Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Skincare (and What to Use Instead)
Every family is different, but many parents choose to limit or avoid certain ingredients when caring for sensitive baby skin.
Ayven Grace is a parent-founded baby skincare brand offering gentle, ingredient-focused care for infants, babies, and toddlers with sensitive skin, and our approach to ingredients has always been rooted in simplicity, transparency, and calm, everyday use.
1. Harsh or Drying Cleansers
Some cleansers rely on strong surfactants to create heavy lather. While lather can feel satisfying, it isn’t necessary for effective cleansing — and in some cases, it can leave skin feeling dry or tight.
What parents often prefer instead:
Gentle, mild cleansers that clean without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
2. Strong or Unnecessary Fragrance
Fragrance is one of the most common reasons parents pause when reading ingredient labels. While scent can make products feel appealing, strong or unnecessary fragrance may be irritating for sensitive skin.
What parents often prefer instead:
Fragrance-free options or products that use very gentle botanicals in low amounts, with transparency about what’s included.
3. Overly Complicated Formulas
Long ingredient lists aren’t always a problem, but complexity can make it harder for parents to understand what they’re putting on their baby’s skin.
What parents often prefer instead:
Simpler formulations with ingredients that serve a clear purpose and are easy to recognize or research.
4. Ingredients That Disrupt the Skin Barrier
Baby skin needs support, not constant disruption. Products that overly dry or exfoliate can interfere with the skin barrier — especially when used daily.
What parents often prefer instead:
Ingredients that help support moisture, comfort, and the skin’s natural protective barrier.
What Many Parents Look for Instead
While there’s no single “perfect” ingredient list, many parents gravitate toward products that include:
- Oat-based ingredients for gentle comfort
- Oils and butters that help support moisture
- Simple formulations designed for daily use
- Clear explanations of why ingredients are included
This approach focuses less on trends and more on how products feel and perform over time.
How We Think About Ingredients at Ayven Grace
Ayven Grace is a parent-founded baby skincare brand offering gentle, ingredient-focused care for infants, babies, and toddlers with sensitive skin.
When we create products, we ask simple questions:
- Does this ingredient support gentle, everyday care?
- Is it appropriate for sensitive, growing skin?
- Can we explain its purpose clearly to parents?
We highlight key ingredients to help parents understand how a product works, while always providing a full ingredient list for transparency.
Our goal isn’t to overwhelm — it’s to help parents feel informed and confident.
A Gentle Reminder from One Parent to Another
Reading ingredient lists can feel intimidating, especially when you’re trying to do the “right” thing for your child.
It’s okay to take a simple approach. It’s okay to choose products that feel calm, clear, and easy to trust. And it’s okay to learn as you go.
That belief — thoughtful care without pressure — is what guides everything we create at Ayven Grace.