Jenny Ringland, co-founder of Green + Simple, shares her favourite, mum-approved natural skincare brands for children.
Navigating products to use on your kids is no easy task. For starters, claims of all natural and organic on the label can become a huge disappointment, not to mention confusing, once you start dissecting all the ingredients on the back. Then there’s the issue of the product doing what it promises on the label. However, there are lots of purely natural options available for babies and kids, and even those the most sensitive skin, that work like a dream. Here are our mum-approved favourites.
Neal’s Yard Remedies, organic baby powder
This organic baby powder is both talc and fragrance free, so it’s perfect for keeping little bottoms clean and dry without nasties. It’s made from blend of chamomile and organic corn starch that has been certified by the Soil Association, and is gentle enough to use on newborns.
Badger, baby balm
Badger products have quite the following and there’s little wonder why. This go-everywhere and heal-everything balm is as versatile as baby skincare product comes and can be used for dry skin, as a barrier cream and even help soothe cradle cap or mozzie bites. It’s made from olive and caster oils as well as beeswax with calendula and chamomile essential oils. It’s super soothing and also boasts antiseptic qualities, and smells like oranges.
Weleda, Calendula body lotion
Beautifully light, this milky moisturising cream is super soothing and gentle enough to use on even the tiniest of bodies every day. It’s powered by organic chamomile and calendula as well as organic almond and sesame oils. If you prefer a non-fragranced option then opt for the calendula baby oil or try the White Mallow body lotion, which is best for extra sensitive skin, instead.
Kokoso, scalp cream
Cradle cap can be a real pain that can sometimes be tricky to get rid of. This scalp cream skips the harsh chemicals in favour of organic coconut oil, aloe vera and celery seed extract. It’s lightweight, fragrance free and can be used morning and night until you start to see results.
Organic Children, Berry Smoothie shampoo and conditioner
With a name so good you could eat it, it makes sense for Organic Children’s list of ingredients, which include organic Aloe Vera, raspberry and pineapple, and exclude all the nasties like SLS, SLES, parabens and phthalates to be edible. This shampoo and conditioner duo, where a little goes a long way, is designed to be soothing even for little ones with eczema and dry skin.
Storksak Organics, baby wash and shampoo
We loved the packaging of Storksak’s baby wash and shampoo, so were thrilled when its contents, which includes aloe vera and natural coconut, lived up to our natural and organic standards. There are no parabens, SLS, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances or colours, plus it’s certified natural and organic by Ecocert. Plus it’s made in England using recyclable packaging.
Earth Friendly Baby, Calming lavender bubble bath
Not just for babies, this is perfect for creating bath time fun for kids of all ages.
We love its combination of of lavender, which helps little ones wind down before bed time, and aloe which adds moisture to delicate skin. It’s free of parabens and SLS, contains no artificial colours or fragrances and a little bit goes a long way.
Available at mothercare.com
Pai Skincare, Face & Body Cream
This face and body cream from Pai Skincare is made from apple seed oil, which is high in fatty acid to intensively moisturise babies’ skin, as well as mallow blossom, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The cream is cruelty-free, vegan and organic – perfect for sensitive baby skin.
Available at paiskincare.com
See Green + Simple’s natural cold and flu remedies for kids (and grown-ups).
For children’s gift inspiration, see our Christmas gift guide, and Green + Simple’s favourite winter coats, children’s wellies and beanies for kids.
Visit our full list of recommended brands.