In our Indian households, massaging babies has been a cherished tradition for generations. But these massages are more than just a cultural practice. Research shows that regular massage with the right baby massage oil supports both physical and mental development of the baby. However, for new parents, choosing the perfect massage oil can sometimes feel overwhelming.
In this blog, we will guide you through the complete steps of choosing a massage oil for your baby. You’ll also learn about the ingredients which are safe and the ones you should avoid at all costs.
So keep reading.
4 Harmful Ingredients Used In Baby Massage Oil
Looking for a safe oil to massage your baby? Then steer clear of the following ingredients:
Mineral oil—a tasteless, odourless petroleum by-product, is commonly used in baby oil formulas by many skincare brands. It works like an emollient that helps keep the baby’s skin soft and moisturised. However, studies have shown that exposure to unrefined or poorly treated mineral oil can pose cancer risks. Moreover, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading authority on ingredient safety in skincare, classifies mineral oil as a restricted ingredient due to its potential to trigger allergies.
Fragrances are added to many personal care products such as baby oils to enhance their appeal. But exposure to these scented products can cause sensitivity and skin allergies. Artificial fragrances may also increase the risk of several conditions such as contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, lung disease, damage to reproductive organs, excessive hair problems, headache and cancer.
Parabens are a class of preservatives added to personal care products to prevent them from spoiling. But they come with their own share of health risks. With the ability to penetrate the skin, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals may cause skin cancer and developmental delays in babies.
Propylene Glycol (PG) is added as a solvent and a conditioning agent in skincare products like a baby massage oil. While it’s generally considered safe, extensive use of PG for long periods and in higher quantities such as for massaging your baby can have adverse effects. It can cause central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, dehydration-related complications, blood cell damage, irregular heartbeat, seizures, restlessness, and excess lactic acid buildup. Notably, infants are at a higher risk of being affected by PG toxicity.
That said, let’s take a look at those baby massage oil ingredients which are good for your baby.
5 Baby Massage Oil Ingredients You Can Trust
Here’s the list of ingredients you should be looking for, when buying a massage oil for your baby.
Sesame oil shows significant benefits in promoting growth and improving blood circulation in your baby. Research shows that massaging your baby with sesame oil can also improve the sleep quality and help them sleep better.
Being rich in Vitamin E and healthy fats, sweet almond oil hydrates and soothes your baby’s skin. It also helps in the management of dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help rejuvenate your baby’s skin. It increases moisture and balances sebum content while also protecting your baby’s skin against UV damage. Additionally, Vitamin E also has the potential to heal wounds and prevent skin cancer.
Ashwagandha is a time-tested ingredient regarded highly by Ayurveda as well as modern science. Research shows that it can strengthen bones and protect against sun damage. Its topical use can also fight pigmentation, improve skin tone and rejuvenate your baby’s skin.
Calendula extract can be an effective ingredient in baby massage oil due to its excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lab studies have shown that the extract is effecting against several microbes such as Bacillus subtulis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
Summing Up
Regular baby massage can have several health benefits for your baby. But it’s important to have a keen eye on the ingredient list before picking a baby massage oil. You must choose one that’s free from toxins and is enriched with the nourishing ingredients we mentioned above.
A good choice could be AreoVeda’s Baby Massage Oil—a rich blend of 5 oils, 6 herb extracts and ghee. The oil has been EWG-verified to be toxin-free and ECOCERT-certified as natural—ensuring parents about its credibility. On top of that, AreoVeda has tested this oil (and all its products) on lab-grown human skin cells for safety and effectiveness.
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