Non-Toxic Lotion For Kids - Umbel Organics

Clean + Non-Toxic Lotion For Kids

Nourish your child’s skin with a non-toxic lotion or cream formulated especially for babies and kids. I’ve found the best non-toxic lotion for kids that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and is perfect for banishing dry skin.

applying lotion to baby

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Nourish your child’s dry, itchy skin with a safe and non-toxic lotion or cream formulated for babies and kids. There are plenty of conventional lotions on the market that may contain concerning chemicals like endocrine disruptors, and there’s no reason to slather these formulas on your little one’s skin when there are safe lotion options out there.

The EWG surveyed more than 3,300 parents and found that children are exposed to 27 different unsafe and harmful chemicals in body care products on a daily basis. Some of these chemicals are associated with health risks like nervous system damage, cancer and endocrine disruption.

In a study of 100 adolescent girls, researchers measured levels of phthalates, parabens, triclosan and BP-3 in urine samples. After the study subjects used personal care and cosmetic products free of these chemicals, urine samples were taken again. The concentrations of these chemicals were reduced by up to 45% after just 3 days using products free from phthalates, parabens, triclosan and BP-3.

Skin is the body’s largest organ, and, depending on the size of the molecule, ingredients in lotion are absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. Babies and kids are especially vulnerable to any harmful chemicals in lotion since a child’s skin is 30 percent thinner and can absorb more than the skin of an adult.

Beyond avoiding certain ingredients in lotion for kids, it’s also important to bathe and shower your kids with non-toxic bath products and provide natural deodorant for your teens.

I always recommend checking the ingredients on a tube or bottle of lotion before tossing it in your cart. Below are some of the ingredients to avoid in lotion for babies and kids:

Avoid These Ingredients

BHA and BHT- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) are preservatives derived from petroleum and found in some lotion formulations. BHA is an endocrine disruptor and a possible carcinogen. BHT is a respiratory irritant and is considered toxic or harmful to human organ systems.
Formaldehyde- Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin, methenamine and quarternium-15 are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives found in skin care products and cosmetics. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen as well as a skin irritant.
Mineral Oil– You might find this listed as petrolatum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin, or paraffin oil on the ingredient list. Petrolatum is a byproduct of oil refining, and was originally discovered in the 1800’s building up in the machinery of an oil rig. Petroleum jelly is highly susceptible to contamination of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Once PAHs enter the body, they are stored in the kidneys, liver, and fat cells. There are more than 100 types of PAHs, and about 15 are thought to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Petroleum jelly also contains xenoestrogens, which interact with hormone receptors and may increase estrogen-related health issues in the body.
Parabens- Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of lip balm, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Based on a study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, researchers found that parabens were able to stimulate breast cancer cell growth, even at concentrations 100 times lower than the natural growth factor heregulin. These findings suggest that paraben exposure doesn’t have to be high to lead to cancer growth. The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
Phenoxyethanol, Steareth, & Other Ethoxylated Ingredients- The “-eth” is a good indication that ethoxylation has been used. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain the impurities ethylene oxide and/or 1,4-dioxane, which are associated with reproductive, developmental and endocrine effects, as well as cancer.
Phthalates- Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility and transparency in plastics. They’re also found in beauty products, and they enhance product absorption, help products stick to your skin and keep fragrance smelling fresh. Phthalates mimic hormones, interrupting hormone production. A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have effects on the male reproductive system.
Polyethylene glycol– Polyethylene glycol is used to make lotion thicker and better able to transport moisture to the skin. The manufacturing process and introduce impurities and by-products, such as ethylene oxides and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogenic materials.
Synthetic fragrance- Beauty products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals. Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors.

If you’re still unsure about ingredients or want some non-toxic lotion recommendations, I’ve thoroughly vetted the ingredients in the lotions and creams below. Although I use the EWG rating system as a guide, I also thoroughly check all of the ingredients myself, and I exclude products with ingredients like Phenoxyethanol (see above).

If you’re looking for a gentle and hydrating lotion or cream that’s packed with clean, non-toxic ingredients, I’m sharing a list of my favorite finds below. From baby to toddler to teen, I’ve got recommendations for the best cream and lotion that contains everything your child’s skin needs to be supple, nourished and hydrated.

lotion for kids

A baby’s skin is thin and can get irritated very quickly. Look for lotion that’s unscented or one that uses non-irritating essential oils. The baby lotions below are gentle enough even for sensitive skin.

