Kawakawa Balm is a foundational botanical skincare option in Aotearoa.
But, is Kawakawa safe for babies?
Parents are often careful about what they apply to their baby’s delicate skin. When dealing with eczema, cradle cap, nappy rash, or dry irritated patches, Zoe’s Kawakawa Balm is safe for babies, and suitable for sensitive skin.
1. A Gentle Balm for Sensitive Baby Skin
Baby skin is thinner, more delicate, and loses moisture more quickly than adult skin. Conditions like eczema, cradle cap, drool rash, and nappy irritation are common during infancy because a babies' skin barrier is still developing.
Zoe’s Kawakawa Balm combines two powerful native New Zealand botanicals: kawakawa and mānuka. These are infused into sunflower oil with beeswax and shea butter to create a soothing balm.
The balm is free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh additives, making it a great option for babies and young children.
2. Benefits of Kawakawa for Baby Skin
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) has long been valued in rongoā Māori for helping soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Kawakawa leaves naturally contain bioactive compounds including called Myristicin & Elemicin.
These naturally occurring plant compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help calm itchy, dry, or inflamed skin. When kawakawa is infused slowly into oils, these botanical actives are extracted from the leaves into the balm, allowing them to be gently absorbed into the skin.
3. Addition of Mānuka
Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is renowned for its antimicrobial and skin supporting properties. In Zoe’s Kawakawa Balm, mānuka is infused alongside kawakawa to create a synergistic blend that helps:
- Calm redness and irritation
- Support the skin barrier
- Protect compromised or inflamed skin
- Maintain hydration
- Support healing of dry or cracked skin
4. Sunflower Oil Is Ideal for Babies
A standout feature of Zoe’s Kawakawa Balm is the use of sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus seed oil) as part of the infusion base.
Sunflower oil is naturally rich in Linoleic acid (Omega-6 fatty acid) &Vitamin E (tocopherols).
Linoleic acid is known to help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, both essential for sensitive baby skin. Sunflower oil is lightweight, gentle, and easily absorbed, helping soften dry patches without feeling overly heavy.
5. Helpful for Cradle Cap, Nappy Rash, and more!
Many whānau use Zoe's Kawakawa Balm as a natural multi-purpose skincare product for babies. It's also great for:
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Cradle cap
- Nappy rash
- Dry skin
- Minor irritations and scratches
- Sensitive skin support
6. Fragrance and Essential Oil Free
For young babies or children with severe eczema or allergies, essential oils can irritate the skin. It is always wise to patch test any new skincare product first and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Note: While our original Kawakawa Balm is great for babies, our aromatic balms contain essential oils and should not be used on babies under six months old.
7. Rooted in Rongoā Māori Tradition
As Tangata Tiriti (people of the Treaty) we acknowledge the importance of mātauranga Māori and the deep cultural knowledge connected to native healing plants, especially kawakawa. Zoe’s Kawakawa acknowledges that Kawakawa has been used for generations within rongoā Māori as a traditional healing plant for skin and wellbeing.
8. Zoe's Kawakawa Balm is for all ages
Zoe's 60ml Glass Jar and 12ml Balm Tin contain Kawakawa and Mānuka infused Sunflower oil, beeswax and Shea butter. No nasties, no fragrance and no parabens, so are safe for babies.
Note: Our aromatic balms contain essential oils with their own benefits and are best used by people over three months of age.
