FAQs
Although we have spent many wonderful years in Whole Foods, Target, and other big box stores, we decided to exit them and to shift our focus to provide a fantastic online shopping experience and to support independent retailers and other family owned businesses.
If you’d like to shop in stores, please email customersupport@californiababy.com and we’ll check to see if there is a store near you.
Check out our website! It has been optimized for mobile shopping. You can select free samples with all orders, your order will ship very quickly, and you get free shipping over $69. Let us know if you need product recommendations, we’re here to help!
Our subscription program is super convenient! When signed up you’ll get up to 10- 20% off every order + free shipping + other perks. Pick your favorite products, sit back, and we will auto ship on the schedule of your choosing.
We hear ya! We’re working diligently to make your favorite California Baby products available in Canadian stores. Unfortunately, a universal harmonized regulatory standard does not exist for natural personal care products; when it comes to natural and aromatherapy products, Health Canada's rules are very different from the U.S. It is important that we are able to communicate on our label what makes California Baby products special while conforming to the very restrictive regulations. We appreciate your passion and hope to have good news for you soon!
We offer several shipping options to Canada! With FedEx and DHL you can expect your order in less than a week. We also offer a slower economy option, Borderguru, which would take about 2 weeks to deliver.
For an instant shipping quote, please enter your address at checkout and our website will provide you with shipping rates (all duties and taxes are included in the price!)
Click here to view a list of our authorized online retailers in China to ensure you’re purchasing authentic California Baby you can trust.
Our OTC products are eligible for HSA/FSA! This includes Sunscreens, Diaper Rash Ointments, Eczema products, and Bug Spray.
We recommend consulting with your insurance provider.
For purchases from californiababy.com:
We want to make it easy for you to return your products if things aren’t working out! Return requests must be submitted within 60 days of your purchase.
- For unopened products with safety seal intact - we are happy to issue you a refund once the products are returned to us.
- For opened/used products - we will email you a store credit once the products are returned to us. The store credit is in a form of a gift card with no expiration date. Teddy bears can only be returned for a store credit.
For all returns, we'll need the product returned back to us. We'll email you a prepaid return shipping label so there is no extra cost for you.
You may read our full return policy here: https://www.californiababy.com/policies/refund-policy
Yes you may call in a phone order! Our phone number is (424) 398-8223 and we are available from Monday - Friday from 9am - 330pm PST.
Shopping on our site is also very safe and secure. We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to keep your information safe, and we never distribute any of your information to third-parties.
As an eco-friendly company, we do not produce a printed catalog, nor do we mail out order forms or info sheets. Our website showcases our entire product line and is the best product information source. Occasionally with your order, we will include new or seasonal product information sheets printed on recycled paper and eco-friendly inks.
2 free samples are included with all orders (subject to availability). Interested in a particular product? Please email support@californiababy.com with requests; if available, it will be included with your order. Otherwise, samples of new, seasonal, or complimentary products will be sent.
If you are not ordering at this time, try one of our our inexpensive sampler packs which are a great way to try some of our most popular products. Here is a link to our samples page: https://www.californiababy.com/collections/samples
We don’t offer coupons but we do occasionally have sales or special offers. If you are subscribed to our newsletter and/or social media you will be the first to hear about it. Go to our Instagram page and Facebook page to learn more!
All packages will have a tracking number and will be emailed to you upon shipment of your order.
After successfully placing your order on our website, you will receive an email confirmation from customerservice@californiababy.com with a link to your tracking number. If you don't see it, it may be in your spam folder.
If it's not in your spam folder, please email us at customersupport@californiababy.com.
We accept the following methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, AliPay, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and Paypal.
Feel free to cancel your order anytime before it has been picked up by the carrier. If you need to cancel your order once it is in transit, we will need to subtract a $10 return shipping fee from your refund to get the products back to us.
We recommend that you purchase sample/travel sizes if you are trying a product for the first time. Click here to see our sample/travel sizes.
Shipping in the USA -
We offer free shipping in the mainland USA for orders over $59! If your order is under $59 the shipping rate is $5.99 in mainland USA.
Our standard shipping is via FedEx Ground or USPS Priority Mail. Estimated delivery dates are shown at checkout.
We ship orders Monday thru Friday. Orders received over the weekend will be shipped on Monday or Tuesday. Most orders are shipped within 1 business day if all products are in stock.
We ship to all 50 US states and almost every country! Shop in your local currency.
International shipping -
All duties and taxes are included in the ship charge! There will be no hidden fees later.
