Baby Soap Recipe: A Mild & Gentle Soap for Sensitive Skin
When it comes to bathing your baby, most parents want a soap that is pure, gentle, and free from harsh chemicals. Baby skin is delicate and absorbs much more than adult skin, which makes ingredient choice especially important.
This baby soap recipe is formulated specifically with sensitive skin in mind, using mild, nourishing oils that cleanse without stripping natural moisture.
About This Baby Soap Recipe (Cold Process Method)
This baby soap recipe is based on years of hands-on cold process soap making experience and has been formulated with ingredient balance, mildness, and proper curing in mind. Every oil choice in this recipe serves a specific purpose to support gentle cleansing and skin comfort.
It is a cold process soap recipe designed to be:
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Gentle and non-drying
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Free from synthetic fragrances
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Suitable for babies and sensitive skin (with proper curing)
Using Soap Recipe #2 below, you will fill a 3-pound loaf mold, yielding approximately 15 bars of soap, depending on how thick you cut them.
This flexible silicone soap mold is easy to unmold and works well for both beginner and experienced soap makers— you can find it on Amazon.
Who This Baby Soap Recipe Is Best For
This recipe is ideal for:
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Parents seeking a simple, gentle soap for babies
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Soap makers creating products for sensitive skin
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Anyone avoiding synthetic fragrance and harsh detergents
This recipe may not be suitable for:
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Babies with diagnosed skin conditions without medical guidance
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Those needing medicated or prescription cleansers
Basic Baby Soap Recipe #2
Oils & Butters
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850 g Olive Oil – extremely mild and conditioning
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250 g Coconut Oil – gentle cleansing and lather (kept low for mildness)
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200 g Palm Oil – hardness and longevity
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90 g Calendula Oil – soothing and skin-calming
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110 g Sweet Almond Oil – gentle and nourishing
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25 g Grapeseed Oil – lightweight conditioning oil
Lye & Water
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215 g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
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2 – 2¼ cups distilled water
Scent Options
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Unscented (recommended for newborns and very sensitive skin)
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Optional: 3 tablespoons dried lavender buds for a very mild, natural scent
(no essential oils required)
This soap is intended for gentle cleansing only and should be used sparingly, as babies do not require daily soap use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow standard cold process soap making instructions, including:
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Proper safety gear
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Accurate digital weighing
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Adequate curing time
👉 You can follow the full Step-by-Step Cold Process Soap Making Guide and Lye Safety here:
Cold Process soap Making
What to Do If You Get Lye on Your Skin (Soap Making Safety Guide)
Allow the soap to cure for at least 4–6 weeks before use to ensure it is mild and fully saponified.
Essential Oil Safety for Babies (Important)
Always speak with your doctor or pediatrician before introducing essential oils to your baby’s routine.
There are no universal guidelines for essential oil use on babies, but many practitioners recommend avoiding essential oils entirely for the first three months of life.
Generally Considered Gentle (After 3 Months)
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Lavender
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Roman Chamomile
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Dill
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Blue Yarrow
After 6 Months
A wider range of essential oils may be considered, but thorough research and proper dilution are essential.
💡 For newborns and very young babies, unscented soap is always the safest choice.
Final Notes for Parents & Soap Makers
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Always patch test new soap on a small area
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Keep baby soap separate from adult or scented soaps
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Label clearly if gifting or selling
Gentle ingredients, proper curing, and conservative scent choices are the key to truly baby-safe soap.
Pediatric Safety Disclaimer
This recipe and information are provided for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical advice. Every baby’s skin is different, and sensitivities can vary widely.
Before using any handmade soap, herbal infusion, or essential oil on an infant or child, consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional. This is especially important for babies with eczema, allergies, premature birth, or compromised skin barriers.
For newborns and very young babies, unscented soap is always recommended, and any new product should be patch tested on a small area of skin before regular use. Discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs.
The author and website assume no responsibility for individual reactions or outcomes resulting from the use of this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Soap
Is homemade soap safe for babies?
Homemade soap can be safe for babies when it is properly formulated, fully cured, and made with gentle, skin-loving oils. Baby soap recipes should avoid harsh ingredients, high coconut oil percentages, and synthetic fragrances.
How long should baby soap cure before use?
Baby soap should cure for at least 4–6 weeks before use. This allows excess water to evaporate and ensures the soap is mild, long-lasting, and safe for sensitive skin.
Should baby soap be scented?
For newborns and very young babies, unscented soap is best. Babies do not need fragrance, and fragrance—natural or synthetic—can increase the risk of irritation. If scent is used, it should be extremely mild and introduced only after consulting a pediatrician.
Can essential oils be used in baby soap?
Essential oils should be used with extreme caution on babies. Many practitioners recommend avoiding essential oils entirely for the first three months of life. Even after that, only a few oils are considered gentle, and proper dilution is critical.
What essential oils are considered gentler for babies?
After three months of age, some practitioners consider lavender, Roman chamomile, dill, and blue yarrow to be gentler options. Always consult a pediatrician before using essential oils on a baby.
Is this soap suitable for babies with eczema?
Babies with eczema or highly sensitive skin may react to even mild soap. Always consult a pediatrician first, use unscented soap, and perform a patch test before regular use.
Can this soap be used on adults with sensitive skin?
Yes. This recipe is also suitable for adults with sensitive or allergy-prone skin due to its gentle oil blend and low cleansing strength.
How should baby soap be stored?
Store baby soap in a dry, well-ventilated area between uses. Avoid letting the soap sit in water, as this can shorten its lifespan and make it mushy.
Should I patch test baby soap?
Yes. Always patch test a new soap on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours before full use, especially for babies and young children.
Important Note:
Guidance in this post reflects traditional soap-making practices and personal formulation experience, not medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Last updated: January 2026
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