In the long history of recipes on this blog, a DIY baby oil will be the easiest product you’ll ever make. There is one oil in particular that is well suited for this DIY and then if you chose, you can add essential oils! It’s that simple.
I’ve been using this very simple DIY baby oil right after the shower and can say it’s simplicity is not taking away from it’s effective. My skin feels baby soft and rather then using actual baby oil, I’ve dodged a few ingredients like pore clogging mineral oil!
A body cream penetrates the skin more quickly, but using an oil after a shower truly locks in moisture in a super beneficial and pure way. Using a body oil rather than a lotion cuts out the middle men-water & emulsifying wax.
Sweet Almond Oil Benefits:
While researching different carrier oils, I ran into the info. that Almond oil is the closest to a baby’s natural oil. Wow, can I drink it? No really, can I, by the gallon? It dawned on me that the whole point of “baby oil” was to help adults mimic the soft smooth skin of a baby by locking in moisture.
Sweet Almond Oil contains vitamins A & E, zinc and omega 3s.
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves complexion and skin tone.
- Treats dry skin and can help relieve eczema and psoriasis.
- Improves acne. It may help dissolve excess oil.
- Reduces the appearance of scars
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks. According to a 2016 study, sweet almond oil may be an effective treatment for preventing and reducing stretch marks.
Sweet Almond Oil is also gentle on the skin as well as light yet thoroughly moisturizing.
More Baby Recipes:
- DIY Baby Lotion
- DIY Diaper Cream
- DIY Diaper Spray (Easy)
- DIY Baby Powder
- Clay Based Healing Diaper Rash Cream
Why Not Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil?
Johnson & Johnson, as usual, got it all wrong though. Mineral Oil is the number one ingredient, the number 2 ingredient is fragrance.
Mineral oil is a super cheap oil that coats and clogs the pores. It offers no moisture. While it does lock in your own moisture, it also keeps your pores from breathing. Oh and if you have any dirt in your pores-it’s trapped. Yuck, really?
Mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum. It’s created during the process of producing gasoline. It’s colorless and odorless so it’s impossible to detect. There are various forms of mineral oil that range from unfiltered to highly filtered. Mineral oils that are untreated are the most toxic as they are carcinogens. The more refined it is, the less carcinogenic it is.
Mineral oil isn’t the most toxic ingredient you could use. However, it’s just not good for it. And, it’s not helping your skin either.
Uses for DIY Baby Oil:
Baby oil is also an excellent massage oil. Massage is a great tool for calming babies and helps parent and baby bond. The power of touch is truly amazing. Almond oil has a nice slip to it which helps with application and massage.
Using it to hydrate baby’s skin after a bath is the main use of this baby oil but did you know you can also use it on cradle cap? I would recommend leaving out the essential oils if you’re using it on the baby’s head.
You could even use it to tame dry, fly away hair too!
Essential Oil Additives for DIY Baby Oil:
Lavender Essential Oil-I always add Lavender to everything because I love the smell. Lavender nourishes, calms and cleanses. It’s always a good idea.
Myrrh Essential Oil-I have had great results with relieving and replenishing severely dry skin with myrrh essential oil. I use it in my dry skin stick for my face and love it in a body oil.
Grapefruit Essential Oil-Grapefruit is beneficial for reducing cellulite, increasing metabolism and helping with circulation.
Rosemary Essential Oil-Rosemary is one of the most effective oils in aiding circulation. It also helps with reducing the appearance of veins and relieves muscle pain. However, if you plan to use this DIY baby oil on your baby, rosemary is not a good option and should not be used on anyone under the age of 10.
Be sure to read my guide on safe and unsafe essential oils during pregnancy. The list is typically the same for babies.
I prefer Mountain Rose Herb’s Almond Oil (find it HERE). Almond Oil alone can be used right after a shower for lots of skin softening benefits. Of course, being the essential oil junkie that I am, I add oils to my almond oil for added health and skin benefits.
Based on an 8 ounce glass pump bottle-I would add 15 drops of essential oils all together. You can’t go wrong with how you choose to add your oils. Add one or mix several-there are no rules!
There you have it, a healthy alternative to baby oil that could not be more simple to recreate!
xx, Jenni
