The best vegan skincare products for kids

Best vegan skincare products for kids

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Your child’s skin is the largest organ on their body. It works hard to protect their body from germs and keep their temperature just right. As they grow, their skin stretches and becomes thinner. Sun exposure, harsh chemicals and diet all have a huge impact on your little one’s skin, so it's important to keep their skin clean and full of moisture. Seemingly simple right? But paired with a vegan belief system, it can become a little trickier. Many of the leading children’s skincare products use animal-based ingredients. So, we have compiled the best vegan skin products for kids that are perfect for pampering your little eco-warrior.

What is veganism?

The concept of veganism has grown hugely in the last decade. Many parents are now opting to live a plant-based lifestyle and thus avoid animal products. Vegans tend to avoid animal products as much as possible for health, ethical or environmental reasons, and for many, it’s a combination of all three.

Why is it important?

To get a better understanding of why it is important to try to use vegan baby skincare products, we asked Katie Roberts, the Global Sales Director of Rocami, one of the UK's leading children's skincare manufacturers.

"Since little ones are prone to sensitive, delicate skin and are susceptible to the effects of artificial ingredients as their skin absorbs chemicals much easier than adults, one of the main benefits of using all-natural, vegan products such as Mini U, is that they contain safer ingredients and no harsh chemicals which can often irritate any skin conditions or cause reactions," she explained.

The best vegan skin products for kids 2023

Best vegan hair and body wash
Mini U Tropical Berries Hair and Body Wash YellowMini U

Mini U have recently relaunched their skincare, bath and body brand. As a mum of three, I absolutely love this product. It's often difficult to find a hair and body wash that smells lovely but leaves both the hair and body clean. This does exactly that. It is made from organic aloe vera to leave a lasting silky soft look and feel.

Mother&Baby writer, Hannah James said: "I love Mini U. The brand gets everything right, from the fun packaging to the gorgeous smelling products. This is my personal favourite. It smells delicious which is rare for a vegan product as they are often fragrance-free."

Pros

  • 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients

Cons

  • Recently relaunched so limited reviews
Ingredients:Aqua, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Sorbate, Panthenol, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder.

Best vegan sun cream
ORGANIC CHILDREN SCENT FREE SUN CREAM - SPF30Green People

This non-greasy sun cream will protect your child's skin from harmful UV rays while letting in nourishing vitamin D. It is water-repellent but won't block your little one's pores. It comes in an eco-friendly, fully recyclable plant-based packaging too.

Review: "I have been using this product for my 10-year-old son since he was a baby It is extremely gentle for his delicate sensitive skin which can be prone to eczema He has never burnt in the sun even when out in the sea snorkelling and playing on holiday."

Pros

  • Scent-free and eczema-friendly

Cons

  • A little pricey
Ingredients: AQUA (PURE WATER), COCO-CAPRYLATE, DIETHYLHEXYL BUTAMIDO TRIAZONE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, ZINC OXIDE (NON-NANO), CETEARYL ALCOHOL (EMULSIFYING PLANT WAX), CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE SOURCE), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE (NATURAL EMULSIFIER), ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) STARCH, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL*, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) SEED BUTTER*, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER*, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE (FROM CASTOR OIL), ISOSTEARIC ACID, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) LEAF EXTRACT*, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (MARSHMALLOW) ROOT EXTRACT*, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (CHAMOMILE) FLOWER EXTRACT*, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT*, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM (EDELWEISS) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT*, COMMIPHORA MYRRHA (MYRRH) OIL^, XANTHAN (CORN SUGAR) GUM, CELLULOSE GUM, LECITHIN (PLANT SOURCE), TOCOPHEROL, INULIN, CELLULOSE, FRUCTOSE, GLUCOSE, HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, GLUCONOLACTONE, SODIUM GLUCONATE, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE. *73.2% CERTIFIED ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL INGREDIENTS, ^FAIRLY TRADED.<br>

Best vegan baby lotion
Dr Organic Baby Skin Lotion Holland and Barrett

Calendula baby lotion is unfragranced and perfect for putting moisture into your little one's skin. Your child's skin is delicate and sensitive. This lotion uses natural extracts to soothe the skin, including Aloe Vera and meadowfoam oil.

Review: "Absolutely love this product. I have been using it on my two young daughters who are mixed race and have sensitive skin and it has been really helpful. It helps to keep their skin moisturised and is perfect for the summer weather."

Pros

  • Long-lasting for sensitive skin

Cons

  • None that we could find!
Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl -3 dicitrate/stearate, Calendula officinalis (Calendula) flower oil, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Glyceryl stearate, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) seed oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extract, Xanthan gum, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl acetate, Citric acid, Sodium phytate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid.

Best vegan baby oil

Baby oil is fantastic for soothing dry skin. We love using this baby oil for baby massage. The soothing oil light organic sesame oil helps to add moisture to your little one's skin and a little bit goes a very long way.

Mother&Baby writer, Hannah James said: " I think this product is wonderful, I recently learnt the benefits of baby massage are have since incorporated this into our bedtime routine using this baby oil. I have found that the massage helps my little one falls asleep. After a busy day, it is lovely to take the time to be connected to my little boy."

IngredientsSesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract.

Best vegan nappy rash cream
Childs Farm Nappy Cream for Happy Bottoms Holland and Barrett

There's nothing worse than when your child has a nappy rash. This award-winning nappy rash cream works to prevent and soothe any damaged skin from irritation. It is fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types and ages.

Review: "Great nappy cream, completely protects my little girl from nappy rash. I’ve also used this on a dry patch of skin I haven’t been able to get rid of for months, this amazing cream got rid of it overnight! It’s amazing!"

