and Johnson’s as the brand that caters to child care products. The peculiar sweet fragrance still makes one nostalgic about the good old days. Johnson’s baby soap blossom comes with a mild fragrance and rich moisturizing formula. 

Benefits:

• Created with glycerine which helps lock the moisture the prevents skin from drying out. 
• Contains milk proteins that keep skin hydrated. It helps to keep the skin texture smooth and supple. 
• Has a very delicate floral fragrance thus the baby’s skin smells pleasant.
• Dermatologically tested to be safe and gentle for the baby.

7. HImalaya gentle (pack of 4) baby soap

Himalaya Gentle baby soap is infused with almond and olive oils that make it ideal for everyday use. It gently cleanses the baby’s skin hydrating it effectively.  

Benefits:

• Almond oil is widely used in many skincare products designed for babies as It is supposed to be a wealth of nutrients. Almond oil is rich in Vitamin E, proteins and other minerals which are beneficial for the skin. 
• The olive oil present in the soap has healthy properties. The high content of Vitamin A, E, D and K render it with moisturizing ability. 
• Keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized. 
• The product is free from paraben, animal fats and artificial colours which helps avoid allergies and rashes. 
• Clinically tested to be safe and gentle. 
• Good for babies with normal skin. 

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8. Pigeon baby nourishing soap

Pigeon is a Korean brand founded in 1957 with the vision to develop quality mother and baby care products. It has managed to become a one-stop-shop for mothers and mother-to-be for its quality, comfort, convenience and affordability factors. Pigeon baby nourishing soap is a mild cleansing soap with the goodness of coconut for deep nourishment.

Benefits:

• Has lavender oil which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and detoxifying benefits. Its fragrance further creates a  calming effect. 
• Contains glycerine which helps lock moisture and keeps skin hydrated.
• It has parabens free, sulphate free and non-irritant solutions.
• It is dermatologically tested. 

9. Johnson’s baby soap

For the longest time, Johnson and Johnson are been one brand that is synonymous with baby care products. The brand understands that the delicate skin of babies needs extra moisture to stop dryness.

Benefits:

• Consists of Vitamin E which helps preserve moisture and makes baby’s skin soft. 
• Formulated with a subtle fragrance. 
• Dermatologically tested to be gentle and mild on the skin. 
• Easy rinse formula. 
• Does not have parabens, SLS, dyes and alcohol. 

10. Himalaya baby soap wrap 

Himalaya refreshing baby soap is a breath of fresh air with its unique combination of ingredients like watermelon, khus-khus and neem. All these ingredients make it ideal for use in summers when oily skin, excessive heat and prickly heat become major issues. 

Benefits:

• Watermelon extracts known as natural super coolers help to keep skin fresh. 
• Neem has always been deemed as a boon for skin disorders. Neem extracts are known to cure itching and irritated skin
• Soap is crafted with the gentle formula of khus khus which are known to help soothe skin irritation and inflammation. 
• It is dermatologically tested and free from harsh preservatives such as parabens.

11. Johnson’s baby milk soap

Johnson’s baby milk soap is enriched with natural milk proteins to keep the baby’s soft skin nourished and healthy. It has a mild fragrance and is clinically tested to be gentle and mild. 

Benefits:

• Milk protein is known to increase skin’s hydration and makes skin smoother. 
• Vitamin helps promote the skin’s natural moisture. 
• Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Has an easy grip shape. 
• Has no phthalates and paraben so doesn’t cause skin irritation. 

12. Himalaya honey & milk baby soap wrap

Himalaya honey and milk baby soap are specially designed with herbal ingredients for a baby’s sensitive skin. Ingredients like honey, sunflower, castor oil and milk render it with richness prerequisite for baby’s tender care.

Benefits:

• It is enriched with honey which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It also helps to keep skin hydrated.
• Sunflower oil in it has antioxidant properties and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier thereby supporting the skins ability to retain moisture.
• Milk in the soap moisturizes and nourishes the skin. 
• Castor oil in it promotes hydration and moisturization.
• The product is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic. 

13. Chicco baby moments soap

Chicco is an Italian brand founded in 1958. Chicco is committed to offer innovative and quality products, safe for your child’s soft and sensitive skin. Chicco baby soap is suitable for everyday use on a baby’s delicate skin with its natural active ingredients.

Benefits:

• It is made with specific natural and vegetarian ingredients rendering it to be safe and gentle for babies. 
• Has aloe vera which helps soothe the skin while olive oil helps keep it hydrated. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins which is essential for healthy skin development.
• Contains glycerine which is known to render soft and smooth texture to the skin. Glycerine helps to moisturize the skin and prevents it from getting dry.
• It is parabens free, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.

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14. Johnson’s baby soap

Johnson’s baby soaps are manufactured mild and gentle considering the delicate and sensitive skin of babies. These soaps are clinically proven to be safe for babies. Enriched with baby lotion and Vitamin E it helps create a creamy lather and gently cleanses the skin. 

Benefits:

• The product is paraben-free and free from phthalates. 
• Contains mildness of Johnson’s baby lotion which helps protect babies natural skin barrier. 
• Comes with an easy-grip shape. 
• Soap is dermatologically tested and allergy-tested.
• It is also hypoallergenic. 

