Ten baby products you didn't know you could use for your own skincare routine

If you aren’t a parent or shopping for a baby shower, chances are you wouldn’t find yourself in the baby products section. I never paid much attention either until I got my own little ones. That was when I discovered there’s more to the usual tear-free shampoos and top-to-toe washes; it’s amazing how extensive the care lines are!

I love the way baby care products feel when applied, their delicate fragrance (or lack thereof), and most importantly, how gentle they are to sensitive skin. So, I wasn’t at all surprised to find that beauty fans have been getting some of these baby products for their own use. If you haven’t tried anything much beyond baby powder and baby cologne, check out these ten products that I’ve used and loved on my babies, and why I often borrow them for myself!

Lactacyd Baby Bath (P65/60 mL, P130/150mL, P180/250mL)

I’ve given birth at two of the top-ranked private hospitals in the metro and noticed that both used the Lactacyd Baby Bath Solution for bathing newborn infants in their nurseries. This liquid antiseptic with lactoserum and lactic acid “cleanses thoroughly and gently without stripping skin of its natural protective layer.” It should be diluted for infant use but adults can treat it as a regular liquid facial cleanser. Dermatologists also recommend this for treating skin conditions like dermatitis, pruritis, mycosis, eczema, intertrigo, and seborrhea (dandruff) so yes, it can be used even for the scalp!

Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash (P219.75/200mL)

Another gentle head-to-toe wash, this is a more creamy cleanser that features skin-caring shea butter and sweet almond oil, among other plant-derived ingredients. I love that it doesn’t have “SLS, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, dyes, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA & most common allergens.” Be warned though: the lack of SLS means that it won’t give a very foamy lather but it does wash off easily. It smells pretty good, too.

Human Heart Nature Natural Baby Wonder Oil (P159.75/100mL)

Mineral oil has long been a topic of contention in the beauty world. For those looking for mineral-free baby oil, Human Heart Nature has come up with an alternative featuring sunflower oil as its main ingredient! I find that it does a great job of moisturizing and soothing the skin, and even use it to tame my unwieldy locks.

Nivea Baby Smoothy Cream (P164.75/200mL)

Before the hype days of Nivea Men’s Sensitive Post Shave Balm as primer, there was the Nivea Baby Smoothy Cream. Dubbed as a drugstore dupe for the famous Embryolisse cream moisturizer by beauty bloggers, it has a very light texture and absorbs into the skin quickly. It claims to give 24-hour moisture with calendula flower extract. I personally like using this not just for the face but for the rest of my body as well, right after showering. I find the delicate scent soothing and relaxing enough to get me ready for bed!

Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion (P374.75/400 mL)

We’ve been big fans of Cetaphil facial cleansers and sunscreens, and heir baby line is a godsend to moms like me who have kids with easily-irritated skin. The water-based Daily Lotion is made with sunflower seed oil and shea butter for moisture, and it does the job well without breaking the bank. I also find the spill-proof bottle packaging more practical than having to scoop out product from a tub; if you have hyperactive kids, this is just easier to use .

Mustela PhysiObébé No Rinse Cleansing Water (P340/100 mL, P690/300 mL)

Designed for on-the-go cleansing, this formula thoroughly cleans without rinsing. Originally meant for baby’s bums and messy spills, we’ve discovered that this also removes makeup! It works exactly like micellar water but with added skin-caring ingredients like aloe vera juice, avocado fruit extract, and allantoin. The sales attendant told me that it can also be used as a toner and based on the ingredients list, it should definitely work.

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Baby 50+ (P2,200/50 g)

VMV Hypoallergenics has built a solid reputation worldwide for mostly allergen-free, environment-friendly, and effective products. This clinically-tested mineral sunscreen is free of all 76 known skin allergens, and contains monolaurin for antibacterial disinfection. It has a thick creamy consistency that surprisingly doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. It does have a white cast but wears well with light makeup. I like using this when I feel like my skin needs a breather.

Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+

The light texture of this baby sunscreen is comparable to Bioré’s formulas. The main difference is that I find this more moisturizing! Even with its serum-like consistency, the brand’s signature avocado oil allows it to function even as a moisturizer. I love that the airtight pump bottle makes it easier to carry around and reapply, plus it’s also available in spray form.

Pigeon Baby Compact Powder (P399.75/20 g at Ogalala stores)

Yes, the makers of the famous baby bottles actually makes a pressed compact powder! It comes in three shades: Ivory, Pink, and Beige. It's finely milled and sets makeup beautifully when applied with a powder brush. Even with the beige tint, it doesn't give much in the way of coverage but it mattifies without overdrying and looks natural on the skin. Unexpectedly, its ingredients include squalene, avocado and soybean oil, jojoba and macadamia seed oils, calendula and chamomile flower extract, and allantoin. My only wish is that they sell refills because I’m hooked!

Baby Bench Cologne (P35/100 mL, P55/200mL)

I don’t know if it’s because the cologne is made with fragrance oils from Grasse, France but I find that the fragrance lasts long, especially when applied on clothing. I personally like lighter scents when I’m out and about because they’re less likely to into an unpleasant odor when I’ve been exposed to pollution and the sun. My daughter and I favor the Bubble Gum scent!

And that’s that for our little list! Have you used any of these products on your baby or yourself before? Did you see something that you may want to try? Who knows, your next HG just might come from the baby section!