User:Tamina212/sandbox/Baby oil

Baby oil is a skin-care product for infants.

The skin of an infant, especially a premature one, is sensitive, thin and fragile. Its neutral pH on the surface significantly reduces the protection against excessive bacterial growth. The epidermis and dermis are thinner than those of adults and the epidermal barrier is not yet fully developed. Consequences can for example be dry skin, infections, peeling, blister formation and poor thermoregulation. The application of different oils to the skin of the newborn is routinely practiced in many countries. In general, these oils are used for cleansing, to maintain the skin's moisture and to protect its surface. Additionally, baby oil is used for the massage of newborns and as additive in lotions and creams.

Ingredients
Baby oils can be classified by the base formulation of the product. They are based on


 * mineral oil or
 * vegetable oils.

Products based on mineral oil
Typical components of baby oils are the highly purified paraffins mineral oil (INCI name: paraffin oil) and vaseline (INCI name: petrolatum). These compounds are odorless and tasteless, dermatologically tested and approved, not allergenic, hydrophobic and contain no pesticides or herbicides. Preservatives or antioxidants are not necessary, because in contrast to vegetable oils, there is no risk of rancidity with paraffins. Nevertheless, the use of mineral oil in cosmetics is being criticized. Natural cosmetic companies claim that the use of mineral oil results in skin occlusion. Conventional cosmetic manufacturers and even dermatogists and cosmetic chemists argue against that and studies weren't able to show any statisitical difference between paraffin oil and vegetable oils in terms of skin penetration and skin occlusion. On the contrary, petrolatum-based preparations have been shown to be effective to the skin barrier function, even in premature infants.

Products based on vegetable oils
Vegetable oils are produced by plants with the highest concentration being present in seeds and fruits. About 95% of each vegetable oil is primarily composed of triglycerides. Coconut oil and palm oil contain mainly saturated fatty acids, while other oils largely contain unsaturated fatty acids, for example oleic acid and linoleic acid. Accompanying substances in vegetable oils are, inter alia, phospholipids, glycolipids, sulfolipids, squalene, carotenoids, vitamen E, polyphenols and triterpene alcohols. To avoid rancidity, preservatives or antiocidants are added to baby oils based on vegetable oils. On cosmetic products, these oils are listed according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), e.g.:


 * Cocos Nucifera Oil (coconut oil)
 * Elaeis Guineensis Oil (palm oil)
 * Glycine Soja Oil (soya oil)
 * Hydrogenated Olive Oil (olive oil)
 * Persea Gratissima Oil (avocado oil)
 * Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (almond oil)
 * Shea Butter Glycerides (shea butter)
 * Simmondsia chinensis Oil (jojoba oil)
 * Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (sunflower oil)

Vegetable oils are not to be confused with essential oils, both being sourced from plants.

Usage
Baby oils are largely used as skin care products and their principle use remains as skin moisturizers. In particular, baby oils find application in the treatment of various skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, xerosis, psoriasis and other eczematous conditions. Another area of use is the oil massage of the newborn which has been a tradition in India and other Asian countries since time immemorial. The massage itself has benefits including the stimulation of circulatory and gastrointestinal systems, better weight gain, lesser stress behaviour, positive effects on neurological and neuromotor development and infant-parent bonding. Massage with oil results in improved skin condition, namely increased hydration and surface lipid content. The barrier function and thermoregulation are improved and the loss of transepidermal water is reduced.