DIY Baby Balm: A Simple Natural Recipe for Sensitive Baby Skin

Baby skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin — what goes on it gets absorbed more readily. The case for simple, short ingredient lists is stronger for baby skincare than for any other category. This article gives you two anhydrous baby balm recipes — the shortest possible ingredient lists, no water, no preservatives, no fragrance, and no essential oils. Both use ingredients that have been applied to newborn and infant skin across West Africa for generations. For a complete guide to natural skincare for babies and during pregnancy, see Natural Skincare for Pregnancy and Babies.

Always patch test before using any new product on baby skin. Apply a small amount to a small area and wait 24 hours. Consult your paediatrician before using new skincare products on babies with known skin conditions or sensitivities. This article does not constitute medical advice.

Why Anhydrous Balms for Baby Skin

An anhydrous product contains no water. No water means no need for preservatives. Commercial baby lotions and creams contain water, which requires preservatives — parabens, phenoxyethanol, and others — to prevent bacterial and mould growth. Those preservatives are some of the ingredients that parents of babies with sensitive skin prefer to minimise.

A balm of two ingredients — shea butter and cocoa butter — is exactly that: two ingredients. Nothing else. For a complete guide to using shea butter on baby skin, see Shea Butter for Babies. For what shea butter does, see Shea Butter Benefits.

No essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated active compounds generally not recommended for use on baby or infant skin. Both recipes below are intentionally free of them. If you want a scented balm for older children, consult a qualified aromatherapist for age-appropriate guidance.

Recipe 1: Simple Baby Balm (Shea Butter + Cocoa Butter)

Makes approximately 100g | Shelf life: 12–18 months | Equipment: double boiler or heatproof bowl over saucepan, kitchen scales, small glass jar or tin

Ingredients:

• 70g shea butter (Grade A unrefined)
• 30g cocoa butter (unrefined)

Method:

1. Weigh both ingredients and set aside.
2. Melt the shea butter and cocoa butter together in a double boiler over low heat. Stir gently until fully melted and combined — approximately 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2 minutes.
4. Pour into a clean, dry glass jar or tin. Do not seal until completely cool — approximately 45–60 minutes.
5. Once set, the balm will be slightly firmer than plain shea butter. Label with the date made.

Application: Apply a very small amount to baby's skin as needed. Warm a tiny amount between clean fingertips and apply with gentle strokes. Do not apply to broken skin.

Notes:

• No fragrance, no essential oils, no preservatives — this balm is suitable for newborn and infant skin.
• Always patch test: apply a small amount to a small area of baby's skin and wait 24 hours before using more widely.
• Consult your paediatrician before using new skincare products on babies with known skin conditions or sensitivities.
• Store in a cool, dry location with the lid tightly closed. Always use clean, dry hands or a clean spatula to scoop.

Recipe 2: Baby Balm with Baobab Oil (Softer Version)

Makes approximately 100g | Shelf life: 12–18 months | Equipment: double boiler or heatproof bowl over saucepan, kitchen scales, small glass jar or tin

Ingredients:

• 80g shea butter (Grade A unrefined)
• 20g baobab oil

Method:

1. Weigh both ingredients and set aside.
2. Melt the shea butter in a double boiler over low heat until fully liquid — approximately 4 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 3 minutes.
4. Add the baobab oil and stir thoroughly to combine.
5. Pour into a clean, dry glass jar or tin. Do not seal until completely cool.
6. This version sets softer than the cocoa butter version and absorbs slightly faster.

Application: Apply a very small amount to baby's skin as needed. Warm between clean fingertips and apply with gentle strokes.

Notes: Softer consistency than the cocoa butter version — easier to apply in cold weather. Same storage and patch test guidance as Recipe 1.

Which Recipe to Choose

Choose Recipe 1 (cocoa butter version) when you want a firmer balm that holds its shape in warm weather, lasts longer on the skin, and provides a slightly more occlusive layer. Better for dry winter conditions or for areas that need more protection.