International orders ship via DHL Express, FedEx International Economy, or BorderGuru. DHL Express and FedEx are faster, premium options and packages usually arrive within 1 week. Borderguru is our slower, economy option which usually takes 10-21 days to arrive depending on the delivery location and customs processing times.
For an instant shipping quote, please enter your address in the indicated space at check out. Our website will provide you with an accurate quote which includes all duties and taxes.
We ship to the following countries (partial list):
Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia (Slovak Republic), Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and more.
To check if we ship to your country, please start the checkout process and you'll see a full list of all countries we ship to when entering your delivery address.
The product pages on our website have the most up to date and complete information on California Baby products.
Our products do not contain any of these potentially harmful and carcinogenic ingredients. The short list above highlights the most common synthetic additives we choose to avoid. However, our "no-no" list is too long to list in its entirety, to learn more about our strict ingredient standards, click here!
Yes. All California Baby products and packaging are free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Phthalates in skin care products may be found in synthetic fragrances. We only use pure, aromatherapy quality essential oils to scent our products. Our bottles are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene)—a material that is PVC, BPA, and phthalate free. HDPE is safe and accepted by most recycling facilities across the country.
We confirmed with our plastic bottle supplier that they do not do any fluoridation (PFAS). We also do not do any fluoridation when we receive the bottles.
California Baby uses ultra-purified, USP pharmaceutical-grade lanolin (instead of petroleum or fish oil-based ingredients) as a moisture barrier in our diaper rash cream. Because lanolin melts away when diapers are washed in hot water, our Diaper Rash Creams should not leave a residue or affect the absorbency of cloth diapers. We suggest you patch test prior to use.
California Baby products are made in small batches with the finest, freshest plant-based ingredients. Store creams and oils in a cool, dry, dark place - away from direct sunlight and heat. This especially important if you are 'stocking up' by buying multiple products. The bathroom is not the best place to store your products because of the moisture and humidity, but the hall or bedroom closet is.
When purchasing our gallons, we suggest you refill into a smaller bottle and keep it out of the shower unless it will be used completely within one month.
If you are reusing your pump or bottle, you should sanitize it with rubbing alcohol between uses. Here's how: pour a small amount into your bottle and shake, pump out or squeeze thru the dispensing cap. Leave it to dry completely (overnight is best) on paper towels. The alcohol will evaporate without a trace of residue.
"Best by" dates are printed on the bottom of our bottles and jars and stamped into the crimped seal of our tubes. Our expiration dates are listed as MM/YY.
For all personal care products (and moms, this means make-up too) - here are a few questions to ask yourself when evaluating: How does it smell? Has the color changed drastically? Has the consistency changed drastically?
If so, follow the rule "If in doubt—throw it out!"
Our plant-based products can vary in scent, color, and to some extent texture. As our ingredients are crop based, many natural factors can affect the look of a product, ranging from the growing season, to the time of year the ingredient was harvested/processed, etc.
These variances are what make California Baby products unique. Products can darken or turn milky over time as the herbs become more pronounced; herbs may fall to the bottom of the bottle (simply shake to mix).
Essential oils are volatile (they evaporate as they release their scent) and you may notice a slight change in the blend over time. This is normal! California Baby essential oil blends are complex and expected to be enjoyed in each stage of their opening.
To control the quality of our products, we built our own solar-powered, FDA-registered, certified organic manufacturing facility right here in Los Angeles, USA. All California Baby® products are proudly blended and packaged in this facility.
We source our raw materials from the very best places we can find them: for example, our pure essential French lavender oil is from France and quillaja saponaria extract (soap bark) is from Chile. We even take it a step further and grow our own certified organic calendula in Santa Barbara, CA. We are constantly looking for ways to make our products better, more pure, and more sustainable.
We recommend the use of our Super Sensitive (no added fragrance) products on pets. However, as human skin and hair naturally have a different pH level than pets, using pet specific grooming products is recommended. Stay tuned! We will launch our new pet line in Early 2019.
Please note, all of our products are cruelty-free and we do not test on animals or have any of our partners test on animals. If you would like to use products scented with essential oils, please consult with your veterinarian first.
Our Facility:
The California Baby FDA-registered manufacturing facility is also Certified USDA NOP Organic. Whereas many skincare companies outsource product manufacturing, function without any regulations, and often say whatever they want about their products - California Baby follows a strict set of regulatory protocols (checked and certified by a 3rd party) to ensure you only receive the best and safest products.