Benefits of Baby Soap

Some of the key highlights of a good baby soap are:

• Cleanses the baby’s delicate skin in the most gentle way. 
• The hand-picked ingredients in such soaps reduce the chances of skin irritation and rashes from harsh chemicals. 
• Balanced pH for a lesser risk of skin allergy. 
• Formulated to cause no or least irritation to eyes and skin. 
• Does not use powerful scents that irks the soft skin of the baby. 
• Not harsh on sensitive skin and thus can prevent drying of the skin. 

Also Read: How To Clean Belly Button: Research-Based Guide for Proper Hygiene

Things to Consider Before Purchasing Baby Soap 

• Ingredient List 

Spend some time reading the product labels before buying. Always read the list of ingredients on the soap you wish to buy. Milk proteins, olive oil, glycerine, almond oil, honey are some of the ingredients to look for while buying baby soap. 

Opt for baby soap that does not contain ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol or other harsh chemicals that might harm the baby when used consistently. The foaming detergent sodium Laureth sulfate might cause skin irritation and is a common ingredient in bubble baths. Chemicals such as these are not necessarily harmful in smaller quantities, but babies’ skin being still under the developing stage becomes more susceptible to negative side effects than adults. Other baby soap ingredients, such as Cocamidopropyl betaine, coconut diethanolamide and propylparaben have been identified as potentially toxic and should be avoided. 

• Moisturization is Key

Always buy baby soap that is gentle and moisturizing to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple. Look for ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Milk Proteins and Wheat, almond and olive oils which helps to keep baby’s skin hydrated. 

         Harsh soap can irritate the baby’s delicate skin while a good baby soap lets you skip putting lots of lotion on the baby after a bath.

• Medically Proven Formula

Most Baby soaps are made with natural organic ingredients that do not contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, these organically based formulas used in soaps can help in providing nourishment baby’s skin needs.

• No tears composition

Baby soaps often come with a no-tear formula. A tear-free claim is quite important for most parents as they don’t wish to see their little ones suffering from soap stings in their eyes. Sometimes it can scare little kids to an extent where they start hating bath time and try to avoid and refuse it. Ophthalmologist-tested mild soap ensures your baby’s eyes won’t sting. 

How to Use 

To gently cleanse and protect the natural moisture barriers  present on the soft skin of your baby you should:

• Apply water on the body parts of your baby you wish to clean. Rub a little bit of baby soap on your palm with water and form a bit of lather. Gently apply lather on your baby’s body and face and then rinse the lather off with water thoroughly. 
• Be very careful not to scrub soap on the delicate skin of your baby vigorously. 
• If needed you can clean the face, hands and legs of babies which are more prone to become dirty with exposure to germs and bacteria, a few times in the day. 
• Your baby’s bottom with its crevices and wrinkles needs thorough cleaning with gentle pads of your fingers. 
• Be mindful that your baby’s delicate skin doesn’t require as much lathering to clean as adults’ and thus most of their soaps have less lathering composition to make their soap milder. 

FAQs

Q1. Can I use regular soap for my baby?

Ans: The skin of the baby is extremely fragile and delicate which makes it more susceptible to environmental changes.  The less oily and thinner texture of baby’s skin needs extra moisture-based soap with no chemicals that might irritate their supple soft skin. Thus baby soap is preferable to regular soaps for babies. 

Q2. Will using a moisturizing bar suffice in absence of lotion?

Ans: It is recommended to moisturize a baby’s skin after baths as the baby’s skin is thinner than the adult’s skin. This makes their skin more prone to dryness. Hence, moisturizing the baby’s skin with a good lotion or oil is advisable. 

Q3. Can baby soaps be used by adults?

Ans: Yes baby soaps can be used by adults, especially with sensitive skin types. Advantages of baby soaps like milder nature, gentler on the skin, more moisturizing content and more balanced pH make it a good choice for adults with sensitive skin. Also, most baby soaps are free from colourant, parabens and mineral oil which gives them an edge over regular soaps. 

Q4. Are baby soaps tear-free?

Ans: Most baby soaps are termed as tear-free which means it is free from ingredients like formaldehyde that might irritate the eye. This can make them gentle, mild and safe for the baby’s delicate skin and eyes. 

Q5. Does baby soap lighten skin colour?

Ans: No, baby soap does not contain any chemical or bleaching ingredients that can cause skin whitening. It provides hydration and helps to keep the baby’s skin hygienic and healthy.

Q6. What factors to avoid when purchasing baby soap?

Ans: When buying baby soap for your child, you should typically pick the best product for their special skincare needs. The ideal baby soap should be free of artificial fragrances, parabens, synthetic dyes, sulphates, formaldehyde, essential oil blends, propylene glycol and chemical sunscreens. 

Q7. When is it safe to start using baby soap on my infant?

Ans: You can start using unperfumed, gentle baby soap on your child’s skin from about four to six weeks of age. Ensure to use only a little and only a couple of times a week as your infant’s skin is very delicate at this age. 

Q8. How many times should I bathe my infant weekly with baby soap?

Ans: Bathing your infant about 2-3 times a week with a mild baby soap is enough to keep them clean.