Understanding Baby and Child Skin
A baby's skin is thinner, more permeable, and more vulnerable than adult skin. It loses moisture more quickly, reacts more readily to external irritants, and is still developing its natural protective barrier in the first months of life.
This is why specially formulated products matter — not just for sensitive or eczema-prone babies, but for all skin types. The right skincare supports the skin barrier, locks in hydration, and keeps skin comfortable through every stage of development.
How Baby Skin Changes Over Time?
- Newborns (0–3 months): skin is extremely delicate and adjusting to the external environment. Fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas are essential.
- Babies (3–12 months): skin becomes more resilient but remains sensitive. Daily moisturising and gentle cleansing help maintain the barrier.
- Toddlers and children: skin type becomes more defined: normal, dry, very sensitive, or eczema-prone. Targeted care becomes more important.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Baby's Skin Type
Not all baby skin is the same — and choosing the right products for your baby's skin type makes a real difference to their comfort and skin health. Mustela's range covers every skin type, from birth through childhood.
Normal Skin
For babies with soft, supple skin that doesn't show signs of dryness or sensitivity. Our Normal Skin range — including the Gentle Cleansing Gel, Hydra Bébé Body Lotion, and Hydra Bébé Face Cream — provides gentle daily cleansing and long-lasting hydration.
Dry Skin
For babies with rough, tight, or flaky patches that need extra nourishment. Our Dry Skin range, including the Nourishing Face Cream and Nourishing Body Lotion, is enriched with beeswax
and cold cream to deeply hydrate and protect.
Very Sensitive Skin
For babies whose skin reacts visibly to environmental stressors — redness, tightness, tingling. Our Soothing range, built around Schisandra extract, calms reactive skin and provides long-lasting hydration without fragrance.
Eczema-Prone Skin
For babies and children with very dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin. Our Stelatopia range, fragrance-free, and clinically proven, soothes itching, replenishes essential lipids, and helps minimise the frequency of recurring itch.
A Simple Daily Skincare Routine for Babies
Consistency matters more than complexity. A gentle, repeatable routine — morning and evening — helps establish healthy skin habits from the very start.
Step 1: Cleanse
Use an ultra-gentle cleansing gel or oil suited to your baby's skin type. For quick clean-ups between baths, our No-Rinse Cleansing Water is ideal.
Step 2: Moisturise
Apply a moisturiser suited to your baby's skin type immediately after bathing, while skin is still soft. For normal skin, Hydra Bébé Body Lotion. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream.
Step 3: Protect at Nappy Change
Apply Vitamin Barrier Cream for Nappy Rash at every nappy change to protect baby's skin from moisture,
friction, and irritants — whether or not redness is present.
Why Choose Mustela for Your Baby's Skincare?
- Backed by 75 years of expertise in baby skincare
- Each product undergoes450 safety tests
- Dermatologist and paediatrician tested
- High percentage of natural-origin ingredients across all ranges
- Fragrance-free options available
- #1 baby care brand in European pharmacies
- B Corp Certified
Not Sure Which Products Are Right for Your Baby?
Choosing the right skincare is easier when you know your baby's skin type. Here are a few ways to get guidance:
