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When my son was born, I became obsessed with finding only the cleanest products to use on his beautiful brown skin. Johnson’s Bedtime Bath and Johnson’s Baby Lotionwere a regular part of our nightly bath ritual because those were the main products out there to nourish babies’ skin. That was sixteen years ago.
Since then, an array of new and improved skincare brands have found their way onto store shelves, and online, with formulations designed specifically for babies and kids of color.
Now, you have almost too many options in terms of healthy skincare products for babies and kids. What ingredients should you keep an eye out for? “I encourage the parents of my patients to look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, dye-free, free of parabens, phthalates, sulphates, alcohol, and talc, and to avoid products that include ingredients they cannot pronounce, Dr. Brenda G. Bass, M.D., a pediatrician in Los Angeles tells SheKnows. “Many infants have dry skin, especially Black and brown babies.” Dr. Bass suggests going with petroleum jelly-based or thick, emollient moisturizers for the skin (this is also true if your baby or child has eczema).
If you are in search of the best skincare products for babies and kids with melanated skin, look no further, we’ve rounded up brands that will have your little one glowing and soothed from head-to-toe in no time.
Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns
Cradle cap is a common condition that can be a reaction to substances like fragrance or soap. The main symptom is scaly, greasy, patches that appear in the scalp. Mustela’s ultra-gentle shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse baby’s hair and scalp while minimizing cradle cap flakes and helping to reduce the chance of recurrence. It is fragrance and tear-free, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens and phthalates.
Proudly Baby All Over Balm
Power Couple Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade created the Proudly Company after the birth of their daughter, Kaavia. It’s the first baby brand developed by a pediatrician, dermatologist, and a chemist of color.
“Black and brown baby skin loses water faster than white skin and has less water-retaining ceramides,” says dermatologist Naana Boakye, M.D. Baby All Over Balm is an ultra-nourishing formula that targets dry spots and soothes itchy, irritated skin. “Proudly is dedicated to creating products that work well while remaining gentle for delicate melanated skin,” adds Pediatrician Heather McGowan, M.D.
It’s A Curl Itsy Bitsy Spirals Baby Curl Moisturizer
The detangling moisturizer is ideal for baby’s dry, fuzzy, bed head curls. It can be used on wet or dry hair to soften and hydrate. It’s A Curl Itsy Bitsy Spirals Baby Curl Moisturizer is certified organic, pediatrician recommended, and Black-Owned.
Keep it Kind Fresh Kidz Roll On Deodorant
Fresh Kidz is designed for pre-teen and teenage boys and girls in fragrances that are clean-smelling and offers 24-hour protection for their sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types, this vegan formula does not block pores. It’s free of harmful chemicals, aluminum, parabens, harsh sulfates, and is cruelty-free too.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids Sunscreen Spray
“For infants six months of age, a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 is recommended,” says Dr. Bass. “Those younger than six months should avoid direct sun exposure and wear light clothing/hat and stay well hydrated when outdoors.”
Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids Sunscreen Spray is a broad-spectrum spray mist that is water-resistant, oil-free, and comes in an SPF of 70+ with UVA/UVB Protection.
The Honest Company Organic Body Oil
This organic oil is made with over 95% certified avocado, coconut, jojoba seed, and sunflower oils, plant-based, hypoallergenic, and a perfect massage oil to calm fussy little ones. It is gentle enough for daily use and great for the whole family.
SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo Raw Shea, Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Wash and Shampoo with Frankincense & Myrrh
This sulfate-free, chamomile-scented wash and shampoo is safe for everyday use on your little ones. It gently cleanses and hydrates baby’s dry skin and hair with natural and organic ingredients for all skin types, leaving it feeling smooth, hydrated, and nourished.
Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion
Get your glow on with this Black-owned, woman-owned sunscreen brand that won’t leave the sticky, ashy white residue on melanated skin like others do. Hypoallergenic, water resistant, soothing, and hydrating, this Black Girl Sunscreen everyday face and body moisturizer protects and moisturizes skin. For children under six months, consult a physician before use.
Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream
Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that affects 1 in 5 children. Symptoms include dry, scaly, itchy rash over various body parts.
Mustela Stelatopia Eczema-Prone Skin Emollient Baby Face Cream is steroid-free, and safe for twice daily use. It is dermatologist and pediatrician tested, National Eczema Association-certified and safe for newborns.
Young King Hair Pomade
First seen on Shark Tank, this Black-owned and operated, royally-crafted haircare brand was designed with young Black and brown men in mind. The Young King Hair Pomade provides hold and luster, tames flyaways, and improves overall hair health without the drying effects that gels can cause. It’s made with plant-based ingredients, including aloe vera and coconut, and is free from harmful sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
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