Thinkbaby Baby Lotion

EWG Rating: EWG Verified
Cost: $7.99 for 8 fl oz ($1.00 per ounce)
From the GoThink website: Formulation based on Whole Foods Premium Care ingredients and our scientific expertise in creating safer products. No animal testing or animal products included for a truly cruelty-free formula. Ideal for sensitive skin. Safe for even newborns to use
Free From: parabens, phthalates, 1,4 dioxane, sodium lauryl sulfate, and biologically harmful chemicals
Shop: Thinkbaby Baby Lotion

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Lotion

EWG Rating: EWG Verified
Cost: $13.99 for 8 fl oz ($1.75 per ounce)
From the Babo Botanical website: Our Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Daily Hydra Baby Lotion is perfect for babies with dry, sensitive, irritated or eczema prone skin. Gentle, soft and non-greasy baby lotion formula is moisturizing but lightweight. Contains 2% Colloidal Oatmeal and ultra moisturizing Calendula, Chamomile, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil. Enriched with Babo’s Organic Nutri-Soothe™ Complex packed with vitamins.
Free From: Fragrance, Gluten, Soy, Dairy, Paraben, Phthalates, Mineral Oil and Petrolatum. This extra mild formula is hypoallergenic and specifically formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
Shop: Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Lotion

Pipette Baby Lotion

EWG Rating: EWG Verified
Cost: $8.99 for 5.7 oz ($1.58 per ounce)
From the Pipette website: Our lightweight Baby Lotion is the MVP of baby’s daily skincare routine, giving instant, long-lasting hydration from head to toe and replenishing the natural moisture of baby’s delicate skin. Made with our proprietary sugarcane-derived squalane, a moisturizing superhero that baby’s skin was born to love.
Scents: Fragrance Free, Rose + Geranium and Vanilla + Ylang Ylang. All aromas are 100% plant-derived and free of synthetic fragrances.
Free From: Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic fragrances, Parabens, Natural irritants, Petrolatum
Shop: Pipette Baby Lotion

Attitude Soothing Baby Cream

EWG Rating: EWG Verified
Cost: $23 for 6.7 oz ($3.43 per ounce)
From the Attitude website: Made with hypoallergenic ingredients derived from plants and minerals, such as shea butter and 2% colloidal oatmeal, our dermatologist-tested baby deep moisturizing cream creates a film that soothes dry, damaged or irritated skin.
Free from: Artificial perfumes, PEGs, Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde-releasers, Benzyl alcohol and MIT, all potentially harmful preservatives, BHA, BHT, Phthalates and Triclosan, all identified as potential endocrine disruptors by the EWG.
Shop: Attitude Soothing Baby Cream

Earth Mama Baby Lotion

EWG Rating: 1
Cost: $14.39 for 8 fl oz ($1.80 per ounce)
From the Earth Mama website: Earth Mama’s smooth and moisturizing blend of gentle ingredients comforts and soothes sensitive, delicate skin. But! As tempting as this smells, it’s for moisturizing, not for eating. And excuse the brag but this was the very first US personal care product certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients. Plus it contains organic herbs and oils to moisturize babies of all ages.
Free From: Petroleum, Mineral Oil, Parabens, or Artificial Fragrance.
Shop: Earth Mama Baby Lotion

Palorama Cloud 9 Daily Cream

EWG Rating: n/a
Cost: $21 for 5 oz ($4.20 per ounce)
From the Palorama website: Our gentle, nutrient-rich cream is packed with safflower seed, jojoba seed, sea buckthorn oil, and shea butter to help maintain the skin’s natural elasticity and nourish dry, chapped areas. It is mild enough for newborn baby and sensitive skin.
Free From: Parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, dyes, petrolatum, and fragrances
Shop: Palorama Cloud 9 Daily Cream

Thinkbaby Baby Lotion

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Lotion

Pipette Baby Lotion

Attitude Soothing Baby Cream

Earth Mama Baby Lotion

Palorama Cloud 9 Daily Cream

kids body lotion

As kids get older, some kids and teens prefer a little scent in their lotion. The lotions for kids below are safe and hydrating, and some have kid-friendly scents without any synthetic fragrance.

