A lot of people have this question in their minds- is baby oil good for your skin? The answer is definitely yes!
Baby oil is a clear liquid that is made out of petroleum-based mineral oil as well as fragrance. It is said that baby oil should be applied to the skin when it is already damp with water as if after a bath. The main reason for using baby oil is that it prevents the baby’s skin from drying and also maintains the moisture of delicate baby skin.
This article will help you to know about the benefits of baby oil and how it benefits your skin. These days, baby oil is largely utilized as skin care products and skin moisturizers.
1. Baby oil
Baby oil is inert oil that is mainly used to keep skin supple and soft it is mostly used on babies for maintaining babies’ soft skin. However, these days baby oil is being used by adults for skin massage and skin care.
This oil is specially made for babies as their skin is thin, sensitive, and fragile. Baby oil is used for various purposes, as if, for newborn baby’s massage and also as creams and lotions. It is usually based on either mineral oil or vegetable oil.
Baby oil is not only good for baby’s skin but also for adult skin. Most adults use baby oil to keep their skin moisturized and smooth. If you use baby oil for your face massage or facial, it will give your skin a special glow and smoothness. As per the limited body of research, baby oil has the potential to soften and plump the skin.
1.1. How is Baby Oil made?
The major ingredient used to make baby oil is mineral oil. Oil is free of parabens, dyes, and phthalates and is formulated to be hypoallergic. You can use this oil without any fear of any allergic reaction.
It has been seen that baby oil has the biggest moisturizing effect of all the ingredients when you apply this to your skin in comparison to glycerin, ethanol, and water. Both mineral oil and baby oil are a mixture of petroleum distillation cosmetics and they are hydrocarbon compounds derived from petrochemicals.
1.2. Is Johnson’s Baby Oil Good for Adult Skin?
According to Johnson, adults may use baby oil because it helps in soothing and reliving dry skin and rough patches. This oil sinks deep into the skin when the pores are still open. Usually, baby oil is applied to the baby’s skin before the massage.
Yes, Johnson’s baby oil is good for adults either as most adults use apply baby oil to their skin and body to relieve dry skin.
You can apply baby skin oil on your face freely since it does not clog the skin’s pores.
It is beneficial for both dry and normal skin types. According to the research, baby oil contains the biggest moisturizing effect of all the ingredients when applied to the skin. Johnson baby oil does not contain any harmful chemicals. This company markets products after the proper laboratory testing processes.
1.3. Key Ingredients Used in the Baby Oil
There are two main ingredients in baby oil such as mineral oil and vegetable oil. Mineral oil contains various benefits like coconut oil. You can see that mineral oil creams that contain Aloe Vera, deliver more moisture than ordinary body lotion.
It is deemed that mineral oil is quite a controversial ingredient since it originated from petroleum. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, mineral oil in the baby oil is purified and refined for removing the PAHs, however various individuals avoid this oil because this procedure is not well regulated in skincare and beauty products.
1.4. Is it OK to use Baby Oil on Your Face?
Yes, it is OK to use baby oil on your face and it is safe to use. But you have to be careful while using baby oil on your skin. If you have sensitive skin or suffering from any sort of allergies, you should avoid using fragrance-free baby oil.
It can harm your sensitive skin and can increase allergies too. However, baby oil is not good for acne-prone skin as it triggers acne in prone to breakout.
1.5. Is Baby Oil Good for the Skin After a Shower?
Yes, using baby oil is good for the skin if you use it after a shower. Baby oil is always used after a shower. Many doctors have suggested that baby oil should be used on already damped water. It is said that if you want an effective moisturizer, you should apply baby oil after the shower and bathe when the skin is wet.
It helps bring some necessary moisture back to the skin. When you use baby oil after a shower or bath, it makes your skin feel baby soft.
1.6. Does Baby Oil Darken Skin?
Yes, baby oil may darken your skin. But it depends on how you use it. It deems that baby oil is the reflector of UV rays and also attracts more sun. It even supports rays absorbing more deeply into the skin which may cause you to tan to a darker shade.
