Reading baby and kids' product labels: fragrance, preservatives, powder and sunscreen

Why is a baby's skin different?

A baby's skin is thinner than an adult's, loses moisture more easily and has a larger surface area relative to body weight. This means that exposure to products applied to the skin can be greater per kilogram. The nappy area is also constantly damp and covered, which makes it more prone to irritation.

These characteristics are why baby products are assessed in a particular way. EU cosmetics legislation, and the Turkish legislation aligned with it, require the safety assessment of products intended for children under three to take these differences into account. Some ingredients are also subject to restrictions specific to this age group.

The general rule: fewer products, fewer ingredients

The most effective approach to baby care is to keep the number of products and the variety of ingredients limited. In the newborn period, washing with lukewarm water is often enough; if a cleanser is needed, a small amount of a mild product can be used. Every new product means a new ingredient for the skin to encounter.

Common mild cleansers include glucosides such as coco-glucoside and cocamidopropyl betaine. In moisturising products, low-concern ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol and cosmetic-grade paraffin oil help support the skin barrier.

When trying a new product, changing only one product at a time makes it easier to tell which product caused any reaction. Testing a product on a small area for a few days first is also a sensible precaution for sensitive skin. When washing baby clothes, choosing a fragrance-free detergent and avoiding too much fabric softener also reduces the fragrance ingredients that come into contact with the skin; this is covered in our detergent and fabric softener guide.

Fragrance: the main thing to watch in baby products

That familiar “baby smell” of baby products comes largely from added fragrance. Fragrance is the main source of fragrance allergies, and allergy usually develops over time with repeated exposure. For this reason, choosing fragrance-free options for babies and children is a sensible precaution, especially for children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

As well as the words Parfum, Fragrance or Aroma on the label, look for declared allergens such as linalool and limonene. Remember that products “scented with natural essential oils” can also contain these allergens. For more detail, see our fragrance allergens guide.

Preservatives and baby wipes

Wet wipes, lotions and liquid soaps contain water, so they need preservatives. Phenoxyethanol is widely used in baby products; the SCCS concluded that it is safe for all consumer groups, including children, at the permitted maximum of 1%. Methylparaben is also considered safe within the permitted limits.

Propylparaben and butylparaben, however, are banned in the EU in leave-on products intended for application to the nappy area of children under three. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), when it was used in wet wipes, caused cases of allergy and has been banned in the EU in leave-on products. Be careful if you see these names on imported or old-stock products.

Choosing fragrance-free wipes with a short ingredient list can make a difference for babies prone to nappy rash. Where possible, cleaning the nappy area with water and cotton wool is also an option. For more on preservatives, see our preservatives in cosmetics guide.

Powder: watch out for inhalation

Baby powder was used for many years as part of nappy changes. Today many child health experts recommend not using powder on babies, or using it with great care. The main reason is that fine dust particles can be inhaled and reach the baby's lungs, causing breathing problems. This risk applies both to talc and to cornstarch-based powders.

Talc is also a long-debated ingredient: in 2024 IARC classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A), while noting that the evidence in humans is limited. Cosmetic-grade talc must be free of asbestos. In practical terms, a zinc oxide barrier cream is often a better choice than powder for moisture and nappy rash. If powder is used, it should be applied away from the baby's face, by shaking it into your hand first, and in very small amounts.

Nappy rash creams

The most common active ingredient in nappy rash creams is zinc oxide. It forms a protective layer on the skin that reduces the irritating effect of urine and stools, and it is a low-concern ingredient. Petroleum jelly and paraffin-based creams provide a similar barrier effect; panthenol can help soothe the skin.

If nappy rash does not improve within a few days, or if there are signs such as blisters, sores or spreading redness, there may be a fungal or bacterial infection; in that case you should see a paediatrician.

Sun protection for babies

The general advice from child health organisations is that babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight: shade, a hat and light clothing that covers the body are the first line of protection. For this age group, follow your paediatrician's advice on using sunscreen.

For older babies and children, fragrance-free sunscreens with mineral filters containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally preferred; these products tend to irritate the skin less. With spray products, make sure the child does not breathe in the product. For details on sun filters, see our sunscreen filters guide.