Many Parents Unknowingly Harm Their Children's Skin Through Common Skincare Mistakes

Are you accidentally damaging your child’s skin? Take our quiz to find out if your bathing habits or choice of products might be causing harm. Recent research reveals that many parents unknowingly harm their children’s skin by making everyday errors, such as overexposing them to the sun or using scented skincare items.

A survey involving 700 parents of children aged up to four found that 21% regularly engage in behaviors that could damage their child’s skin, sometimes even daily. Alarmingly, more than a third (35%) of these parents were unaware that their actions might be harmful.

Pharmacist and health expert Nyrah Saleem, who partnered with WaterWipes on this study, explained, “Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming, but small changes can significantly improve your child’s skin health. Nappy rash affects two out of five parents.”

Saleem advises, “Every additional ingredient in skin products raises the chance of a skin reaction. It’s important to check labels carefully and choose products with the fewest ingredients to reduce risk.”

The study also found that 73% of parents have sought medical advice for their children’s skin irritations. Among these cases, 24% learned that too much sun exposure was the cause, 23% blamed harsh laundry detergents, and 22% realized more frequent nappy changes were needed.

Further results showed that 18% of parents noticed skin reactions in their children from using adult creams or moisturizers, and 15% saw irritations from products with long ingredient lists. The OnePoll.com research revealed that 12% of parents rarely or never check product ingredients for their children.

Moreover, over a quarter (27%) admitted to not knowing how many ingredients are in children’s skincare products. Shockingly, 21% were unaware of any link between skincare products and their child’s skin problems.

Despite this, 55% of parents tend to buy skincare from brands they already know, but only 20% prioritize products with fewer ingredients for their children’s sensitive skin.

Dr. Emer Gilligan of WaterWipes, a brand famous for its formula made of 99.9% water with a touch of fruit extract, said, “Parents want the best for their kids, and that starts with the products used on their skin.”

She cautioned, “A baby’s skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s. Any additive can cause irritation.”

To reduce risk, she recommends, “Choose skincare with minimal ingredients, check labels carefully, and avoid unnecessary additives.”

Top Skincare Tips from Pharmacist Nyrah Saleem:

Less Is More: Use products with the fewest ingredients to minimize irritation risk.

Avoid Perfumes: Fragrances may smell nice but often trigger allergic reactions in babies.

Reconsider Wipes: Avoid wipes containing alcohol or essential oils, as they can dry out sensitive skin.

Read Labels Carefully: Even “natural” products can contain irritants—always review the ingredients.

Watch for Skin Changes: Redness or dry patches may signal damage—switch to fragrance-free, pH-balanced products immediately.

Balance Bathing: Overbathing can dry skin; keep baths short, lukewarm, and skip bubble baths.

Moisturize Quickly: Apply a mild, unscented moisturizer to damp skin within five minutes after bathing to lock in moisture.

By following these simple steps, parents can better protect their children’s delicate skin from harm.

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