FDA registered facilities typically exist in the food and pharmaceutical industries because it is required. FDA registered facilities must follow a much stricter set of rules and sanitation standards. Most cosmetic companies don't want to comply with them due to the extra costs and regulations. Not only is our facility FDA registered, but we also achieved certified organic certification - a very rare accomplishment in the cosmetics industry. We pull out all the stops so we can provide the best of the best to our customers.
Click here to learn more about our facility!
Our Farm:
In 2011 we started growing calendula on our own certified organic farm in Santa Barbara County, CA. Six months later, we developed a super-concentrated, pure, certified organic calendula extract from our first harvest.
In 2016 we planted our first plot of French lavender on our farm. Stay tuned, one day soon we will be using our own lavender in our products! Growing these flowers under our watchful eye is not only just part of the rigorous program of quality control we implement across all of our operations, but also one big reason we’ve been trusted to keep babies and families safe for more than 20 years!
Click here to learn more about our farm!
Our Products:
California Baby offers three fully certified organic products:
Calming Organic PowderSuper Sensitive Organic Body OilCalendula Organic Extract
All of our products contain some organic ingredients, however, sometimes due to our strict allergen standard, organic might not be the best option. For example, we require that our vegetable oils be processed in a nut-free facility. If the only organic option for vegetable oil is one that comes from a facility that also processes nuts, we will chose the non-organic option—so that we are guaranteed allergen free material, thus avoiding cross contamination. Our customers can always rest assured that we are continuously using and updating our formulas with organic material that also meets our strict allergen profile so that you receive the healthiest ingredients available.
California Baby continues to lead the way in the purchasing and contracting with organic farmers in the USA. We work closely with them and purchase ingredients years in advance so that the farmer knows he has a home for his organic crop and can avoid market fluctuations. Jessica, California Baby founder & developer, also works closely with raw material suppliers to increase their organic content, pushing for innovation in Green Chemistry production process.
All California Baby products are vegan except for three which utilize ultra-purified lanolin, an animal ingredient: California Baby Diaper Rash Ointments (Calming & Super Sensitive) and our California Kids Overnight Cream.
We decided to use lanolin as a water barrier instead of the typical, cheaper petroleum and fish oil alternatives, which can be contaminated. Lanolin is extracted from wool of the sheep and is not considered a body fat.
California Baby is certified cruelty free. We do NOT conduct product or ingredient tests of any kind on animals. We test in vitro or on humans.
Our Super Sensitive line (no fragrance) is an excellent choice for use during pregnancy. We recommend that any expectant mother check with her physician before changing her skin care routine with any new product.
Our products smell good and children may want to taste them. Although safe and gentle, if our products are ingested, always contact your pediatrician first. If you cannot contact your pediatrician, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Our tote bags meets the toy industry standards (EN71), CONEG, and California Prop 65 for environmental standards.
Your physician should always be your first point of contact. In the case of life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go the nearest emergency room. If you're not sure or just want to be safe, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
No, there are no chemical absorbers in our products.
Many products are available in half and one gallon sizes, please click here for a direct link to our 'Bulk/Gallons' page.
The following steps are recommended to sanitize your container when refilling or reusing our bottles:
Remove all old product from the bottle using hot water.Add approx. 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the empty bottle and swish around, coating the inside of the bottle, be sure to include the cap/pump/sprayer too; Pour out.Allow to air-dry completely by placing on a paper towel (upside down) overnight. The alcohol will evaporate completely without leaving a residue.Refill with your favorite California Baby product!
We offer SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Yes. There are two types of UV light that can harm your skin - UVA and UVB. A broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum, sunscreen protects you from both.
Our SPF 50+ and SPF 30+ sunscreens are water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
No, our products do not contain nano-sized particles.
Yes - #2 Tube / #5 cap
Because our sunscreens are water resistant, we recommend that you wash with our bodywash, but the trick is to apply the wash first (without water) allowing the cleanser to break up the oils. For very resistant areas, try applying our lotion or massage oil first to break up the sunscreen.
Because the sunscreens are highly water resistant (up to 80 minutes in water), we recommend that you use an oil based cleanser or a cleaning product w/o water first to break up the emulsion. There is also a stain remover called “Kiss Off”, available in art supply stores such as Pearl & Michaels, that can be helpful.
UVA rays are always present, regardless of weather or season, and are very powerful; they are one of the main causes of premature aging, sun spots, and leathery skin. UVA rays deeply penetrate the skin and can also penetrate clothing and glass. UVB rays are not are strong as UVA rays, but they are the main cause of sunburns and skin cancers, thus being just as, if not more, damaging as UVA rays. Our broad spectrum sunscreens protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
"Best by" dates are stamped into the crimped seal of our tubes. Our expiration dates are printed as a MM/YY.
