When a product says "natural" on the label, most parents feel a wave of relief. It sounds safer. Gentler. More aligned with what our tiny, vulnerable babies deserve. But here's what I tell parents in my practice: the word "natural" on a baby skincare product means almost nothing from a regulatory standpoint, and understanding that distinction could make a real difference for your baby's skin.

This post is for parents who want to make genuinely informed choices about what they put on their newborns and infants. By the end, you'll know:

• Why "natural" isn't a protected or regulated term in Canada or the US

• Which commonly marketed "natural" ingredients can actually irritate infant skin

• What evidence-backed ingredients to look for instead

• How to read a product label like a clinician

Let's dig into what the research actually says.

Why "Natural" Doesn't Mean Safe for Baby Skin

In both the United States and Canada, the term "natural" carries no legally enforced definition when used on cosmetic or skincare products. The FDA doesn't regulate it. Health Canada doesn't either, at least not in a way that guarantees ingredient safety or purity. That means a brand can print "natural" across a lotion bottle while including synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrance compounds, or plant-derived extracts that are well-known irritants.

This isn't just a concern for a handful of products or brands—it's a widespread issue that affects the baby product market as a whole, , where the word "natural" is one of the most powerful marketing levers a brand can pull.

For parents of newborns and infants, this matters more than it might for adults. Baby skin isn't just smaller, it's structurally different.

Why Infant Skin Is More Vulnerable

Babies are born with an immature skin barrier. The stratum corneum, the outermost protective layer of skin, is thinner in infants and continues developing throughout the first year of life. This means:

• Substances applied to the skin are absorbed more readily

• The barrier is more easily disrupted by irritants

• Recovery from irritation takes longer

A product that an adult tolerates without issue can still cause dryness, redness, or irritation in an infant. Babies’ skin is different from adult skin, which means ingredients that seem harmless may not always be suitable for their more delicate skin barrier. This is why the ingredients in natural baby skincare products deserve a closer look beyond what the label promises. 

"Natural" Ingredients That Can Irritate Baby Skin

Some of the most commonly featured ingredients in "natural" baby products are ones I approach with caution in clinical settings. Here are a few worth knowing about.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is appealing for obvious reasons: it smells calming and has been used in folk remedies for centuries. Lavender oil naturally contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for much of its fragrance. In some people, these compounds can trigger skin sensitivity or allergic reactions, and babies may be more vulnerable because their skin barrier is still developing. . Some research has also raised questions about lavender's potential hormonal effects in high concentrations, though this area of science continues to evolve. Regardless, essential oils as a category are generally not recommended for babies under three months, and should be used cautiously after that.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another "natural" ingredient with a strong antibacterial reputation. The challenge is that it can be a significant contact allergen, especially on skin that's already compromised. In undiluted or even diluted forms, it has been associated with skin reactions in sensitive individuals — and infant skin is, by definition, sensitive.

Chamomile Extract (in High Concentrations)

Chamomile is often assumed to be one of the gentlest botanicals available. In low concentrations, it may offer mild anti-inflammatory benefits. But chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) plant family, and compounds within it, including apigenin and other flavonoids, can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in individuals predisposed to plant-based sensitivities. High concentrations in baby products are worth avoiding until your child is older.

Fragrance (Including "Natural" Fragrance)

This one deserves its own category. Fragrance, whether synthetic or derived from botanical sources, is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis in infants and children. It can appear on labels under several names, including parfum, fragrance, aroma, and even "natural fragrance." The issue is that fragrance is considered a trade secret, meaning brands aren't required to disclose which specific compounds are included. A product labeled "naturally scented" or "lightly fragranced" may contain dozens of individual chemical compounds, some of which are known sensitizers.

The bottom line is that fragrance-free is always the safer choice for baby skin.

What to Look For: Ingredients That Actually Protect Baby Skin

Understanding what to avoid is only half the equation. Here's where the science gets especially  reassuring, because there are well-studied ingredients that support and protect infant skin without unnecessary risk.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal has some of the most robust clinical evidence behind it for sensitive and compromised skin. It contains beta-glucan, avenanthramides, and lipids that help restore the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. It's recognized by the FDA as a safe and effective skin protectant, and it's well-tolerated by the vast majority of infants. When you see it on a label, that's a sign that you should be reassured with this ingredient present .

Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan (often derived from oats, barley or yeast) supports the skin's immune response and helps reinforce barrier function. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in research and is considered a safe ingredient for baby skin. It also helps with hydration without being occlusive or pore-clogging.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules that make up a significant portion of the skin barrier naturally. Babies with eczema-prone or dry skin often have reduced ceramide levels. Topical ceramide formulations have good clinical support for helping restore barrier integrity, reducing transepidermal water loss, and improving skin hydration. When you see ceramides on a label, particularly ceramide NP, AP, or EOP, those are evidence-backed ingredients worth trusting.

How to Read a Baby Skincare Label Like a Clinician

One of the most practical things I can teach parents is how to decode an ingredient list. Here's what to know:

Understand INCI Names

Cosmetic ingredients are listed using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names, which are standardized, often Latin-based names. For example:

• Avena sativa kernel flour = oatmeal

• Sodium lauryl sulfate = a cleansing agent that can be harsh on infant skin

• Tocopherol = vitamin E

• Parfum = fragrance (regardless of whether it's synthetic or plant-derived)

Ingredients are listed in descending order by concentration. The first five to six ingredients make up the bulk of the formula, and those are the ones to scrutinize most carefully.

Watch for Fragrance Aliases

Fragrance doesn't always announce itself clearly. Look out for:

• Parfum

• Fragrance

• Aroma

• "Natural fragrance"

• Specific compounds like limonene, linalool, citronellol, geraniol (often fragrance components)

If you see any of these on a label for a product meant for newborns or infants, I'd suggest looking for an alternative.

Check for Alcohol

Ethanol (alcohol denat.) and isopropyl alcohol can be drying and irritating on infant skin. These are sometimes present in "natural" sprays or mists. Not all alcohols are problematic, however. Fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol are actually skin-conditioning, but the short-chain, drying alcohols are worth avoiding.

Pediatrician's Checklist: What to Look For and What to Avoid

Look for:

• ✅ Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa)

• ✅ Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP, or similar)

• ✅ Beta-glucan

• ✅ Glycerin (a well-tolerated humectant)

• ✅ Simple, short ingredient lists

• ✅ Fragrance-free and dye-free formulas

• ✅ Products developed with pediatric dermatology input

Approach with caution or avoid:

• ❌ Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint)

• ❌ Fragrance / parfum / aroma in any form

• ❌ High concentrations of botanical extracts (especially from the Asteraceae family)

• ❌ Alcohol (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol)

• ❌ Products with vague "natural" or "herbal blend" language and no ingredient transparency

The Bottom Line for Parents

Choosing safe ingredients for baby skin doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require looking past marketing language. "Natural" is a story a brand tells. An ingredient list is where the truth actually lives.

The goal isn't to be fearful; it's to be informed. Most baby skincare products won't cause lasting harm, but some will irritate sensitive skin unnecessarily, and some will mask that irritation under a label that sounds reassuring. You deserve better information than that, and so does your baby.

When evaluating any product, use the checklist above, read past the front-of-package claims, and prioritize formulas backed by evidence rather than aesthetics.

At By Dr. Mom, every product is formulated with exactly this kind of physician-level scrutiny, starting with what the science says, not what marketing trends suggest. If you're looking for baby skincare built around transparency, clinical evidence, and genuine gentleness, it's a good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is "fragrance-free" the same as "unscented"?
No. "Unscented" can still contain masking fragrances. "Fragrance-free" means no fragrance compounds have been added — that's the label to look for.

2. Are essential oils ever safe for babies?
Most pediatric guidelines suggest avoiding essential oils on skin for babies under three months. After that, diluted use with specific oils may be acceptable — but always consult your pediatrician before introducing them to very young children.

3. What if my baby already has eczema-prone skin?
Stick with the simplest, most clinically supported formulas: ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and fragrance-free emollients. And work with your child's doctor to identify any specific triggers.

REFERENCES

Seladi-Schulman, J. (2024, October 1). Tea tree oil side effects: On your skin and inhalation. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-side-effects

Murphy, E. J., Rezoagli, E., Major, I., Rowan, N. J., & Laffey, J. G. (2020). β-Glucan metabolic and immunomodulatory properties and potential for clinical application. Journal of Fungi, 6(4), 356. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6040356

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, September 8). What is colloidal oatmeal? Benefits, uses and safety. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/colloidal-oatmeal

Feng, X., Shang, J., Wang, Y., Chen, Y., & Liu, Y. (2025). Exploring the properties and application potential of β-glucan in skin care. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(4), e70212. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70212