The 30 Best Skin Care Products for Kids Right Now

Little ones need and deserve the most gentle, effective products. We tried nearly 300 formulas for skin and hair with 55 families, including our very own kids. These won our trust and praise.

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An image of skin care on a colorful background.
Photo: Courtesy of Manufacturers.
01 of 28

Best Cream: Tubby Todd Bath Co Dream Cream

tubby todd dream cream
Peter Ardito

Packed with greens—aloe, avocado, and cucumber—Tubby Todd Bath Co Dream Cream lives up to its name with a rich, nongreasy feel that absorbs easily. Said a mom of kids ages 4 and 7, "I noticed smoother skin almost immediately."

02 of 28

Best Multiuse Balm: Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm

baby bum
Peter Ardito

Dubbed a "holy grail product" by an expectant mom who used it on both her bump and her toddler, the plant-based Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm smells like tropical coconut and works wonders as a belly cream, a hand balm, and, of course, a skin softener for kids.

03 of 28

Best Daily Lotion: Bella B Silk & Honey Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Bella B silk honey
Peter Ardito

One parent rated Bella B Silk & Honey Daily Moisturizing Lotion a "15 out of 10" because it kept their kid's skin soft straight through the night and well into the next day. The lightly scented formula with aloe vera, avocado, and shea is a fave among pregnant women too.

04 of 28

Best Eczema Fighter: Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Cream

eucerin baby
Peter Ardito

The thick, smooth Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Cream calms itchy, irritated skin while also protecting against future eczema flare-ups. Testers said the oatmeal-powered moisturizer was an effective addition to their post-bath eczema routine.

05 of 28

Best Baby Lotion: Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion

Baby Magic
Peter Ardito

It's a nostalgic throwback with the pink bottle and the signature powder scent, but Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion is also fortified with powerful ingredients such as aloe and vitamins A and E to nourish your baby's skin.

06 of 28

Best 2-In-1 For Babies: Johnson's CottonTouch Newborn Wash & Shampoo

johnson
Peter Ardito

Johnson's CottonTouch Newborn Wash & Shampoo is a "no more tears" formula that got an all-caps "LOVE" from testers who said it lathers fast and leaves a classic clean-baby fragrance. Very finely milled cotton powder makes it exceptionally soft on your baby's skin.

07 of 28

Best 3-In-1 For Kids: Suave Kids 3 in 1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash With 100% Natural Lavender

suave kids lavender
Peter Ardito

Simplify baths and shower time with Suave Kids 3 in 1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash With 100% Natural Lavender, which works literally all over your kid. A pump dispenser helps prevent them from running through it too fast, and that scent may help them wind down for bed.

08 of 28

Best Skin Tool For Babies: Fridababy DermaFrida The SkinSoother

brush Fridababy DermaFrida SkinSoother
Peter Ardito

The multipurpose silicone nubs on the Fridababy DermaFrida The SkinSoother are great for massaging in shampoo or lotion, or for softly dusting off dry, flaky skin.

09 of 28

Best Wash For Eczema: Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Gel

mustella
Peter Ardito

Formulated to protect extremely dry and irritated skin, the silky-smooth Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Gel relieves the itchiness, too, tester families with eczema-prone kids verified.

10 of 28

Best Bubble Bath: Alaffia Kids Bubble Bath – Lemon Lavender

alaffia
Peter Ardito

Little bathers score a multitude of scented bubbles from Alaffia Kids Bubble Bath – Lemon Lavender. Parents noted that it seemed gentler on skin than most bubbly washes, maybe because it's packed with shea butter. The Alaffia brand funds sustainability education, and gender-equality initiatives in Togo, in West Africa.

11 of 28

Best Detangling Spray: Tots by Babyganics Detangling Spray

tots detangling spray
Peter Ardito

Testers who were asked to give Tots by Babyganics Detangling Spray a whirl quickly got hooked. "It made a brush glide through my toddler's hair, brought out her curls, and gave them more bounce," said a mom of a 2-year-old. Use it on wet or dry hair. No need to rinse the formula, which has organic chamomile.

12 of 28

Best Cradle Cap Shampoo: Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash

happy cappy
Peter Ardito

After finding that Dr. Eddie's Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash works "super-well, very quickly," one tester couldn't wait to share it with a friend who was also battling baby flakes. The formula softens and removes even stubborn, long-lasting cradle cap with antibacterial, antifungal pyrithione zinc. Testers also had success using it to calm eczema and dry-skin flare-ups.

13 of 28

Best Black Hair Care: Natural Bunch Hair Care

natural bunch
Peter Ardito

We have to give it up for three products: Natural Bunch Hair Care for Kids Squeaky Clean Moroccan Shampoo and Natural Bunch Hair Care for Kids Knots Out Moroccan Conditioner (not shown) were beloved by testers of kids with natural hair, who said the products added the right amount of moisture. Also: "The brand's Tip-to-Top Green Detangling Brush was the first one that didn't make my 4-year-old cry," said one mom.

