Infant skin care: Choosing products that protect the skin barrier

Newborn skin requires careful attention because its developing barrier is more susceptible to moisture loss and irritation, making product selection an important part of routine infant care, according to Christina Boull, MD.

Boull, a pediatric dermatologist at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, discussed recommendations for newborn skin care, common misconceptions about infant products, and strategies for protecting the skin barrier at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 National Conference & Exhibition.

She emphasized that pediatricians can help families navigate a crowded skin care market by providing practical guidance on ingredients, cleansing, and moisturizing rather than relying on product marketing claims.

Why is the newborn skin barrier more vulnerable?

Unlike mature skin, newborn skin has a developing barrier that allows moisture to escape more readily and may be more susceptible to penetration by irritating substances and bacteria.

Boull compared the infant skin barrier to a "leaky wall," explaining that products applied to the skin should be selected with this increased permeability in mind.

"We know that moisture evaporates more easily through that skin layer, and also we know that irritating things, and also things that could be dangerous, like toxins from products applied to the skin can cross over more easily, as well as bacteria," Boull said.

This vulnerability has implications beyond preventing dryness. Boull explained that maintaining the skin barrier also limits exposure to substances that may irritate the skin or penetrate it more readily.

Because parents often encounter conflicting advice on social media and in product advertising, Boull emphasized the pediatrician's role in providing clear recommendations. Rather than introducing complicated skin care routines, clinicians can focus on helping families understand which products are appropriate for the developing barrier.

Which skin care ingredients should families avoid?

Boull cautioned that products marketed as natural, organic, or specifically designed for newborns are not necessarily appropriate for sensitive infant skin.

"There are a lot of products that are marketed as being natural, but those often rely on plant materials. And while plant materials may be organic, it doesn't mean that the skin likes them," Boull said.

She recommended fragrance-free products without unnecessary botanical ingredients or harsh cleansing agents. Sodium lauryl sulfate, for example, is a surfactant that can disrupt the skin barrier and increase its susceptibility to irritation. Boull also advised avoiding lavender essential oil, citing concerns about potential estrogenic effects and premature breast development in children.

Marketing terminology can further complicate product selection. Claims such as "hypoallergenic" or "dermatologist approved" may appear reassuring but do not necessarily establish that a product is suitable for newborns.

"I think it's important to know that the claims just don't mean much," Boull said.

Instead of relying on front-label descriptions, pediatricians can encourage families to examine ingredient lists and provide a short selection of recommended products.

At her pediatric dermatology clinic, Boull said clinicians use an electronic health record dot phrase listing gentle skin care products. She suggested that pediatricians could similarly review products available in local stores and develop a practical list for families.

This approach may be especially useful for new parents who are already managing competing recommendations and may find it difficult to evaluate unfamiliar ingredient names while shopping.

How often should infants be bathed?

Boull challenged the misconception that frequent bathing is inherently harmful to newborn skin. She explained that bathing can be soothing, may reduce fussiness, and can help with infant temperature stability. Parents can generally choose a bathing frequency that works for their family, including daily bathing.

The type of cleanser, however, is important.

Traditional soaps, including some glycerin, Castile, and goat milk soaps, may have a high pH that disrupts the skin's naturally acidic barrier. Boull recommended gentle, soap-free synthetic detergent cleansers, often called syndets, rather than traditional alkaline soaps.

"We have good studies to tell us that as long as we're choosing a really mild cleanser, we don't need to worry about disrupting the skin barrier," Boull said.

She also emphasized that families do not necessarily need to use a cleanser with every bath. When cleansing products are used, selecting a mild formulation can help preserve the barrier while removing substances that accumulate on the skin.

What role does moisturizing play in infant skin care?

Regular moisturizing can help support the developing skin barrier, particularly in infants with sensitive skin. Boull described a "soak and smear" approach, in which bathing is followed by applying moisturizer to retain moisture and provide an additional protective layer.

She noted that saliva, urine, and stool can irritate infant skin. Bathing helps remove these substances, while moisturizing afterward can help maintain hydration and reinforce the skin's protective function. For infants with sensitive skin, Boull recommended more frequent bathing followed by moisturizer, provided the products are gentle and well tolerated.

She also challenged the longstanding belief that healthy infant skin does not need moisturizer. According to Boull, emerging research has suggested that frequent bathing and moisturizing may reduce eczema rates by age 2 years, although the evidence continues to evolve. She described this as an area in which recommendations are shifting toward greater acceptance of routine moisturizing.

"It is very safe and appropriate to moisturize babies regularly, as long as we're using safe products," Boull said.

For pediatricians, Boull's recommendations emphasize keeping infant skin care simple while addressing common misconceptions. Providing families with specific product guidance, reassurance about bathing frequency, and instructions for moisturizing can help protect the developing skin barrier without making routine newborn care unnecessarily complicated.

Reference

Nguyen-Tran H. Newborn Skin Care. Presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 National Conference & Exhibition; October 3, 2026; San Diego, CA.