Another important thing you need to consider is that you should not apply baby oil when you are going out into the sun because it can cause sunburn and increase sun damage.
Baby oil does not protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, specifically sunburn. Thus, always use baby oil with sunscreen to prevent your skin from tan and sunburn.
2. Uses of Baby Oil
Baby oil is for multi-purpose use, so you can use it for many purposes as a makeup remover, moisture, foot care, cuticle care, and shaving oil. It also helps in keeping skin moisturized and slick to avoid future wrinkles and lines.
You may apply baby oil as a moisturizer on your skin. It has the potential to heal dry skin patches. But make sure to use baby oil after a shower as it will lock all the moisture into your skin.
Baby oil is very helpful as a makeup remover because it supports dissolving makeup and dirt buildup. Few makeup artists use baby oil for making makeup corrections. Apply a thin layer of baby oil on your face and then wipe it out with the cotton washcloths.
Moreover, baby oil helps in healing dry cuticles. Cuticle care is very important as dry cuticles cause unnecessary burning and pain. Though there are various cuticle oils available in the market, they are very expensive. On the other side, baby oil is affordable and also helps moisturize your nails.
Apply baby oil to your nails and fingers and then massage the oil into the nail bed. This will give you a shiny and healthier nail. Though this is not proven that baby oil can be used in place of shaving creams. But if you use baby oil every day, it will keep your skin more supple and moisturized and make shaving easier.
Baby oil is famous as a skin care product among adults. Since it heals the dry patches on the skin or body, moisturizes plump and smooth skin by locking moisture all over the body. Thus, you can apply baby oil to your body and use it as a body moisturizer.
In addition to this, baby oil treats cracked heal and prevent allergic reactions because it contains synthetic oil. Baby oil is natural oil; hence it is good for a baby’s sensitive skin. Baby oil is specially made for babies because it does not harm delicate baby skin.
3. Benefits of Baby Oil
3.1. Skin Hydrator
Baby oil keeps skin hydrated by locking moisture in. it declines trans-epidermal water loss as well as creates a protective barrier between the skin and the environment. It is crucial to apply baby oil on slightly damp skin. Take a few drops of baby oil on your palm and massage it all over your skin.
3.2. Hair Mask
Baby oil is also used as a hair mask and seals in moisture. Applying baby oil to your hair will give you shiny hair. Indeed, it makes a semi-breathable barrier over the skin, which locks in the moisture already on the skin’s surface.
3.3. Substitute Shaving Cream
It gives your blades a smooth glide and protects your skin from cuts and bumps from the razor. It is a great alternative to shaving cream.
3.4. Makeup Remover
There are numerous other benefits of baby oil; for example, it eases the baby’s dry skin. It is a great makeup remover. Most people use baby oil as a makeup remover. Baby oil will not darken your skin if you will avoid using it when going out into the sun.
Baby oil is great as an eye makeup remover. This natural oil will help you remove eye makeup with the cotton ball. You do not need to worry about the risk of irritating the sensitive skin around the face and eyes.3
3.5. Great Moisturizer
You can easily use them as a moisturizer. As per research, baby oil helps in relieving skin discomforts such as dry skin, and conditions like psoriasis. It can be used as an everyday foot moisturizer or for the home pedicure. It helps in treating cracked heels.
3.6. Under Eye Gel
It could be utilized as an under-eye gel. For this, you have to take a few drops of baby oil and gently massage the under-eye area with your fingers for one or two minutes,
3.7. Foot Care Baby Oil
Baby oil contains various restoratives and rejuvenating properties of vitamin E, which makes this natural oil perfect for dealing with the skin problems like cracked elbows and healing. This natural oil also works as foot care oil. You may use baby oil for foot massage or as a foot moisturizer.
3.8. Remove Temporary Tattoos
With the help of baby oil, you can remove temporary tattoos as well.
3.9. Declines the Appearance of Stretch Marks and Scarring
It is said that baby oil helps in disappearing stretch marks and other scars. It declines the appearance of stretch marks and facial scars by plumping up the skin in these areas. In addition to this, you can use baby oil to get rid of itchiness, diaper rash, and many other issues. It treats diaper rash and cradle cap.
