6 Benefits Of Baby Oil For Skin, Tips To Use, & Side Effects

What Is Baby Oil?

Baby oil essentially is 98% mineral oil and 2% fragrance. The mineral oil used in baby oils is highly refined, transparent, purified, and colorless. It is composed primarily of alkanes and cycloalkanes and is related to the common petroleum jelly derived when crude oil is refined.

Contrary to popular belief, mineral oil has several benefits for skin and hair. Apart from being completely safe for both babies and adults, mineral oil is also regulated by FDA (1). The oil is used to moisturize a baby’s skin, prevent diaper rash, and loosen and remove the cradle cap.

Trivia

Besides mineral oils, baby oils are also made using vegetable oil as bases. You can use coconut, avocado, jojoba, soy, and palm oils.

Is Baby Oil Good For Skin?

Baby oil is formulated to be hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free from dyes, phthalates, and parabens. Hence, it is safe for most people. Anecdotal evidence suggests that baby oil is safe for the face.

A blogger shared her journey of managing oily, acne-prone skin, particularly dealing with hormonal cystic acne. Frustrated with constant oiliness, she tried baby oil, noting, “To someone with oily skin, putting oil into your face deliberately seems absolutely ridiculous. I was convinced it would do more harm than good, causing spots and making my skin much oilier…. Now, about five weeks on, my skin is completely spot free, for the first time since I was eighteen. I could not be happier (i).”

You can use baby oil to achieve healthy, well-maintained, and hydrated skin. It may even make your face glow without makeup. Wondering how? Keep reading.

Top Skin Benefits Of Baby Oil

These benefits are based on anecdotal evidence. Further research is warranted to substantiate them.

• Acts As An Excellent Moisturizer

Baby oil as a face moisturizer is excellent if you have sensitive or very dry skin. It contains all the natural ingredients that help soothe skin sensitivity issues and promotes skin softness. Its deep rich formula penetrates the skin and restores moisture. However, make sure to apply baby oil on the skin after a shower, to ensure your pores absorb it better.

• Helps With Makeup Removal

Baby oil is an excellent alternative for a makeup remover. It helps dissolve makeup and buildup from the skin. Massage a thin layer of the baby oil on your face for a few minutes and wipe it away with a cotton washcloth. Follow up with a facewash to wash away all the residue.

• Is Good For Foot Care

Baby oil contains vitamin E which has multiple rejuvenating and restorative properties. It is suitable for the hydration and treatment of cracked heels. However, you need to warm the oil for maximum benefits. Use it either as a daily foot moisturizer or for a home pedicure. Apply the baby oil to your feet after a shower and before going to bed at night.

• May Work As Shaving Cream

Baby oil gives your skin a distinct shine and leaves it moisturized and smooth. It could be a great substitute for shaving cream. Using baby oil as shaving cream can also protect your skin from bumps and cuts from the razor.

• May Work As Under-Eye Gel

You also could use baby oil as an under-eye gel. Take a few drops of the soothing oil in your hand and gently massage the area with your fingers for 1-2 minutes. Wipe the excess oil with a tissue.

Quick Tip

You can use baby oil to soothe and moisturize your chapped lips.

Can We Use Baby Oil On The Face?

Mineral oil is known to offer similar benefits as coconut oil. You can use it on your arms, legs, elbows, and dry areas of the body.

However, most experts recommend against using baby oil on the face. It is believed that baby oil with mineral oil content may clog your skin pores and lead to acne or signs of premature aging.

Also, baby oil is not recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin as its added fragrance can irritate the skin. While using baby oil on the face for makeup removal is fine, do not use it by itself. You may instead look for other mineral oil-free options for facial skin.

So, how does baby oil clog skin pores? Read on to find out.

How Does Baby Oil Clog Pores?

Mineral oil, by itself, is non-comedogenic – it does not clog pores or cause acne or breakouts. Mineral oil molecules are big and do not deeply penetrate the skin. They tend to stay on the skin’s surface without harming it.

