With the arrival of a new baby, young parents often face the challenge of choosing suitable baby cosmetics. The wide range of baby skin care products can be confusing: what should you pay attention to, which formulas are preferable, and what properties should a product have? How can you choose the right skin care product for the delicate, thin, and sensitive skin of a small child?

Newborn Skin — So Special

A baby’s skin is noticeably different from adult skin and is particularly vulnerable to environmental influences.
Immediately after birth, a baby's skin is still immature, just beginning to adapt to the outside world. The stratum corneum is thin and loose, and its barrier properties are not yet fully developed. The skin struggles to resist external irritants.

A baby’s epidermis is about three times thinner than an adult’s, and the subcutaneous fat layer is still poorly developed. The sebaceous glands are inactive, so the skin has almost no natural lubrication (sebum). The acid balance is shifted toward the alkaline side (pH 6.3–7.5), protective pigment (melanin) is not yet produced, and the immune system is still in the process of adjustment.

As a result, newborn skin loses moisture quickly, is prone to dryness, reacts sensitively to UV rays, and is easily irritated.
Around 3–6 months of age, the subcutaneous fat layer begins to form. By the end of the first year, epidermal cells start to divide and mature more actively, and the skin microbiome gradually stabilizes. Only by about age three does the skin begin to function more like adult skin, while the sebaceous glands reach full development only during puberty.

 

What Should a Baby Cream Do?

Dry and irritated skin is one of the most common problems faced by almost every new parent. Cold and windy weather during walks, friction from clothing, dietary changes (including breastfeeding), and teething can all cause flaky, itchy patches on a baby’s skin. This can make babies restless, lead to more frequent crying, disturb sleep, and even reduce appetite.

A high-quality baby cream strengthens the skin’s natural protective hydrolipid layer, helps it resist environmental stress, prevents dehydration, relieves redness and itching, and restores comfort.

To achieve this, the cream should contain:

·       Lipids that soften and smooth the skin, improve elasticity, and prevent microcracks and moisture loss.

·       Moisturizing ingredients—hydrophilic molecules that maintain hydration by retaining water.

·       Anti-inflammatory agents that calm irritation and itching.

·       Healing ingredients that promote skin regeneration.

Ingredients and Certifications

Conscious parents increasingly understand the importance of choosing creams made only from pure, natural, and safe ingredients. Well-recognized natural certification systems can help guide this choice. Labels such as COSMOS, NaTrue, or BDIH guarantee that a cosmetic product is free from harmful petrochemicals, potentially allergenic dyes and fragrances, and unwanted preservatives.

The fatty base of a good baby cream is typically formed by valuable natural oils. Vegetable glycerin and moisture-retaining natural polysaccharides—such as aloe vera gel or hyaluronic acid—help maintain hydration, while carefully selected plant extracts provide soothing effects.

Informed Choice — Both Doctor’s Advice and Parents’ Intuition

While professional recommendations from pediatricians and dermatologists are invaluable, it’s also important for parents to develop a basic understanding of how to choose cosmetics for their child. After all, every baby is unique, and parents know their little one best.

It’s helpful to pay attention not only to the safety and composition of a product, but also to its texture, scent, and how it feels on the skin. Parents should like these aspects too—after all, they will be the ones applying the cream every day.

Some families prefer fragrance-free cosmetics to avoid potential allergies or unnecessary additives. Others may choose lightly scented products, as research suggests that certain natural aromas can have a positive effect on mood and the developing brain. The key is balance: awareness, comfort, and joy in caring for your baby.

Example: Petit&Jolie Baby Nourishing Cream

Petit&Jolie Baby Nourishing Cream is a great example of a high-quality product suitable for use from the very first days of life. Whether in winter or summer, at home or on the go, this versatile cream helps address common skin concerns that worry parents—flaky cheeks, cradle cap, irritation on the neck, elbows, and knees, and chapped skin on exposed areas.

Thanks to its rich texture with organic shea butter, almond oil, and jojoba oil, the cream deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin, relieving dryness. Licorice extract quickly soothes inflammation.

For the diaper area, Petit&Jolie Diaper Cream with zinc oxide provides effective protection and drying care. Once the skin has regained its balance, the lighter Body Lotion can be used for everyday hydration.

 

Buy PETIT&JOLIE Nourishing Cream