How to Use Baby Oil for Supple, Moisturized Skin, According to Dermatologists
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Fact checked by Anna HarrisMedically reviewed by Lucy Chen, MD
Baby oil is one of those products so ubiquitous in modern life that most people don't stop to think about what it actually is. Nevertheless, some claim baby oil is the best body moisturizer out there. Others say it's a dangerous product that you should steer clear of—an unsettling notion, given that baby oil is meant for the tender skin of babies. That alone makes baby oil worth a second look. So, is baby oil safe to use? And if so, what's the right way to use it? Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Shari sperling and Dr. Susan Massick share everything you need to know.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Shari Sperling is a board-certified dermatologist at Sperling Dermatology, where she is also the founder.
Dr. Susan Massick is a dermatologist and an associate professor in the Division of Dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
What Is Baby Oil?
Baby oil is a moisturizing product comprised primarily of 98% mineral oil and 2% fragrance. Baby oil was originally introduced as a way to keep babies' skin soft, healthy, and flake-free, but it's used by many adults for the same purpose.
However, mineral oil—the key ingredient—is a highly purified liquid derived from petroleum. The word "petroleum" has sent cause for alarm among consumers, but mineral oil is still considered safe for use by most dermatologists.
The Benefits
Softens skin
Locks in moisture
Unlikely to irritate skin
Provides protective barrier on the skin
Leaves a healthy-looking glow on the skin
Can be used in place of a hair oil
Are Mineral Oil-Based Baby Oils Safe?
So why doesn't everyone use baby oil all the time? Mostly because mineral oil can be a controversial skincare ingredient, and many people avoid using it. However, the ingredeint is largely considered safe by dermatologists.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say mineral oil is bad for you," says Sperling. However, I only recommend it for certain uses. It works as an emollient, meaning it soothes/softens the skin. Therefore, it can be used for treating scalp dandruff, cradle cap, and scalp psoriasis, dry skin, burns, etc. I always tell my patients to check with me first to see if it’s appropriate for their individual use.”
How to Use It
For adult skin, baby oil can be used as a body oil to lock in moisture, and is best applied on top of a body lotion or serum. (Although it's worth noting baby oil is considered comedogenic, and may worsen body acne if that's something you deal with.) Cosmetically, it can also be used to add shine to the skin, and is often used to make actors' and models' legs look glossier on red carpets and runways. Sperling says you can also swap your luxe hair oil for a few drops of baby oil on your ends to improve moisturization and prevent breakage. For children, baby oil can be used to soften the skin, treat cradle cap, and treat dandruff, says Sperling.
Contrary to what you might see in TikTok, baby oil should never be used for tanning. While any form of tanning is inherently bad for your health, using baby oil to expedite a tan has especially worrisome consequences. "People using baby oil may inadvertently burn faster and more easily before realizing they've suffered a sunburn," Massick says. "With more sun ray absorption and deeper penetration of the more carcinogenic UVA rays, your risk of skin cancer may increase as well."
The Final Takeaway
While there is some controversy surrounding mineral oil—the primary ingredient in most baby oil formulas—dermatologists widely consider this to be a safe ingredient. But as with all skincare, it's best to consult your dermatologist before introducing new products and ingredients into your skincare routine, especially if you plan to use a product like baby oil on a baby or young child. In general, it's safe for adults to use baby oil to moisturize your body skin (as long as you aren't acne-prone) and as a hair oiling treatment.
Up Next: Body Oil vs. Lotion vs. Body Butter: Which Is Best for Your Skin?
Read the original article on Byrdie.