Baby Products & Allergens: How to Spot Nut Oils and Keep Your Infant Safe

Introduction
Allergies in babies are on the rise, and parents are becoming more cautious about what they expose their infants to - especially when introducing solid foods. But food isn’t the only concern. Many parents don’t realise that allergens like nut oils can be hidden in everyday baby products such as lotions, creams, and shampoos.

While there’s growing awareness about avoiding harsh chemicals in baby skincare, common food allergens in these products often go unnoticed. This article explores how nut oils in baby products may affect allergy risk, why topical exposure can matter, and practical tips to keep your baby safe.

Allergic Disorders & Infants
The incidence of allergic diseases has nearly doubled in Western countries over the past 25 years. In Australia and New Zealand, up to 40% of children are affected by an allergic disorder at some point, and 20% are currently experiencing symptoms.

Common allergic conditions in children include:

• Food allergies (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat)
• Eczema
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

While genes play a role, environmental changes and early allergen exposure, including via skin contact with nut oils, may influence the development of allergies.

Nut Oils in Baby Products
Nut-derived oils like almond oil, shea butter, macadamia oil, and peanut oil are sometimes added to baby moisturisers and balms for their nourishing properties. For most children, they’re harmless, but in babies at high risk of allergies, topical exposure before oral introduction may increase sensitisation risk.

Nut-derived oils like almond oil, shea butter, macadamia oil, and peanut oil are sometimes added to baby moisturisers and balms for their nourishing properties. For most children, they’re harmless, but in babies at high risk of allergies, topical exposure before oral introduction may increase sensitisation risk.

How to spot nut oils on labels:

• Look for ingredient names like Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond oil) or Arachis hypogaea (peanut oil).
• Scan for tree nut derivatives such as macadamia, walnut, or hazelnut oil.
• Choose “nut oil–free” products if your baby has a family history of allergies or eczema - for example, Maternally Happy’s Gentle Wash & Oil is formulated without common nut oils while still keeping skin nourished and hydrated.

Starting Solids Safely
Introducing allergenic foods like peanut, egg, and dairy orally at the right developmental stage can actually help reduce allergy risk. The timing matters - if babies are exposed to allergens on their skin before they have eaten them, the immune system may be more likely to react.

Tips for introducing allergenic foods:

1. Wait until your baby shows signs of readiness for solids (usually around 6 months).
2. Introduce one allergenic food at a time, in small amounts.
3. Monitor closely for any reactions such as rash, swelling, vomiting, or breathing difficulties.
4. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider, especially if your baby has severe eczema or a known allergy.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Always check baby skincare labels for nut oils, especially if there’s a family history of allergies.
• Prioritise oral introduction of allergenic foods before regular topical exposure.

• Consult a paediatrician or allergy specialist if you have concerns about allergy prevention.

References:

• Adomaite I, Vitkuviene A, Petraitiene S, Rudzeviciene O. Food allergens in skincare products marketed for children. Contact Dermatitis. 2020 Oct;83(4):271-276. Epub 2020 Jul 27. PMID: 32588439.
• Brown et al. The role of skin absorption as a route of exposure for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. Am J Public Health. 1984 May; 74(5): 479–484.
• Kasting and Kretsos.Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2005;18:55-74
• Robinson et al. The Importance of Exposure Estimation in the Assessment of Skin Sensitization risk. Contact Dermatitis 2000; 42:251-259.
• Mišak Z. Infant nutrition and allergy. Proc Nutr Soc. 2011 Nov;70(4):465-71. Epub 2011 Aug 31. PMID: 21880163.
• Annesi-Maesano I, Fleddermann M, Hornef M, von Mutius E, Pabst O, Schaubeck M, Fiocchi A. Allergic diseases in infancy: I - Epidemiology and current interpretation. World Allergy Organ J. 2021 Nov 12;14(11):100591. PMID: 34820047; PMCID: PMC8593659.
• Kramer MS, Kakuma R. Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 8.Art. No.: CD003517.
• Walsh A, Kearney L, Dennis N. Factors influencing first-time mothers' introduction of complementary foods: a qualitative exploration. BMC Public Health. 2015 Sep 22;15:939 PMID: 26395331; PMCID: PMC4580114.
  
• Kuo AA, Inkelas M, Slusser WM, Maidenberg M, Halfon N. Introduction of solid food to young infants. Matern Child Health J. 2011 Nov;15(8):1185-94. PMID: 20842523; PMCID: PMC3195680.