If you’re wondering about the many uses of baby oil, look no further. Baby oil is one of those magic substances that can be used in so many different ways. And Bubbsi’s mineral oil-free answer to baby oil, Coconut Oil Balm, is truly our MVP—for babies, kids, and everyone else in the family.
What makes this formula so special? This 100% naturally-derived vegan oil salve is primarily a blend of nourishing coconut and sunflower oils. Because coconut oil is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antifungal, it naturally protects skin from pathogens and calms redness. It also contains high levels of lauric acid—the same medium chain fatty acid that gives breast milk its infection-fighting superpowers! Our innovative formula delivers all the benefits of this nourishing oil, but without the scoop-and-slather mess of using coconut oil from a jar. It comes out of a bottle as a creamy solid and immediately melts into skin.
Here are 17 ways to use our baby oil (Coconut Oil Balm), direct from Bubbsi mamas and staff!
1. Helps prevent diaper rash
Keep this pup right on your changing table! Apply a thin layer to baby’s bum for an all-natural, sweet-smelling, incredibly effective diaper cream.
“I love using this product on my 8-month-old. I started using it when she was 4 months old, and now only use Bubbsi products on her skin. This balm works great to keep her little bum from developing a diaper rash! If I notice it getting a little red, I put on a small amount at bedtime, and by the morning it’s all better.” —Sim
2. Removes cradle cap
Cradle cap is a common term for the seborrheic dermatitis that can develop on a baby’s scalp, generally between 2-12 months. It presents as patches that are red and scaly or yellow and crusty. It might sound scary, but it’s quite common, and nothing to freak out about. Applying natural oils can help remove cradle cap’s dry patches by softening the dry skin. Here’s how to use our baby oil/ Coconut Oil Balm:
- Massage the scalp with our Coconut Oil Balm
- Let it sit for 15 minutes
- Brush scalp gently with a soft bristle brush to loosen flakes
- Wash hair thoroughly with our Creamy Coconut Oil Shampoo + Wash, a nourishing head-to-toe wash that cleanses hair and skin without any harsh sulfates.
“This balm is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. We had been trying to clear up my 3-month-old son's cradle cap for about a month. Nothing was working. In fact, some soaps we tried just made it worse, and his head was super itchy! We decided to give this balm a try, and it almost completely cleared it up in just two or three days.” — Melissa
3. Prevents winter-chapped skin
There are so many uses for baby oil in the winter! Winter weather can take a toll on skin...and so can a case of the sniffles. Prevent and protect your baby from chapped cheeks and tissue nose by keeping our balm close by. Apply a small dab to protect skin before it gets chapped and/or to soothe the red and irritated parts of their face.
“This balm has been a lifesaver for my 2-year-old twins. They get windburn on their face pretty often, which causes dry, flaky spots on their cheeks.” —Kanika
4. Helps with eczema
Our founder is an “ecze-mama”—or used to be, before she created Bubbsi for her eczema-prone kid! For ultra-dry skin we suggest layering on our Body Cream first (to provide hydration to pores), followed by the Coconut Oil Balm on top (to lock in moisture). Here’s how another enthusiastic ecze-mama explains it:
“After I wash my kid with the soap, while his skin is still wet, I rub him down with the balm and pat him dry, and his skin is soft as well as moisturized. After a few days of the Bubbsi soap, oil, and lotion combo, we haven't had any trouble with his sensitive skin/eczema. Since we started using Bubbsi, he hasn't had a break out.” —Kamaria
5. Cleanses skin & removes makeup
That’s right: You can use our baby oil as a super gentle cleanser for yourself or your kiddos. Especially for dry-skinned kids, it’s a great way to cleanse them while also moisturizing. The simple chemical principle of “like dissolves like” explains how this works: The oil in the cleanser attracts and softens oil-based impurities in your skin and pulls it out of pores. To use, simply massage onto skin as you would any soap and then wash off. It’ll leave skin feeling clean and softer than ever.
“I use the coconut oil balm as a cleansing oil for my newborn’s bathtime. I love how gentle it is, and it leaves her skin feeling soft and hydrated. Can’t get enough of the smell, and it makes both of our skin feel great!” — Joli
6. Smoothes flyaways
Our balm can smooth out frizzy hair—yours or your kid’s! Rub a tiny drop between hands until it has completely melted, and then smooth onto hair.
“I use the Coconut Oil Balm on flyaways and ends (the tiniest amount goes a long way).” —Nisha
7. Softens cuticles and hands
Our founder uses the balm every night on her son, who has been getting dry hands and hangnails in the winter. Massage the balm onto cuticles before bedtime to soften them while they sleep. It also works wonders for dishpan hands—or hands that are overwashed due to frequent diaper changes.
“My hands have been incredibly cracked (thanks to constant post-diaper washing and cold weather). I used a little of this on my hands, and it healed the cracks in just a couple days.” —Melissa
8. Calms bug bites
We’ve received multiple reports that our balm even keeps bug bites calm due to its anti-inflammatory nature:
“My husband was in Florida for work this week and got eaten alive by bugs. He was so itchy this morning, I told him to try and put some Bubbsi balm on the bug bites. He finally caved this afternoon and was like, ‘That stuff is the truth! Immediate relief!’” — Archana
9. Prevents razor burn
Because our balm is naturally antifungal and anti-inflammatory, it soothes the skin post-shave. Some mamas have been sneaking a little balm into their shower routine.