Thinksport Kids Lotion

EWG Rating: EWG Verified
Cost: $9.49 for 8 oz ($1.19 per ounce)
From the GoThink website: Since 2006, Thinksport has been creating safe products for people of all ages. This is a simple and effective body lotion designed for kids.
Free From: parabens, phthalates, 1,4 dioxane, sodium lauryl sulfate, and biologically harmful chemicals
Shop: Thinksport Kids Lotion

All Good Body Lotion

EWG Rating: Not Rated
Cost: $16.99 for 6 fl oz ($2.83 per ounce)
From the All Good website: Made from organic, botanic ingredients and never greasy, oily, or watery. Good for dry skin, sensitive skin and daily moisturizing. With a slight coconut scent for year-round vacation vibes. Hydrates and heals dry skin, is easy on sensitive skin and is Certified Organic by USDA Standards.
Free From: GMOs, gluten, parabens, all the worrisome chemicals. Vegan. Certified Organic by USDA Standards.
Shop: All Good Body Lotion

Attitude Kids Body Lotion

EWG Rating: EWG Verified
Cost: $12.95 for 16 fl oz ($0.81 per ounce)
From the Attitude website: We all know that our kids’ skin is thinner and more delicate, which is why it reacts more sensitively to external aggressors and requires extra special care and protection. Keep their skin feeling and smelling nice with ATTITUDE little leaves™ Body Lotion – Vanilla & Pear. Its soothing and lightweight formula is formulated with your child in mind. Natural, EWG VERIFIED™ and hypoallergenic, our natural body lotion is infused with blueberry leaf and moringa seed extract to keep their delicate skin protected and smooth.
Free From: Artificial perfumes, PEGs, Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde-releasers, Benzyl alcohol and MIT, all potentially harmful preservatives, BHA, BHT, Phthalates and Triclosan, all identified as potential endocrine disruptors by the EWG.
Scents: Vanilla & Pea, Mango, Blueberry, Watermelon & Coco
Shop: Attitude Kids Body Lotion

Acure Seriously Soothing Lotion

EWG Rating: 2
Cost: $11.99 for 8 fl oz ($1.50 per ounce)
From the Acure website: Unscented with cocoa butter & colloidal oatmeal to protect & soothe. Seriously soothing hydration your skin will revel in. Packed with cocoa butter, colloidal oatmeal and deeply moisturizing aloe. clinically shown to provide moisture for 24hrs when used as directed.
Free From: Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Formaldehyde. Cruelty free. 100% vegan.
Shop: Acure Seriously Soothing Lotion

Palorama Nourishing Hand Lotion

EWG Rating: n/a
Cost: $18 for 10 oz ($1.80 per ounce)
From the Palorama website: This gentle, nourishing hand lotion is packed with shea butter, safflower seed, jojoba seed, sea buckthorn, aloe, chamomile, and rose to help maintain the skin’s natural elasticity and nourish dry, chapped areas. It is mild enough for babies and sensitive skin.
Free From: Parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, dyes, petrolatum, and fragrances
Shop: Palorama Nourishing Hand Lotion

Honest Sensitive Lotion

EWG Rating: 1
Cost: $10.97 for 8.5 oz ($1.38 per ounce)
From the Honest website: Made with naturally derived ingredients, this gentle-for-babes lotion hydrates and nourishes thirsty skin, leaving it soft + smooth. Made with Safflower Oil, Jojoba Esters, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. Designed for all skin types, and gentle enough for baby. National Eczema Association seal of approval.
Free From: Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Dyes, Synthetic Fragrances, Mineral Oil
Shop: Honest Sensitive Lotion

Thinksport Kids Lotion

All Good Body Lotion

Attitude Kids Body Lotion

Acure Seriously Soothing Lotion

Palorama Nourishing Hand Lotion

Honest Sensitive Lotion

sensitive lotion for kids

Does your child have eczema? My daughter has gotten it on and off throughout the years and a thick, protective, unscented cream is a must to keep her skin calm and comfortable. The sensitive skin and eczema lotions below are soothing and protective for irritated skin.

