Honey’s been doing the rounds since way back—used on wounds, in teas, even on toast. But what about baby skincare? If you’ve spotted it on a balm label and paused mid-scroll, you’re not alone.

Let’s unpack the facts, without the midnight Google spiral.

Why honey, anyway?

It’s not just sweet—it’s smart.
Honey (especially mānuka) is rich in:

• Natural sugars to hydrate

• Antioxidants + amino acids to support skin repair

• Antimicrobial compounds that help keep things calm

Medical-grade honey is even used in hospitals to help support wound care. That’s why you’ll find it in baby balms, creams, and cradle cap care.

But hang on—can honey be harmful?

Eaten? Yes. Babies under 12 months should never ingest honey due to the risk of botulism.
Used topically? Safe—when properly formulated.

C. botulinum spores (the ones responsible for botulism) need a very specific environment to activate: low oxygen, low acidity, and no preservatives. Skincare doesn’t offer that.

In fact, there’s no medical evidence linking honey-based creams or balms to infant botulism. Even medical-grade dressings containing honey—used in paediatric wound care—have shown strong safety records.

What the science says

Global health authorities agree:
Botulism concerns apply to ingestion—not skincare.

For everyday skincare use—including on sensitive, dry, or reactive skin—there’s no documented risk when using professionally formulated honey products.

Why formulations matter

Cosmetic honey isn’t the raw kind from your pantry.
It’s:

• Purified and standardised (especially mānuka or medical-grade)

• Used in small amounts and mixed into preserved, stabilised products

• Paired with natural barriers like acidity and sugar content that help prevent microbial growth

In baby skincare, everything from pH to water content is designed to keep the product safe—even with honey inside.

“But what if baby licks it?”

It happens. And it’s okay.

At the low levels found in skincare (typically around 0.01%), even a lick or two doesn’t come close to the amounts that raise concern.
The honey is diluted, blended, and bound up with other ingredients—making it inert in the body and unlikely to cause harm.

So should you try it?

If your baby’s skin is dry, eczema-prone, or easily irritated—yes, a honey-based balm could help support their barrier and calm flare-ups.
Just look for one that’s:

• Fragrance-free and steroid-free

• Dermatologist-tested for infants

• Made with cosmetic- or medical-grade honey

• Free from essential oils or known irritants

Always patch test first, and check with a healthcare pro if you’re treating skin disorders or ongoing skin conditions.

The Noody perspective

We love honey. But we love safety more.
If you ever see honey in a Noody product, know it’s:

• High-grade, properly processed

• Chosen for real skin benefits—not hype

• Included in a formula that’s tested, parent-trusted, and clinically considered

Honey in baby skincare? Yes—with care.
Avoid DIY experiments. Stick with products that are made for sensitive skin and backed by science.

Because a little sweetness can go a long way—when it’s done right.