However, avoid baby oil if you have acne. The oil creates a barrier on the skin and prevents leakage of excess moisture. This may cause the acne to worsen as the skin is exposed to excess moisture.

While baby oil is largely very mild and gentle, it has its share of side effects. Check the next section.

Side Effects Of Baby Oil

Baby oil is not recommended for acne-prone skin.

Certain baby oils available on the market may have a controversial petroleum origin. If not adequately refined, baby oil (mineral oil) may contain potentially carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that may harm overall skin health (2).

Baby oil is thought to attract the sun’s UV rays. It may cause sunburn in some. However, research is limited in this regard. Avoid stepping out in the sun right after applying baby oil. You also may want to apply sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn.

Baby oil may also cause skin tanning in some.

Useful Baby Oil Care Tips

Keep the following tips in mind:

• Always use the product as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any doubts/questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• The frequency of using baby oil should depend on the product and your skin condition. For instance, if you are using the product to help treat skin burns or radiation therapy, check with a doctor to see if your brand can be applied before radiation therapy.
• Avoid applying baby oil to sensitive areas such as eyes or inside your mouth/nose unless the label or your doctor directs you otherwise.
• Check for the skin types the oil can go well with. Be aware of your skin type before using the oil.
• Seek immediate medical care if you experience rashes, redness, or aggravated burns.

Other Uses Of Baby Oil In Your Beauty Regimen

• Helps Reduce Stickiness Post Waxing

Baby oil helps clear the sticky feeling that waxes generally leave on the skin. The affordable oil can either be used directly on the skin or as a baby oil-soaked tissue.

• Offers A Flawless Manicure 

Use a cotton ball soaked in baby oil and carefully trace it around your cuticles before painting your nails. The oil will keep your nail polish from falling off to the sides. You can also use baby oil to tidy up any mess resulting from the nail polish.

• Works As A Hair Mask

Baby oil as a hair mask can work as a great rinse-out treatment. It can do wonders for your dry scalp. It also helps seal moisture and makes your hair smoother and shinier.

• Works As An Eye Gel

Baby oil is a perfect alternative to under-eye gels. Take a few drops of the gentle baby oil on your fingers and slowly massage your under-eye area for 1-2 minutes. Once done, use a dry tissue to remove all the excess oil.

• Works As A Hydrating Bath

Baby oil is often used in baths to enhance skin hydration. It creates a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and leaving the skin soft and supple. Additionally, the mild fragrance of baby oil can provide a soothing and calming effect, making your bath a more relaxing experience. To incorporate it into your bath routine, simply add a few drops of baby oil to warm bathwater and stir gently. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes, allowing the oil to moisturize your skin. Gently pat dry your skin to lock in the moisture. Its gentle formula is perfect for adults with sensitive or dry skin, making it a popular choice to maintain skin health and prevent dryness.

Quick Tip

You can also use baby oil as a relaxing body massage oil. Whether mineral or vegetable oil-based, it can be beneficial for nourishing your body.

Infographic: 5 Ways To Add Baby Oil To Your Skin Care Routine

Time to reap benefits from baby oil and use it beyond just for our little ones. Baby oil carries endless beautifying benefits, from promoting moisture to calming irritated, inflamed skin. But it doesn’t just stop with the usual advantages. Check out the infographic below to find the best ways to incorporate this rich oil into your skin care regimen.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does baby oil darken skin?

No, there is no scientific evidence proving that baby oil darkens the skin.

Can baby oil remove stretch marks?

Baby oil may help keep your skin moisturized, but there is no scientific evidence that it can remove stretch marks.

Is baby oil good for older skin?

Yes, it is safe to use baby oil on older skin. It helps keep the skin moisturized and supple.

Discover 11 powerful health benefits and uses of baby oil for the body. Learn how to use this versatile product to improve your health and well-being, from moisturizing the skin to improving blood circulation. Watch the video today!

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Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

   

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries. He runs multiple laser centers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and has trained many doctors in lasers and...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more