Hydrating your little one’s skin was once the most common use of baby oil, but not anymore! In this article, the experts at Mustela give you additional ingenious baby oil uses that will forever change your perception of the product.
From cleaning your shower curtain to removing Band-Aids, baby oil is one of the most versatile products available today. What’s even better is that most baby oils are perfectly safe for skin and surfaces alike.
First, let’s discuss how to choose a good baby oil, which is especially important if you’ll be using it for your or your baby’s skin. Then, we’ll move on to all of the wonderful ways to use this oil in your home.
What To Look For In A Baby Oil
Free Of Questionable Ingredients
With any product that you apply to your baby’s skin, you want to be sure that it’s free of questionable ingredients that could irritate their skin or harm their body in some way.
Of course, the same goes for products that you put on your skin, but it’s especially important for babies. Why?
Relative to weight, their skin has more surface area than an adult’s skin. This means that any toxic substance that makes its way through your baby’s skin will be more concentrated in their body.
This is why it’s essential to stay away from certain ingredients from the start. We recommend using baby skincare products that are made without sulfates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and phthalates.
Read more about phthalates and parabens here, and learn about phenoxyethanol here.
Made With Naturally Derived Ingredients
We just mentioned a few of the ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of. But there are tons of wonderful, naturally derived ingredients that are safe for your little one and good for their skin.
We’re talking about natural oils, like sunflower seed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil, just to name three. And the options for natural ingredients don’t stop with those oils.
For example, aloe vera moisturizes, gently exfoliates, and soothes inflammation. Avocado perseose is a unique ingredient extracted from avocado that works in perfect affinity with baby skin, helping preserve its unique cellular wealth.
And non-nano zinc oxide not only protects skin from the rays of the sun but can also soothe, soften, and moisturize skin. Zinc oxide is used in diaper creams, like Diaper Rash Cream 1 2 3, and in mineral sunscreens, such as our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.
Hypoallergenic
A hypoallergenic skincare product is one that’s formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Since a baby’s skin is so delicate, always opt for hypoallergenic products.
That said, every person’s skin is unique, and if there’s an ingredient you know of that irritates your or your baby’s skin, stay away.
For very sensitive baby skin that feels tight or reddens easily, we’ve created a special skincare line. These products are EWG Verified, fragrance-free, safe for use from birth on, and designed to soothe your little one’s skin.
Dermatologist- And Pediatrician-Tested
Rest assured that the items in your family’s skincare regimen have been approved by the professionals by looking for products that are tested under dermatological and pediatric control.
Here at Mustela, all of our products are developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and based on scientific research.
If your baby has eczema-prone skin, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for the National Eczema Association certification.
B-Corp Certified
If you want your skincare products to be earth-friendly and socially responsible, too, stick with B-Corp Certified businesses. This label is for international corporations that intentionally integrate social and environmental objectives in both their business model and activities.
In short, these companies commit to an environmental and community-minded mission with short-term priorities other than maximizing profits.
We’re proud that Mustela is B-Corp Certified and believe this label reinforces the core values we have always maintained: natural and safe products, respect for the environment, investment in dermatological research, and support for young parents.
All of that said, we’d like to introduce you to our baby oil before we move on to baby oil uses.
Composed of 99% plant-based ingredients and enriched with an elixir of pomegranate seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and avocado oil, Mustela Baby Oil is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.
That means there’s no need to worry about unknown ingredients, whether you’re using the oil on yourself and your little one or in your home.
When you use this baby oil on your baby, you’ll know that it’s moisturizing and pampering as it blends effortlessly into their skin. It can also be used to stimulate their senses to relax and prepare for bedtime.
While this oil is safe for babies, it’s not only for them! There are many uses when it comes to baby oil, so, without further ado, let’s discuss the various ways it can serve you in your home.
Baby Oil Uses: Baby Care
1) Hydrating Baby’s Skin
Your baby’s skin loses moisture even more quickly than an adult’s. To prevent this, gently massage Mustela Baby Oil on your little one to restore that moisture and pamper their skin.
Pro tip: We suggest rubbing the oil between your hands to warm it up before applying it to your baby’s skin. Also, avoid letting the oil come into contact with your baby’s eye.
2) Giving A Baby Massage
Your touch can be soothing to your baby in unique and special ways. When you use baby oil to give your little one a baby massage, you’re not only moisturizing your baby’s skin but also providing them with all of the benefits of a massage. What are those benefits?
A baby massage can provide immune support, help your baby gain weight, improve muscle tone, reduce gas, support brain development, and more. Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish, there are different techniques to employ.
To dive into the details of baby massage and how to give one to your baby, read our article here.