“Bubbsi's not just for babies! I have always dreaded the ingrown hairs that come with shaving every day in the warmer weather. This [balm] has worked better than any shaving cream, moisturizer, or aftershave I've tried! It's light enough to protect my skin without clogging pores...It prevents irritation and also leaves me glowing and hydrated right out of the shower!” —Hannah
10. Soothes heat rash
Babies and toddlers are more prone to heat rash, as their sweat glands are not fully matured. Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped underneath the skin. The trapped sweat blocks sweat glands, and if pores can’t clear out the sweat, a rash develops. Use our Balm as a cleanser in the bath and then as a spot treatment on inflamed skin.
“I ordered this product after failing to fight off my newborn's face rash for months. She also had severe cradle cap...To my surprise, the Bubbsi coconut balm worked almost immediately. Within a week, her rash was less red. Her skin, in general, felt hydrated. It's now been months, and needless to say, her cradle cap and rash are 99% gone. Bonus, my husband used it on his rash and it worked so well for him too.” —H. Desai
11. Doubles as a lip balm
Use our baby oil instead of petroleum-based balms for an anti-inflammatory upgrade!
“I keep it close to my desk and apply it throughout the day to prevent chapped lips!” —Michelle
12. Works as an eye cream
Coconut oil’s small-chain fatty acids reduce inflammation, promote healing and improve circulation—all helpful when dealing with puffy, dark circles under the eyes!
“One of the Bubbsi baby oil uses I’ve found is to use it as an eye cream. I’ve always found expensive eye creams suspect: The Coconut Oil Balm works just as well, or better!” —Gina
13. Battles hormonal bacne and neck acne
This is where our balm’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties come in handy.
“I’ve been getting these hormonal bouts of acne-like rashes on my neck and back, and I’ve used Bubbsi’s baby oil to soothe these bumps. It works!” —Schann
14. Soothes paws
When looking for baby oil uses, don’t forget your pup! Doggie paws can crack easily: Clean their paws and then apply Bubbsi’s baby oil to heal and soothe.
“My dog loves Bubbsi even more than I do! I use the Hair & Body Shampoo for a decadent doggy bath, and soothe her paws with the Balm!” —Rachel
15. Save split ends
Coconut oil can reduce the look of split ends and add some shine to your hair. Use a small amount of our baby oil and apply to hair ends.
“When my split ends are starting to look a little dry, I use the baby oil/Coconut Oil Balm to smooth and soften. It allows me to go a few more weeks before getting my hair cut!” —Loretta
16. Loosen rings
Don’t forget about this clever way to use baby oil! If your finger is swollen and a ring is stuck, apply some Balm, making sure you get some around and under the ring; this will help it slip right off.
“In my last days of pregnancy, I was definitely reaching for the balm to help get my rings off my fingers at the end of the day.” —Sweta
17. Removing Band-Aids
If your baby or toddler screams when you rip off the (literal) Band-Aid, remember that this is one of our favorite baby oil uses: Gently rub the skin around the bandage with our balm until it starts to loosen. It’ll come right off!
“We keep our Bubbsi balm right on the sink for rubbing onto elbows and lips, and helping to unstick Band-Aids. No more tears! ” —Gina
18. Tattoo After Care
Try Oil Balm as a cleaner alternative to Vaseline and Aquaphor for protecting new tattoos and sealing in moisture.
19. Help with Dry Scalp
Healthy hair starts at the top! Follow this recommended routine if you’re dealing with a dry scalp or dandruff:
- Step 1: Oil Balm - Massage onto scalp and let sit 10-15 minutes.
- Step 2: Shampoo + Wash - Gently comb through hair to remove flakes, then wash.
- Step 3: Conditioner - Restore and repair - don’t be afraid to apply to scalp!
20. Removes slime from hair
We learned this one the hard way.
- Step 1: Start by removing any big chunks. Dab Oil Balm on stubborn areas and comb through with a fine-toothed comb (a little goes a long way). The slime will start to melt away like magic.
- Step 2: Wash hair with shampoo to remove the Oil Balm, continuing to comb through to ensure all the slime is removed. A handheld showerhead is great for a mini “power wash” (if your child will allow it!).
21. Helps prevent bloody noses
It can be scary (and messy!) when your kids have a nosebleed, but they’re actually pretty common, especially for those with seasonal allergies. Simply dip a clean finger or cotton swab into the Oil Balm and gently dab a thin layer inside the nasal cavity. Use daily/nightly to help repair the nasal cavity, restore moisture, and reduce nosebleeds.
22. Cleans dried baby boogies
Kids sick again? For stubborn boogies, rub a bit of Oil Balm around the nose and gently wipe to watch them melt away. It’s also great for chapped cheeks and tissue nose!
23. Soothes grass rash
Use Oil Balm as a barrier cream both before and after allergen exposure to soothe and smooth allergy-induced skin flare-ups.
