A newborn's skin produces its own natural oil called sebum, which helps form a protective barrier against moisture loss and outside irritants. In the first few weeks of life, this can sometimes appear as a slightly greasy texture or contribute to conditions like cradle cap (a mild, common buildup of oil and skin flakes on the scalp).
Baby creams are formulated to work alongside this natural process — not to strip it away. A good baby cream typically:
It's generally best to apply baby cream sparingly, especially in the early months, since a newborn's sebum production is already helping protect the skin naturally. Over-application can sometimes lead to clogged pores or minor breakouts.