Choose Recipe 2 (baobab oil version) when you want a softer balm that is easier to apply, absorbs more readily, and has a lighter texture on the skin. Better for summer use or when you want something lighter for daily all-over application.

Both are equally suitable for newborn and infant skin. Both contain only traditional, anhydrous African ingredients with no synthetic additives of any kind.

Storage and Shelf Life

Both balms last 12 to 18 months when stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight. Always use clean, dry hands or a clean spatula — introducing moisture into the jar will significantly shorten the shelf life. Label each jar with the date made.

Related Recipes

For a more complex belly balm recipe using the same ingredients — suitable for pregnancy skin — see DIY Stretch Mark Cream: A Natural Recipe Using Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter. For pregnancy skincare guidance, see Shea Butter During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and What to Expect. For other simple African ingredient recipes, see DIY Lip Balm Recipes and The Complete Guide to DIY Natural Lip Balm: 10 Recipes Using African Ingredients.

All Baraka ingredients are available with full sourcing documentation. Browse the complete Butters Collection and DIY Ingredients Collection. For real accounts from parents and caregivers using these ingredients on baby skin, see Baraka Customer Stories: How People Use Our Shea Butter and Why It Works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shea butter safe for baby skin?

Unrefined shea butter has a long history of use on newborn and infant skin across West Africa, applied as a standard skin conditioning ingredient for generations. It contains no synthetic fragrance, no preservatives, and no chemical additives. Always patch test before first use and consult your paediatrician before using new skincare products on babies with known skin conditions.

Why are anhydrous balms safer for babies than commercial lotions?

Anhydrous balms contain no water and therefore require no preservatives. Commercial baby lotions contain water, which requires preservatives to prevent bacterial and mould growth. Those preservatives are some of the ingredients that parents of babies with sensitive skin prefer to minimise. A balm of two ingredients consists of exactly those two ingredients and nothing else.

Can I add essential oils to this baby balm recipe?

No — do not add essential oils to skincare products for babies, particularly newborns. Essential oils are concentrated active compounds that are generally not recommended for use on infant skin. These recipes are intentionally simple for that reason. If you want a scented balm for older children, consult a qualified aromatherapist for age-appropriate guidance.

Which recipe is better — cocoa butter or baobab oil version?

Both are suitable for newborn and infant skin. The cocoa butter version is firmer and provides a more occlusive layer — better for cold weather or dry skin areas. The baobab oil version is softer and absorbs more readily — better for lighter daily application in warm weather. Choose based on your preference for texture and the season.

How do I patch test baby balm on infant skin?

Apply a very small amount to a small area of baby's skin — the inner arm or leg is a suitable location. Wait 24 hours and observe. If there is no redness, irritation, or reaction, it is generally safe to proceed. If your baby has known skin conditions or sensitivities, consult your paediatrician before introducing new skincare products.

How long does homemade baby balm last?

Both recipes last 12 to 18 months when stored correctly in a sealed container in a cool, dark location. Always use clean, dry hands or a clean spatula to scoop. Label the jar with the date made so you can track freshness.

Can I use this balm on myself after making it for my baby?

Yes — both recipes are suitable for adult skin as well as baby skin. The simple two-ingredient formulation works as a general body moisturiser, hand balm, or dry skin treatment for adults.

Where can I buy the ingredients for this recipe?

All ingredients are available directly from Baraka — Grade A unrefined shea butter, unrefined cocoa butter, and cold-pressed baobab oil, all sourced through direct cooperative relationships in Ghana's Upper West Region and traditionally processed with zero chemical extraction at any stage.

About the Author

Wayne Dunn is the founder of Baraka Impact and a former Professor of Practice in Sustainability at McGill University. He holds an M.Sc. in Management from Stanford and has spent over 15 years working directly with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region to source traditionally made shea butter and natural oils. He shares DIY skincare recipes and ingredient guides designed to be made at home with real ingredients — and sourced with full transparency about where they come from.