Soft and safe: the best baby lotions, approved by over 100 parents

Score: 92/100

This rich body cream excelled in our tests, earning full marks in the lab, where we used a corneometer to measure hydration levels. Enriched with coconut oil to lock in moisture, it left little ones' skin soft and supple, effectively erasing dry patches, according to our at-home testers. Parents also praised its easy-to-use pump design and the long-lasting, creamy coconut scent.

Score: 90/100

The star of Weleda’s baby derma range is white mallow – a gentle flowering plant extract that has been used in skincare for centuries. Its barrier-protecting and strengthening properties lock in moisture and defend against environmental influences such as pollution. It delivered on this claim, scoring full marks in the lab for effectively moisturising the skin.

Alongside this key ingredient, the formula contains nourishing coconut and sesame oils, and soothing pansy extract. You can instantly feel the benefits of this rich lotion, and one tester said they noticed a difference when they stopped using it.

Score: 88/100

Neal’s Yard is the ultimate bougie baby buy and makes a great gift for new parents. It's packed with nourishing, natural ingredients such as skin-softening shea butter, and vitamin E-rich sunflower oil, to replenish dryness and protect the skin barrier throughout the day.

Testers loved the thick texture of this balm, which was particularly effective on extra dry, irritated or sore areas. We think this premium quality emollient is worth the extra pennies, and thankfully a little goes a long way.

Score: 88/100

Cooling cucumber, soothing aloe vera and nourishing shea butter are the trio of kind-to-skin ingredients inside Child’s Farm’s moisturiser. The squeezy tube makes it easy and speedy to apply, and its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes for fast absorption – so you can go from birthday suit to sleepsuit in no time.

It soothes and smooths the skin without causing any irritation. One parent shared, “My kids don’t hold back, and there were no complaints from them,” highlighting that this product truly stood up to the test.

Score: 87/100

This silky-smooth lotion scored full marks in the lab for hydration, thanks to the nourishing coconut oil-rich formula. Parents loved the powdery, fresh laundry scent of this lotion too, which lasted 24-hours.

It comes in a convenient pump dispensing bottle, for a quick dose of instantly soothing and softening cream, which absorbed quickly into the skin.

Score: 87/100

This ultra-thick supermarket cream quenches parched skin thanks to its star ingredient: oats. Widely used in lotions for eczema-prone skin, this hard-working grain effectively rehydrates and protects the barrier from further moisture loss. One parent felt it was, “A great choice for my daughter's delicate, dry, and sensitive skin.”

Due to its rich and nourishing texture, this cream is thicker than most lotions and takes longer to absorb, making it an excellent choice for bedtime application.

Score: 86/100

This delicious body lotion is lightly scented with sweet coconut and mango, we wouldn’t blame you for trying it on yourself either.

Formulated with 12 naturally nourishing oils, this lotion works hard to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple. Notable ingredients include cocoa and shea butter, known for their ultra-moisturising properties, as well as camellia seed oil, which protects against environmental aggressors such as UV rays and pollutants.

Score: 84/100

This strawberry scented lotion was a hit with our testers for its enticing fruity aroma. While strong fragrances might raise concerns, rest assured – the brand states the scent is naturally sourced and allergen-free, with approval from dermatologists. For those still hesitant, a fragrance-free option is also available.

Parents praised its fast-absorbing formula, and it earned nearly full marks for hydration, making it a quick and effective solution for dry skin

Score: 83/100

Weleda’s versatile balm is a multi-purpose solution for various skin concerns, from nappy rashes and sore, sniffly noses to dry lips and skin. The calendula extract is a naturally calming component, making it equally effective at soothing inflamed skin and providing deep moisturisation. According to one tester, its thick consistency works best for targeting extra dry patches rather than using as an all-over daily lotion.

The secure, travel-sized tin is ideal for using on the go, making it a nappy bag essential.

Score: 81/100

This large 500ml bottle is also the most affordable in our lineup. So how did it perform? Parents were delighted with how quickly this hydrating lotion absorbed. However, they noted that a little goes a long way, and the lotion dispenses quickly, so use with care. Overall, it’s a great, long-lasting, and budget-friendly option that deserves a spot at the changing station.

Score: 79/100

Let the relaxing lavender scent of this lotion help your baby drift off into a night (or at least a few hours) of blissful slumber. Not only does it leave your baby smelling like they’ve just had a spa day, but it also deeply nourishes the skin. With hydrating oat and soothing chamomile extract, this lotion proved to be ultra-hydrating, earning near-perfect marks in lab tests.

Score: 71/100

Unlike most lotions on this list, this mattifying talc is not designed to hydrate, but instead is intended to absorb moisture after the bath. Like talcum powder, this is to avoid any potential chafing or rashes in those loveable skin folds. It sinks in quickly and made a nice alternative to traditional talc.

Score: 70/100

Parent-testers were fans of the gentle scent of chamomile in this lotion, which was perfect for extending the zen of bathtime. Paired with soothing oat, its anti-itch properties are great for eczema-prone or dry skin.

The formula is extremely lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. A brilliant, affordable supermarket offering.