The delicate skin of newborns always requires special care. Some mothers believe that using body wash for newborns may cause skin irritation. Others argue that besides cleaning with water, it's necessary to use body wash to remove 'meconium,' sweat, and dead skin cells. So what's the right perspective? Should body wash be used for newborns?
Should body wash be used for newborns?
According to experts specializing in newborn skin, all babies are born with a protective layer, which serves to nourish and protect their delicate skin while in the womb. However, once born, this protective layer needs to be removed as it may no longer serve its original purpose and can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to skin conditions. Since a baby's skin is fragile and their immune system is still developing, simply cleaning with water may not be sufficient to keep their skin clean.

Using body wash for newborns is an effective way to shield their skin from environmental factors, combat harmful bacteria, and prevent skin conditions. Additionally, the natural scent of some baby body washes can help relax the baby and promote better sleep. Therefore, it can be asserted that using body wash for babies is indeed necessary.
How to choose the best baby bath products for newborns
- Prior to deciding to purchase baby bath products for newborns, mothers should conduct thorough research on the ingredients to select the best and most suitable product for their child. Currently, there are 12 harmful substances prohibited for use in baby bath products, among which Parabens and Phthalates are particularly concerning as they disrupt the hormonal system, leading to infertility, cancer, and protein structure alterations with prolonged use. Therefore, mothers need to be extremely careful when choosing baby bath products for newborns.
- All products manufactured or imported into Vietnam now come with barcode labels on the bottles. There are some barcode-checking applications available for download, allowing mothers to simply scan the barcode in front of the camera to immediately check the information and prices provided by the supplier.
- Read the packaging and usage instructions carefully to ensure that the bath product you purchase is specifically intended for newborns.

- Avoid purchasing products floating on the market, imported goods with unknown origins, products nearing their expiration date, or packaging that is damaged, unclear, or lacks information.
- Check the ingredients to always ensure that the product does not contain any suspicious substances harmful to the skin or health of your child.
- Absolutely refrain from using adult shampoo or bath products for babies.
- For the first-time use, only try a small amount to test its safety on the skin.
Ingredients to avoid in baby bath products
Paraben: Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, employed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, ensuring the original integrity of the product. However, numerous studies have shown that Parabens pose risks of endocrine disruption, dermatitis, and particularly, the potential to cause breast cancer.
Fragrance comes in two types: essence extracted from nature known as natural fragrance, and another synthesized from chemical compounds collectively called Fragrance. This Fragrance type contains synthetic musks, ethylene oxide, and notably phthalates found in Fragrance that can irritate the skin, cause dryness, and potentially affect the nervous system, disrupting endocrine functions leading to disabilities.
Mineral oil, a form of petroleum, can clog pores, reduce sebum secretion, and more dangerously, is suggested to have carcinogenic properties and impact children's reproductive abilities.
- Is Lactacyd body wash good? How to use Lactacyd body wash effectively?
- Top 5 best baby body washes for newborns today
- The Wonderful Benefits that body wash shampoo brings to baby's skin
