Baby oil is a humble product that is typically 98% mineral oil and 2% fragrance, though it can be purchased as a 100% mineral oil. It’s often walked past and ignored as people make their way to the expensive shelves of chemical-containing skincare and beauty products. However, the benefits of baby oil are vast, varying from a hair conditioning treatment to a savvy shaving cream swap.




Baby Oil Cleansing

Baby oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores, so it’s often used as a base for a lot of expensive oil cleansers. You can use baby oil on its own to get the same great results and you’ll probably be surprised at just how much makeup and dirt comes off your face at the end of each day. You can add other oils to the baby oil based on your skin type and what it’s in need of, such as tea tree oil, which is antibacterial so it can prevent acne, or carrot seed essential oil for aging and sun damaged skin. All you need to do is apply a little of your baby oil or oil mix all over your face and gently massage it in circles, which will also help to clear pores. Massage for 2 to 5 minutes, then wipe off any excess with warm water on a clean cloth.




Eye makeup removal

For people with oily skin, it can be difficult to come to terms with covering your whole face with more oil, despite the benefits of baby oil. However, removing eye makeup can be difficult, particularly for waterproof products that can require a lot of scrubbing which should be avoided around such a delicate area. Apply some baby oil onto a makeup pad and gently wipe to remove mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and any other products. No harsh scrubbing needed.

Baby oil shaving ‘cream’

Using baby oil in place of expensive shaving creams is as simple as it sounds. Just put it on whichever body part you’re shaving and get to it. The added bonus to this is that is acts as a moisturizer for the top layers of skin as it’s an emollient. You can also add some essential oils for additional skin benefits, such as lavender oil or frankincense that are great for dry skin.

Clean and condition your makeup brushes

Professional makeup artists recommend conditioning makeup brushes no more than once every other week as it can make them too soft and difficult to use, but cleaning should be done weekly. Using baby oil can clean and condition your brushes at the same time, which is important for preventing a buildup of bacteria on them and keeping them soft enough, especially if they’re made from real hair. On the alternate weeks, it’s a good idea to use a regular brush cleaning product to keep them clean. All you need to do is apply a few drops of baby oil into your hand or a small container and swish your brush around on it to release any makeup that has built up and remove germs. Rinse with warm water and let them air dry, shaping the bristles first.

Baby oil as a deep conditioner for your hair

Baby oil is not only good for the skin, removing makeup and cleaning your makeup brushes, but it’s also great for your hair when it needs a bit of love and attention. Baby oil can make hair instantly softer, glossier and give it a healthy appearance. Apply a small amount to a makeup pad, tissue or cotton ball and let it absorb it. Rub it over your hair, focusing on the ends and let the oil soak into your hair. If you’re going to style it after, wait for a little while first to get the most benefits. Avoid putting baby oil directly onto your hair as it can weigh it down and make it look greasy.

There are many other uses for baby oil and it’s a great product to experiment with based on your skin, beauty routine and needs. It’s so versatile and inexpensive that everyone should have a bottle of it in their homes.