3.10. Treat Sensitive Skin
Generally, baby oils come with light fragrances and are safe for people who have sensitive skin. People with psoriasis and eczema may also use baby oil. This natural oil actually teats sensitive and dry skin. It contains very low risks of any sort of irritation or allergic reactions.
4. Is Baby Oil Good for Infants?
Yes, baby oil is good for infants. Baby oil is usually known as the byproduct of the procedure of refined crude oil. This natural oil prevents infants or newborn babies from diaper rash either. However, National Health Service has said that baby oil or any other natural oil should not be used on one-month-old babies. This is because, at this period, the baby’s skin is very thin and delicate and can be easily damaged.
This oil helps nourish the skin and also makes the baby’s skin smooth and soft. Baby oil is safe to use on delicate baby skin. This oil contains Tocophery1 Acetate and fragrances.
5. Side-effects of Baby Oil
Besides numerous benefits of baby oil, there are some side-effects of this natural oil either. As mineral oil is non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) and occlusive. This natural oil promotes acne in various acne-prone patients.
In my view, baby oil is not appropriate to use the facial skin care products because it may clog skin’s pores and cause acne. It can cause premature aging. It could cause the acne to worsen since the skin is exposed to excess moisture.
Though various experts state that people should not apply baby oil on their face, it contains mineral oil that can clog their skin pores as well as cause acne or signs of premature aging. It may clog your pores as it forms a thick layer on your skin as well as traps dirt, acne-causing bacteria, and other products, which clog skin pores.
Baby oil is also not good for sensitive and even acne-prone skin. It is because baby oil contains various added fragrances, which may cause skin irritation problems. The main reason for avoiding baby oil on the skin is that it creates a barrier on your skin as well as prevents leakage of excess moisture.
6. How to Apply Baby Oil to the Face
Following is the step for applying the baby oil to the face:
- Firstly, you have to wash your face with a gentle cleanser or soap
- Pat dry, your face, and leave some moisture on the skin’s surface
- Take a drop of baby oil on your hand
- Gently massage the oil into the face with the fingertips
6.1. Is Johnson’s Baby Oil Safe
Johnson’s baby oil is allergy-tested and dermatologist-tested. This natural oil is clinically proven as having soft effects on delicate baby skin. It is also best for baby skin care.
7. Substitute for Baby Oil for Facial Skin
It is not mandatory to use baby oil for facials. There are many other plant-based oils present in the market, which you can use to smooth and plump your face:
7.1. Jojoba Oil
It is a humectant ingredient that attracts water to the top layer of the skin. This oil is very beneficial for people with oily skin. Jojoba oil is a great moisturizer and very lightweight. This natural oil also reduces greasiness.
You may use jojoba oil to keep your skin hydrated and even protect your skin from any bacterial infections and acne. It will help you relieve itching, flaking, and other related symptoms.
It has various anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. This natural oil is a great remedy for dry skin, acne as well as various other skin conditions. This oil can be used by people with inflammatory skin such as eczema and psoriasis.
Jojoba oil is used in various natural sunscreen products. It promotes healing, restores vitamins, and adds moisture to soothe the symptoms of sunburn. If you use jojoba oil on your skin regularly, it will help you to decline the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face.
7.2. Avocado Oil
This oil is very beneficial for skin care. Avocado oil is used as an ingredient in various types of moisturizers, creams, and sunscreens. This oil contains vitamin E, lecithin, potassium as well as other nutrients, which moisturize and nourishes the skin.
If you do not want to use baby oil, you may use avocado oil for moisturizing your skin and for facials. This plant oil contains antioxidants and vitamins that also help you heal your dry and irritated skin. It does not leave any oil residue and keeps skin hydrated.
Unlike baby oil, it declines the risk of acne and also inflammation and redness related to the acne. Avocado oil has antioxidants that help ease the symptom of sunburn and decreases the signs of aging.
So, I think you can apply baby oil to your face freely. But make sure not to use it on acne-prone skin. If you have acne-prone skin you may use other natural oils like jojoba oil and avocado oil.