Baby Oil Uses: Personal Care
Baby oil is not just for your little one — it’s for you, too! Here are a few ways to use this moisturizing oil in your personal skincare routine.
3) Removing Eye Makeup
Removing stubborn eye makeup can be frustrating, even with facial cleansers. Baby oil is a safe, gentle way to wash the remnants of your day from your eyes. Grab a bottle of Mustela’s baby oil and a cotton ball, and now you have a simple (yet effective) eye makeup remover.
If you like using wipes to remove makeup, try our Cleansing Wipes. While parents everywhere love to use these wipes to keep their little one clean, they’re also ideal for removing makeup and keeping adult skin clean and healthy without the irritation often caused by other makeup removers.
In fact, our wipes are so effective at gently removing dirt, grime, oil, and makeup that Allure named them as one of their Best Of Beauty 2017.
To make these wipes good for both mother and baby, Cleansing Wipes are infused with the highest quality all-natural ingredients.
They’re made with avocado perseose to moisturize and reinforce your skin’s protective layer, gentle surfactants to cleanse without stripping skin of its natural oils, and aloe vera leaf extract to soften and soothe dry, tired skin.
Expert Tip: We also recommend our Certified Organic Micellar Water with Olive Oil and Aloe for removing makeup. This gentle, fragrance-free micellar water makes cleansing your face a breeze!
4) Shaving
Baby oil leaves skin moisturized and smooth, which makes this product a great substitute for shaving cream. Using baby oil as shaving cream can also protect your skin from razor bumps when you shave. Just remember if you are using baby oil while in the shower, be careful not to slip!
3) Moisturizing Your Skin
Baby oil leaves skin moisturized and smooth, which makes this product a great substitute for shaving cream. Using baby oil as shaving cream can also protect your skin from razor bumps when you shave.
Just remember if you are using baby oil while in the shower, be careful not to slip!
4) Repairing Cracked Heels
If you’re noticing cracks on your heels, rub some baby oil on them. Put on a pair of socks before bedtime to seal in the oil on your heels, and wake up to smoother feet.
5) Moisturizing Your Skin
Is your skin feeling a little dry and tight lately, especially during the cooler months? Baby oil is a great way to bring some much-needed moisture back to your skin. Apply the oil all over after getting out of the shower for skin that’s hydrated and silky smooth.
For another way to use natural oil to moisturize your skin, apply Certified Organic Hydrating Cream. Made with olive oil and aloe, this lightweight, restorative cream for the face and body leaves skin soft, supple, and hydrated.
Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin — from babies all the way to big kids and adults!
You can rest assured that this product is also designed to be environmentally conscious inside and out.
The packaging is made from sustainably sourced sugar cane, and we’ve gotten rid of secondary cartons. And it meets EWG Verified™ criteria, which means that it avoids EWG's ingredients of concern and is committed to full transparency.
6) Repairing Cracked Heels
If you’re noticing cracks on your heels, rub some baby oil on them. Put on a pair of socks before bedtime to seal in the oil on your heels, and wake up to smoother feet.
Just remember to use old socks in case the oil leaves stains!
Baby Oil Uses: Household
As a parent, you’re probably in the habit of constantly trying to find simple and effective ways to clean your house. At Mustela, we’re here to help by providing a list of quick uses for baby oil around the house that take up minimal time in your day.
7) Removing Sticky Residue From Stickers
Has your little one ever left a sticker on a window in your home or car? Reach for your baby oil! Soak a cloth with baby oil and start rubbing. It’s like magic! Say goodbye to the sticker and all the little pieces of residue that it leaves.
8) Removing Smudges From Stainless Steel Appliances
As much as you love the activities that get your children’s little fingers moving, they can create quite a mess on the appliances in your kitchen. Baby oil is the ideal way to remove smudges and spots from your appliances because it’s alcohol-free and won’t cause damage.
Keep Mustela’s baby oil on-hand, and your appliances will always look shiny and smudge-free!
9) Making Household Fixtures Shine
Those sweet little toddler hands are everywhere — on the doorknobs, on the faucet knobs, on the tub, and so on. Get a cloth, put some baby oil on it, and start wiping the fingerprints.
Use your baby-oil-soaked cloth for bathroom fixtures, kitchen fixtures, and your sink. Your fixtures will look brand new!
10) Cleaning Shower Curtains
Mildew easily accumulates at the bottom of your shower curtain liner. To remove it, scrub the spots with a cloth soaked in baby oil, and then rinse the liner with water. With this method, the mildew comes right off.
Tip: use your shower head to spray the spots you scrubbed to rinse off the oil.