Pros

  • Great for the whole family

Cons

  • Only one size available
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Benzyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dehydroacetic Acid, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract.

Best vegan wash for after swimming
Bloom & Blossom - 3 in 1 Swim 200ml - MatildaImage: Amazon

Carrying around multiple bottles in your child's swimming back can be a chore in itself. This three-in-one swim bottle acts as a body wash, shampoo and conditioner. It can be used all over, minimising the stress of shower time after swimming. The pink lemonade scent promises to remove all traces of the strong swimming pool chlorine smell.

Suitable for 3+

Review: "Smells Amazing! So much so that I’m using it on myself as well as the kids now! We’re a very sensitive skinned household and no issues here. Will buy again after trying some of the other fragrances."

Pros

  • Naturally foaming

Cons

  • May need to use separate conditioner for thicker hair
Ingredients:Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Laurate, Isostearmide MIPA, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric Acid, Tocopherol, **Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, **Linalool, **Hexyl Cinnamal, **Limonene. **Potential Allergens.

Best vegan baby balm
Neal's Yard Remedies Baby BalmImage: Amazon

This enriching baby balm is made from shea butter and sunflower oil. It is scent-free and super soft on sensitive skin. Organic baby balm is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and free from nasty chemicals.

Review: "I love this product! Makes a fantastic massage balm when mixed with lavender oil. My baby sleeps all night after a massage with this and his skin is amazing, would highly recommend this product."

Pros

  • Great for baby massage

Cons

  • No scent
Ingredients:  Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cera Alba/Beeswax/ Cire d'Abeille*.

Best organic body wash for kids
Alteya Organic Kids and Baby WashImage: Amazon
Price: £17.95
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeT1dZWlNKTR5UXQ4dXxJLeF5DBxwDHmdrfXNIdxNTUVZfVhpwWVtJGmUCQV5PKVBeU08iB11GVFwdXAxWBAALBQQG&x=v1

This wash is packed full of calming essential oils, including marigold, chamomile and pink rose. It will leave your little one smelling great and feeling smooth too. It helps to cleanse and nourish the skin after a long day of facing the outdoor elements. It is 100 per cent natural and 99 per cent organic.

Review: "I've been using this shampoo for My Baby girl, who will be two years old soon. I like that it's organic, and clean ingredients. It does not have a lovely perfumed smell as other chemical shampoos, but that's alright for me. My girls hair are smooth and soft every time. I will keep buying this."

Pros

  • Light and gentle

Cons

  • Not a pump bottle
Ingredients: Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Distillate, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citric Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Eugenol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool

Best vegan bath bombs

Make bath time fun with these small rainbow bath bombs. Your little one will love dropping them in and watching the rainbow colours appear.

Mother&Baby writer, Hannah James said: "My children absolutely love these bath bombs. They make everyone excited for bath time. I love that I know that these are gentle on my kid's skin and they love the bright colours."

Pros

  • Bright colours

Cons

  • Only three in a pack
Ingredients:Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Sulphate, Sodium Carbonate Polyethylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, CI7200, CI19140, CI73015, CI45380. CI73015, CI42053

Best vegan wash cloths
Cuddledry Bamboo Washcloth SetJohn Lewis

Okay, so we know nearly all facecloths are vegan. However, this face cloth is made from pure cotton and natural bamboo. It has been made by the eco-conscious company, Cuddledry. Cuddledry ensures its products are made fairly. Did you know, that bamboo also has natural antibacterial qualities?

Review: "Lovely soft washcloths which stay soft after several washes. Not cheap but definitely worth the price."

Pros

  • Eco-friendly and soft

Cons

  • Price
Material:Cotton blend, bamboo
Size:H20 x W20cm

Best vegan bedtime oil
Nala's Baby Nighttime Oil Boots

Help your little one wind down before bedtime with this gorgeous gentle night-time oil. Suitable for newborns and up, it'll leave your baby's skin feeling silky soft and nourished. It's alcohol-free, dermatologist-approved, and paediatrician approved too.

Review: "My son of three months had dry skin on forehead. I tried different things to hydrate skin. I put this on one evening, over his whole body and it was clear when he woke the very next morning. It smells lovely too."

Pros

  • Lovely scent

Cons

  • No film top so some found it leaked in transit
Ingredients:Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Parfum, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

Best bath cream
Weleda Baby Calendula Cream Bath
Price: £35.00

With just a few drops in your baby's warm bath, Weleda Baby Calendula Cream Bath will work to gently soothe your baby's sensitive skin. We love this as an alternative to bubble baths. 

Mother&Baby writer, Hannah James said: " On a long day bubblebath and bath bombs can cause even more over excitement. When I am trying to get my children to wind down I love using this product. It leaves the bath water silky and milky. My children come out feeling much soft and their skin looks fantastic."

Pros

  • Help soothes the skin
  • Kindly cleansing

Cons

  •  Does not dissolve very easily 
Ingredients: INCI: Water (Aqua), Prunis Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Sodium Beeswax, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Limonene*, Linalool*. * from natural essential oils<br><br>

What makes a skincare product vegan?

Vegan skincare products are created without using any ingredients obtained from an animal, including animal by-products like milk and honey. These products are not the same as cruelty-free, although, by default, they are. Cruelty-free products may still contain animal by-products, but it has been sourced more ethically.

How can I tell if my child’s skincare product is vegan?

One of the quickest ways to tell if your child’s skincare product is vegan is to look for the Vegan Society logo. The Vegan Trademark is a registered logo printed on products that certifies them as vegan. It means they have no animal products or animal by-products and have not been tested on animals.

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How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.