14 of 28

Best For Those Itchy Areas: EmBeba Don't Be Rash Diaper Balm + Skin Protectant

em beba diaper balm
Peter Ardito

The push-pop-like EmBeba Don't Be Rash Diaper Balm + Skin Protectant is easy for spot applications—the red marks inside a baby's thigh wrinkles or the dry eczema patches on kids of any age. There's a place on the package to write your kid's name, a plus if this goes to day care or preschool, and the blend of botanical extracts and oil infusion is antimicrobial.

15 of 28

Best Baby Face Balm: Earth Mama Organic Baby Face Nose & Cheek Balm

earth mama
Peter Ardito

Some testers didn't even know there were products to heal a baby's chapped chin, cheeks, and nose (all results of drool and drips), so they were thrilled to find Earth Mama Organic Baby Face Nose & Cheek Balm. The ultra rich organic calendula-coconut balm effectively treats and also protects against all that dries skin out.

16 of 28

Best Moisture Stick: Pipette Balm Stick

pipette balm stick
Peter Ardito

The Pipette Balm Stick is a convenient, mess-free, anywhere moisturizer that's easy to apply to a kid who will stand still for only five seconds. After a long day of constant hand-washing, testers loved this little balm for treating raw hands, but it's great for lips and cheeks too.

17 of 28

Best Lip Care: Evereden Baby Lip Balm

ever eden
Peter Ardito

It's called Evereden Baby Lip Balm, but it's "soooo good" for anyone, said one mom, who "borrows" from her toddler. Ingredients such as sunflower, grape seed, and jojoba oils are safe and nourishing.

18 of 28

Best Diaper Creams: Made Of Organic Diaper Rash Cream

made of
Peter Ardito

Testers felt good about the plant-based oils—argan, lavender, and avocado—in Made Of Organic Diaper Rash Cream. Those soothe and protect, and the 14 percent zinc oxide treats rashes.

19 of 28

Best Diaper Creams: Badger Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream

badger diaper cream
Peter Ardito

Parents said Badger Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream protected baby skin without leaving a chalky residue on a caregiver's hands. The 10 percent zinc oxide powers healing, while organic calendula, beeswax, and sunflower oil plus vitamin E help prevent future breakouts.

20 of 28

Best Diaper Spray: No-Rub Diaper Rash Spray

boogie bottom
Peter Ardito

"Out-of-this-world amazing" was how a mom of a 1-year-old described Boogie Bottoms No-Rub Diaper Rash Spray, which, unlike traditional creams, you don't have to apply with your hands. Spritz it right onto a tiny bum! It contains 25 percent zinc oxide to heal rashes.

21 of 28

Best Sunscreen Spray: Banana Boat Kids Mineral Enriched SPF 50+

banana boat
Peter Ardito

A spray is key for easy reapplication when you're already at the picnic, pool, or beach. Banana Boat Kids Mineral Enriched SPF 50+ goes on fast and, testers said, dries fast as your kid runs off. It uses zinc oxide for coverage and is water- resistant for 80 minutes.

22 of 28

Best Big Wipes: WaterWipes XL Bathing Wipes

water wipes
Peter Ardito

In the "Where were these for my firstborn?" category, we present WaterWipes XL Bathing Wipes. With these giant 12x8-in. cloths soaked in 99.9 percent water and a touch of fruit extract, you can wipe down your whole baby after a diaper blowout or get the sandbox mess off your preschooler's arms—and we're sure that, like our testers, you'll find a hundred other uses.

23 of 28

Best Bug Spray: Green Goo Bugs Be Gone

bugs be gone
Peter Ardito

DEET-free Green Goo Bugs Be Gone uses lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender essential oils to repel insects. After testing, one parent told us they'll keep a bottle in the house, the car, and the diaper bag all summer.

24 of 28

Best Baby Wipes: Hello Bello Plant-Based Baby Wipes

hello bello wipes

High-quality yet bargain-priced is just the thing. Hello Bello Plant-Based Baby Wipes are made with 99 percent water and a touch of organic aloe and chamomile extract. Nice!

25 of 28

Best Sunscreen Lotion: CeraVe Baby Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 45

cerave
Peter Ardito

The premium CeraVe Baby Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 45 "did not disappoint," said one mom, noting that the nourishing sunscreen lotion didn't leave a ghostly white tint, despite having the sun-blocking minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It's water-resistant for 80 minutes.

26 of 28

Best Hand Soap: Baby Dove Care & Protect Hypoallergenic Foaming Hand Wash

Baby Dove
Peter Ardito

Kids who love foam and parents weary of dry skin from what feels like a million trips to the sink will appreciate Baby Dove Care & Protect Hypoallergenic Foaming Hand Wash. It's hypoallergenic and safe from birth.

27 of 28

Best Scented Hand-Sanitizer Spray: Earth Mama Organics Lavender Hand Sanitizer

earth mama sanitizer
Peter Ardito

Earth Mama Organics Lavender Hand Sanitizer wins over families burned out on harsh smells. It's got the 80 percent alcohol antiseptic needed to work, but testers said the scent is calming.

28 of 28

Best Unscented Hand-Sanitizer Spray: Murphy's Naturals Hand Sanitizer

murphys sanitizer
Peter Ardito

If you want 80 percent alcohol antiseptic but need scent-free, try Murphy's Naturals Hand Sanitizer, which doesn't feel sticky. The company is veteran-owned and family-run.

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