BY KAMEIL BHOLA
Baby oil is a thing we have all heard of, seen, and possibly used, but what exactly is it? Most people don’t question what it’s made of, its uses (besides moisturizing babies’ skin), or where it came from. Baby oil was first commercially sold by Johnson’s Baby Oil in 1935 as a product to help soothe young children and babies’ sensitive skin. It was one of the first mass-produced gentle oils for children. The oil is a mixture of 98% mineral oil and 2% fragrance. Mineral oil is an inert substance meaning it doesn’t mix with other things. Baby oil doesn’t clog your skin because it only sits on top of it, allowing it to act as a barrier to keep moisture in and soothe your skin. This is the main reason people use it on babies; when they are born, the top layer of their skin is extremely thin and easily damaged. The locked-in moisture helps babies’ sensitive skin recover from diaper rash and eczema while also acting as a protective barrier until the child can grow their own.
Though the most common use for baby oil is to keep babies skin moisturized, baby oil has multiple other purposes. It can be used as a bath oil to soften winter skin, a shaving-gel substitute, an eye makeup remover, cuticle oil, a nail polish frame, and a waxing aid. Though it has many uses, it isn’t without negatives. Baby oil’s main ingredient is mineral oil making it a bit controversial. Though mineral oil works for most people, but it can lead to skin irritation and worsen acne for some. Despite the fact that mineral oil doesn’t work for some, overall it’s one of the best things you can use for your skin during winter or after showers. Baby oil is a effective moisturizer that can help you during the cold winter in Minnesota.
ARTICLE: https://www.byrdie.com/what-exactly-is-baby-oil-3013423
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