Walk down any baby aisle in the shops and you’ll see shelves of pastel bottles promising “gentle,” “pure,” and “safe” care for your baby’s skin. But how many of us actually flip those bottles over and read the ingredient list?

If you’ve ever felt confused by what’s in your baby’s lotion — or guilty for not knowing — you’re not alone. Between marketing claims, complicated ingredient names, and online advice, figuring out what’s truly safe for delicate baby skin can be overwhelming.
According to Karen Van Rensburg, spokesperson for Sanosan South Africa, that’s exactly why parents need to start paying more attention.
“Baby skin is up to 30% thinner than adult skin,” she explains. “That means it absorbs ingredients more easily — so what you put on your baby matters more than you might think.”

While many baby lotions and washes are formulated for sensitive skin, not all are created equal. Here are some common ingredients you might find — and what to watch out for:

1. Fragrance and Perfume
They may smell lovely, but artificial fragrances are one of the biggest culprits for skin irritation. Look for products labelled fragrance-free, not unscented (which can still contain masking perfumes).
2. Parabens
Used as preservatives to extend shelf life, parabens can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Some studies have also raised concerns about long-term hormone disruption — which is why more parents are avoiding them.
3. Alcohol (Denatured or SD Alcohol)
These types of alcohol can dry out and sting the skin, especially on babies prone to eczema. Instead, choose products with mild, fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, which help soften the skin.
4. Sulphates (SLS/SLES)
These foaming agents make shampoos and washes lather up — but they can also strip away natural oils. “For babies, less foam usually means more care,” says Van Rensburg. “Gentle cleansing without harsh surfactants is key.”
5. Mineral Oils and Petrolatum
While not necessarily harmful, these petroleum-derived ingredients can block pores. Many parents now prefer natural oils like olive, almond, or sunflower seed oil instead.
“Always go for dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and clinically proven baby skincare ranges,” advises Van Rensburg. “These are formulated to protect the skin barrier rather than overload it.”
She recommends looking for:
  • Natural oils and extracts (such as olive oil, chamomile, and allantoin)
  • Panthenol (Provitamin B5) for soothing and hydration
  • Zinc oxide in nappy creams for protection against irritation
  • pH-balanced formulas that respect the skin’s natural acidity
Sanosan’s own baby care range, for example, uses natural milk protein and organic olive oil to gently nourish and protect baby skin — with no parabens, silicones, or artificial colours.
Parents often assume that more products mean better care, but experts say simple is best.
“A newborn doesn’t need a shelf full of lotions and potions,” says Van Rensburg,. “In fact, too many products can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Stick to a gentle cleanser, a mild moisturiser, and a protective nappy cream — and your baby’s skin will thank you.”
When it comes to baby skincare, knowing what’s in the bottle is just as important as what’s not. The goal is to protect your baby’s developing skin barrier — not overload it.
“Think of baby skincare like nutrition,” Van Rensburg adds. “You wouldn’t feed your baby anything without checking the ingredients — so why treat their skin any differently?”
 Sanosan focuses on natural ingredients and gentle formulas for healthy skin. Using active ingredients specially tailored to your baby’s skin, natural milk protein is the central ingredient in Sanosan and is especially nourishing. More than 90 % of the ingredients are of natural origin such as organic olive oil, and the formulations are biodegradable.
Safety first: all products are clinically tested and are free from parabens, silicones, paraffins, SLS / SLES and phenoxyethanol. For more info visit  sanosan.co.za