Baby diaper cream is a product designed specifically to protect and repair a baby’s diaper area skin, aiming to isolate the irritations caused by urine and feces, thus preventing and treating diaper rash. In the baby care market, numerous brands offer their versions of baby diaper creams. If you are considering developing a range of baby care products, there are several aspects to consider:
Characteristics of Infant Buttock Skin
The skin on a newborn’s buttocks is exceptionally delicate, and improper care can lead to diaper dermatitis, commonly known as « diaper rash, » and, in severe cases, localized skin damage and infection. Diaper dermatitis primarily occurs in the buttocks, perianal region, and perineum. Once it happens, the affected skin becomes red, and newborns may become restless, cry, and, in severe cases, experience discomfort that affects their feeding and sleep.
Causes of Diaper Dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis is an acute inflammatory reaction of the perianal skin and typically appears within 1 to 3 weeks after a newborn’s birth. Prolonged skin contact with a mixture of urine and feces is the primary risk factor for diaper dermatitis. Urea in urine is broken down by bacteria in feces, leading to an elevated skin pH. Diapers exacerbate skin wetness and increase friction. The alkaline environment enhances the enzymatic activity in feces and disrupts the normal skin microbiota.
Key Ingredients in Baby Diaper Rash Cream
Glycerin
This moisturizer helps the skin retain moisture, preventing dryness and flaking.
Zinc Oxide
This acts as an astringent, solidifying proteins, reducing exudate, and inhibiting inflammation. It also serves as a barrier, isolating the skin from contact with urine and bacteria, thus preventing and treating diaper rash.
Petrolatum
This emollient forms a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss and blocking bacteria and external irritants. It is skin-friendly but may feel greasy and easy to wipe off.
SUNFLOWER SEED OIL
Cold-pressed and organic antioxidant. Conditions skin and promotes a strong skin barrier. Recommended by pediatric dermatologists and the WHO.
Aloe Vera Extract
Aloe vera is a plant with various benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, moisturizing, and healing properties. It can be used in diaper creams to soothe a baby’s red bottom and promote skin healing.
Witch Hazel Extract
Witch hazel is a plant rich in tannic acid and can be used in diaper creams. It has astringent, hemostatic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate skin irritation and discomfort in babies.
Rose Oil
Rose oil is a premium essential oil that can be used in diaper creams. It has moisturizing, antioxidant, balancing, and soothing properties, improving a baby’s dry and reddened skin while enhancing skin elasticity and radiance.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural plant oil from Africa that can be used in diaper creams. It has moisturizing, softening, repairing, and sun protection properties, providing nourishment and protection to a baby’s skin, preventing moisture loss, and shielding it from external irritants.
Potential Risky Ingredients in Diaper Rash Creams
Not all diaper creams are safe and harmless, as some may contain ingredients that can irritate a baby’s skin or cause more severe skin problems. Therefore, when selecting a diaper rash cream, it is crucial to check the ingredient list and avoid products containing the following risky components:
Fragrances
Fragrances are common allergens in cosmetics and can cause skin redness, itching, and the formation of blisters. Fragrance ingredients are typically not disclosed on product labels, so choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented diaper creams is advisable.
Preservatives
Preservatives are additives used to prevent the spoilage of cosmetics and the growth of bacteria. However, some preservatives may have skin-sensitizing or irritating effects. Common risky preservatives include:
01.Sodium Benzoate
This is an acidic preservative that has been discontinued in production in Japan and is subject to usage restrictions.
02.Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
This preservative has skin-sensitizing properties and, in severe cases, can cause skin redness, blistering, and skin cracking. EU cosmetics regulations established in 2016 limit its use to rinse-off products with a maximum allowed concentration of 0.01%.
Hormones
Regulate physiological functions in the body, but misuse or long-term use can lead to side effects such as skin thinning, pigmentation changes, dilation of blood vessels, and increased hair growth. Hormones are generally not explicitly labeled in diaper creams, but some products may contain hidden or analog hormones, such as hydroxybenzoate and hydroxybenzoic acids.
When developing baby care products, brand owners should choose high-quality manufacturers. Experienced professional baby skincare manufacturers will assist in formulating the product and guide essential and avoidable ingredients. Their support will aid brand owners in producing higher-quality and safer baby care products, ultimately contributing to the next generation’s health.