Baby Oil Uses: Arts And Crafts
Did you know baby oil can be used for arts and crafts activities with your little one? Continue reading for some fun ideas for craft time at home. Most of the supplies you’ll need are readily available in your pantry or cabinet.
11) Blending Colored Pencils
Experimenting with crayons, markers, and colored pencils will get the mind of your little one racing. For this first activity, grab a cotton swab and some colored pencils. Dip the Q-tip in baby oil, and then try blending or softening the colors from the pencils using the Q-tip.
Blending colored pencils is great for fine motor skills — practicing holding a Q-tip and getting little fingers in motion.
12) Mixing Oil And Water
If your children are bored, look no further than your kitchen to give them something to do. Grab a clear bottle or cup. Pour in some baby oil and then add water. Next, add a few drops of food coloring and watch the mixture move right before your eyes.
13) Making Cloud Dough
The oil and water experiment didn’t last long enough? Move on to this activity next. With this creative activity, your little one will surely be entertained and engaged. All you’ll need to do is mix some flour with your baby oil. You can make as much or as little as you want.
A large bowl works best so that your little one can really dig in and get their hands dirty. (And mom, this is a great stress-reliever activity for you!)
Pro tip: Use one of our wipes after making cloud dough to clean hands. From our Cleansing Wipes to our EWG Verified Certified Organic Water Wipes with Cotton and Aloe, there’s something for everyone.
Or, if this activity got a little too messy, then it may be time for a bath. Try Mustela’s Bathtime Set for your little one.
This set of plant-based bathtime products includes 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel and Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath for bathtime, Hydra Bébé Body Lotion for immediate moisturization, and No-Rinse Cleansing Water for in-between baths and on-the-go.
Baby Oil Uses: Miscellaneous
Personal uses, household uses, arts and crafts — what else could there be? Take a look at these other baby oil uses around the house for you and your growing family.
14) Getting Rid Of Cradle Cap
If your little one has cradle cap, you might wonder if it will ever go away. Yes, it will.
Cradle cap is harmless and is not contagious, but it can certainly irritate your little one’s sensitive skin. To help ease cradle cap, pour a few drops of baby oil on your baby’s head and use a soft brush to gently brush their scalp.
During bath time, try adding Mustela’s Cradle Cap Duo to your baby’s skincare routine to help reduce the irritation caused by cradle cap.
This set includes our Cradle Cap Cream and best-selling Foam Shampoo for Newborns. The 99% plant-based shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse your baby’s scalp while softening and rinsing away cradle cap flakes.
Meanwhile, the Cradle Cap Cream helps to safely eliminate flakes and scales (and reduce the likelihood of future recurrence!) by keeping your baby’s scalp moisturized.
15) Loosening Rings
At the end of the day, you may notice your fingers are swollen and you can’t get your ring off. Massage some baby oil around your finger, and your ring will slide off with little to no trouble.
This also provides your hands with a bit of moisturization in the process!
16) Removing Temporary Tattoos
As your little one grows, so will their interests. They’ll likely begin wanting to wear those temporary tattoos you put on with water.
But what about when your child is ready to take a temporary tattoo off or replace it with a different one? Once you notice your child’s temporary tattoo starting to peel, wet a cloth with baby oil and gently rub it over their skin to completely remove the tattoo.
17) Removing Price Tag Stickers
Whenever you buy a picture frame or mirror, a price tag is stuck to it. Removing these stickers can be a pain, but baby oil will take them right off.
To remove the sticker price tag, find a durable cloth and put baby oil on it. Then simply take your cloth and start scrubbing the sticker to remove.
18) Pulling Off Band-Aids
Removing Band-Aids can be rough for little ones, and they often scream or cry as a result of the pain of ripping off a Band-Aid. To reduce this discomfort, take a durable cloth with baby oil and begin to gently rub your little one’s arm or leg, or wherever the bandage is placed.
This method will loosen up the bandage, making it less painful for your little one as it’s removed.
Speaking of Band-Aids, for an effective multi-purpose ointment for bumps and boo-boos, try our Cicastela Moisture Recovery Cream.
Make The Most Of Your Baby Oil
Baby oil is not just for babies anymore. Throughout this article, you’ve learned about several ingenious baby oil uses for you, your little one, and your home.
So don’t be afraid to get creative with your baby oil! There’s no need to leave your home to run to the store for cleaning supplies, personal toiletries, or art supplies when you have Mustela’s Baby Oil already in your cabinet!
Because it’s free of questionable ingredients and loaded with natural oils, this oil is ideal for moisturizing your or your baby’s skin. Or you can use it in one of the many other ways we discussed above.
We can’t wait to find out how your family loves to put it to work!