Did you know that baby oil is essentially just mineral oil that’s scented? And did you know that both baby oil and mineral oil are mixtures of petroleum distillation by-products? While they have been refined to meet specifications that make them suitable for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food, the fact remains: mineral oil and baby oil are hydrocarbon compounds that come from petrochemicals.

So, simply put, when you put baby oil on your baby, you are actually putting a crude oil by-product on your baby.

Negative health effects associated with baby oil

Baby oil uses seem virtually endless, but there is also a harsh reality that people need to be aware of. For example, inhalation of mineral oil or baby oil can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and if aspirated into the lungs, can cause chemical pneumonia. If consumed at toxic levels, mineral oil and baby oil can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. (If this happens, drink large quantities of water to dilute these negative effects and seek medical assistance.)

Further, prolonged direct contact with skin can lead to irritation, fumes irritate the eyes, and people with pre-existing skin or lung issues may find they are hypersensitive to mineral oil and baby oil. Mineral oil also blocks the absorption of nutrients and vitamins when consumed.

The best baby oil to use on your little one

So, what are your other options for baby oil? Honestly, you’d be better off using an oil that is a natural product, with ingredients that you can easily identify and therefore trust. One such option? Coconut oil.

It seems simple enough: coconut oil comes from coconuts, not petroleum or by-products. And, even better, coconut oil has the same (if not better!) uses as baby oil, meaning you can use it to help with baby eczema, to soothe your baby to sleep, to ease his or her constipation, to alleviate diaper rash, and to relieve cradle cap.

Moms, if you’re ready to make the switch to coconut oil instead of baby oil, you’ll benefit as well! Skinny & Co.’s Pure Baby is so pure you can also use it yourself as a nipple cream, to combat stretch marks, and to relieve morning sickness symptoms.

Make your first purchase of Pure Baby today.