thumb|upright=1.4|Baby oil is often used in the skin care of newborns.
Baby oil is an inert oil used to keep skin soft and supple. Named for its use on babies, it is also often used on adults for skincare and massage.
The skin of an infant, especially a premature one, is sensitive, thin, and fragile. The skin's neutral pH on the surface significantly reduces the protection against excessive bacterial growth. The epidermis and dermis are thinner than those of adults and the epidermal barrier is not yet fully developed. Consequences can for example be dry skin, infections, peeling, blister formation and poor thermoregulation. The application of different oils to the skin of the newborn is routinely practiced in many countries. In general, these oils are used for cleansing the skin, maintaining the skin's moisture, and protecting the skin's surface. Additionally, baby oil is used for the massage of newborns and as additive in lotions and creams.
Ingredients
thumb|upright=1.0|Ingredients of a baby oil product based on mineral oil: liquid paraffins, [[isopropyl palmitate, and fragrance ("parfum").]]
Some baby oils are based on mineral oil; others are based on vegetable oils.
Products based on mineral oil
Typical components of baby oils are the highly purified mineral oil products, such as liquid paraffin (INCI name: paraffinum liquidum) and petroleum jelly (INCI name: petrolatum). These compounds are odorless and tasteless, dermatologically tested and approved, not allergenic, and hydrophobic; they contain no pesticides or herbicides. Preservatives and antioxidants are not necessary, because, unlike vegetable oils, paraffins cannot become rancid. Nevertheless, the use of mineral oil in cosmetics is being criticized. Natural-cosmetic companies claim that mineral oil causes skin occlusion, however this is contrary to the consensus of dermatologists and cosmetic chemists, and studies have shown no statistical difference between paraffin oil and vegetable oils in skin penetration and skin occlusion. On the contrary, petrolatum-based preparations have been shown to be effective to the skin barrier function, even in premature infants.
Products based on vegetable oils
thumb|upright=1.35|List of ingredients (INCI-code) of a baby oil based on vegetable oils
Vegetable oils are produced by plants with the highest concentration being present in seeds and fruits. About 95% of each vegetable oil is primarily composed of triglycerides. Coconut oil and palm oil contain mainly saturated fatty acids, while other oils largely contain unsaturated fatty acids, for example oleic acid and linoleic acid. Accompanying substances in vegetable oils are, inter alia, phospholipids, glycolipids, sulfolipids, squalene, carotenoids, vitamin E, polyphenols and triterpene alcohols. To avoid rancidity, preservatives or antioxidants are added to baby oils based on vegetable oils.
- Cocos nucifera oil (coconut oil)
- Elaeis guineensis oil (palm oil)
- Glycine soja oil (soy oil)
- Olea europaea oil (olive oil)
- Persea gratissima oil (avocado oil)
- Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil (almond oil)
- Shea butter glycerides (shea butter)
- Simmondsia chinensis oil (jojoba oil)
- Helianthus annuus seed oil (sunflower oil)
Vegetable oils are not to be confused with essential oils, both being sourced from plants.