California Baby Eczema Cream

EWG Rating: Not Rated
Cost: $23.79 for 2 oz ($11.90 per ounce)
From the California Baby website: A life-saver for eczema sufferers of all ages, this powerful moisturizer relieves eczema flare ups with the help of organic, gluten-free colloidal oatmeal. Enriched with organic calendula extract and aloe vera to further soothe irritated skin. The light, calming scent from French lavender and clary sage essential oils can help ease frazzled feelings.
Free From: steroids, sulfates, GMOs, synthetic fragrance
Shop: California Baby Eczema Cream

California Baby Super Sensitive Cream

EWG Rating: 1
Cost: 26.99 for 4 fl oz ($6.75 per ounce)
From the California Baby website: This ultra-gentle cream soothes and moisturizes with the power of pure organic calendula extract, aloe vera, and plant-based emollients. Free of added fragrance, common allergens, and irritants. Our Super Sensitive collection has no added fragrance and is recommended for newborns, those with sensitive skin, and during pregnancy.
Free From: steroids, sulfates, GMOs, synthetic fragrance
Shop: California Baby Super Sensitive Cream

Evereden Healing Eczema Treatment

EWG Rating: No Rated
Cost: $26 for 1.7 fl oz ($15.29 per ounce)
From the Evereden website: A moisturizing and naturally-derived eczema cream that quickly relieves itchy skin, delivers lasting healing repair, and takes the worry away- all in a steroid-free formula. Formulated with our Barrier Restore Technology™ featuring naturally-derived anti-inflammatories: golden spent barley and quercetin, alongside skin-strengthening ceramides and colloidal oatmeal, this gentle-yet-powerful formula treats active flareups in babies, kids, and adults by clinically reducing skin redness & dryness by over 98%.** **Based on a 2-week clinical study with 34 participants aged 3-36 months, assessed on facial skin.
Free From: Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, petrolatum, chemical sunscreens
Scents: Fragrance Free
Shop: Evereden Healing Eczema Treatment

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Healing Ointment

EWG Rating: No Rating For New Formula
Cost: $19.99 for 4 oz ($5.00 per ounce)
From the Babo Botanicals website: Babo’s Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Miracle Moisturizing Cream For Face and Body helps soothe and comfort dry, sensitive or eczema prone skin. This gentle and rich cream contains the perfect blend of active botanicals to help protect delicate skin. Enriched with Natural Oat Extract to relieve very dry patches, irritated or chafed skin, Organic Calendula and Shea Butter to soothe, moisturize and soften the skin, and, Organic Coconut and Argan Oil adds protection to dry skin. Perfect as a moisturizer for babies, kids and grown-ups, too with sensitive skin.
Free From: Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Peanuts, Almonds, Walnuts, SLS, Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes, Sodium Chloride, Formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA, and most allergens. This gentle formula does contain tree nuts: Shea, Coconut, Cocoa Butter. Cruelty Free and Vegan.
Shop: Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Healing Ointment

Earth Mama Eczema Cream

EWG Rating: Not Rated
Cost: $16.99 for 3 fl oz ($5.66 per ounce)
From the Earth Mama website: Is your skin (or your baby’s) being an itchy eczema jerk? We formulated this for you, no matter the cause — could be eczema, a random rash, a run-in with a bug that likes to bite, or a recent tousle with poison oak, ivy or sumac. All of it results in angry, irritated skin that’s wildly itchy and frankly, a little crazy-making. That’s why we created cruelty-free Earth Mama Eczema Cream: an instant and therapeutic tube of itch relief for eczema-havers (and itch-havers) of all ages — including the pregnant ones.
Free From: Steroids, petrolatum, fragrance, or harsh artificial preservatives — like phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate
Shop: Earth Mama Eczema Cream

Weleda Sensitive Baby Face Cream

EWG Rating: 2
Cost: $14.99 for 1.7 fl oz ($8.82 per ounce)
From the Weleda website: Gentle face cream with no added fragrance. White Mallow, pansy, sweet almond, beeswax and coconut – nature’s kindest gifts.
Free From: synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants or raw materials derived from mineral oils.
Shop: Weleda Sensitive Baby Face Cream