What does Hypoallergenic mean and why does it matter?

Compared to your own skin, your baby's is much thinner, loses water faster and has less natural moisturising factor – all of which make it more prone to dryness. Their skin also absorbs substances faster and has a less developed barrier function than yours, so harsh chemicals and bacteria can penetrate more easily. That's why your little one's skin is so sensitive – and why it needs specialised skincare.

Baby Dove scientists take great care to create products with a combination of gentle ingredients that are kind to babies' delicate skin. For example, look at our Sensitive Moisture range and you'll see the word 'hypoallergenic' – it's our promise to parents that the range has been carefully formulated and tested to ensure it minimises allergy risks. And as Dr Dina, a paediatrician and mum of four explains, “Baby skin is much, much more sensitive and much more at risk of damage, so that’s why products should be hypoallergenic and mild.”

“Our ingredients and formulations are simple: they’re not overcomplicated or filled with anything that isn’t needed,” explains Evan Hillman, a member of the Baby Dove research team and a dad himself.

These tests are just the beginning. All our products are also dermatologist-tested and paediatrician-tested to ensure they are mild and gentle enough for babies' delicate skin.

If your baby's skin is especially prone to dryness, look out for a baby wash for sensitive skin, like Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Head to Toe Wash. It's been clinically proven to gently cleanse and leave even the most sensitive skin feeling healthy, hydrated and wonderfully soft.