Follow the rule "If in doubt—throw it out!" For all personal care products (and moms, this means make-up too) - here are a few questions to ask yourself when evaluating: How does it smell? Has the color changed drastically? Has the consistency changed drastically?
No. We never use active chemical ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, etc. All of our sunscreen products are PABA free.
UV absorbers penetrate into the skin and, according to the EWG, "Laboratory studies indicate that some chemical UV filters may mimic hormones, and physicians report sunscreen-related skin allergies, which raises important questions about unintended human health consequences from frequent sunscreen application." (to learn more visit https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/#.WutgwH8h1EY )
In addition, the most common sunscreen active ingredient, Oxybenzone, has been found to be toxic to reefs and marine life. Hawaii has banned the sale of these sunscreens starting in 2021!
We use Titanium Dioxide in all our sunscreens. Our titanium dioxide does not contain nano-sized particles.
California Baby® sunscreens create a protective layer on top of the skin (like a band-aid). Our mineral (physical) sunscreens are non-invasive and do their job by sitting on top of the skin, scattering and reflecting UV rays. Because they are not absorbed into the skin, we feel that they are gentler and safer than chemical sunscreen actives.
It is true that chemical sunscreen active ingredients can breakdown overtime rendering them ineffective. However, Titanium Dioxide is mined from ore (rocks) so it remains unvarying in its composition and efficacy over time. At California Baby, we like this attribute because we feel it keeps our sunscreens stable and efficacious.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which tend to be thin and watery, our mineral-based sunscreens are thick and concentrated, so a smaller amount does the job. To get an even layer, squeeze a dime-sized amount onto three fingers, dot it onto sun-exposed areas, then use your hands or a cosmetic sponge to blend evenly. Repeat until fully covered.
Full ingredient listings are included on each product page. We also maintain and update our ingredient listings on www.ewg.org as part of our commitment to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. In order to be fully compliant with the requirements for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetic signers which includes the following:
Comply with the EU Cosmetics Directive in all markets
Disclose all ingredients
Publish and regularly update product information in EWG's Skin Deep database
Comply with ingredient prohibitions and restrictions under the Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Participate in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
California Baby products are free of common allergens such as gluten, milk/casein, egg, peanut, walnut, cashew, almond and pecans, fish, shellfish, sesame, soy, and wheat.
There is no risk for cross contamination with those allergens because we exclusively make our own products!
Sulfates are an additive to cleaning products that causes the foaming action commonly associated with soaps. The most common sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), found in most shampoos and conditioners. However, these cheap synthetic ingredients are harsh, invasive cleansing agents - sulfates or DEA can also be contaminated with 1-4, Dioxane, an ingredient known to cause cancer.
California Baby products do not contain Sulfates or DEA. Instead we use gentle, plant-based glucosides. Many companies may claim that their products do not contain any Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or other sulfates because they know consumers do not want to be exposed to this harsh cleansing agent. Be careful and check out the other ingredients! Some tricky companies will use variations and blends of the SLS because they are just as cheap and just as invasive, but they have a different name so customers won't know the difference. An example of this is Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS).
California Baby® pioneered the use of plant derived glucosides (decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside) which are non-invasive cleansing/bubbling agents that we use exclusively in our bubble baths and shampoo & body washes. Our glucosides are very gentle and are non-stripping of delicate membranes and sustainably grown; they undergo rapid and complete bio-degradation in the environment. As such, they don't contaminate rivers or other water sources. Soapbark and yucca are added for extra bubbling power.
We use only pure essential oils to scent our products (except for our Super Sensitive line which has no fragrance). We test our essential oils for synthetic additives and pesticide residue—making them pure and true aromatherapy quality.
Our Super Sensitive products do not contain any added scent, however, you may smell a slight earthy smell which naturally comes from the ingredients. We don't add any scent masking chemicals to hide the natural smell. Products will have their own natural scent—this is to be expected and indicates that no scent masking agents have been added. When a product smells like absolutely nothing, it is time to be suspicious!
Synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and can mimic many natural scents. Synthetic fragrances may contain phthalates along with many allergens and skin sensitizers. Synthetic fragrances may explain the ongoing headache or the mystery rash you suffer from but were never sure of the cause —suspect your air freshener, shampoo, perfume, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent…
Synthetic fragrances do not belong in plant-based or organic products – even though some "natural" standards do allow their use. You can spot a synthetic fragrance on the ingredient listing as 'fragrance' or 'parfum'; or you can simply use our most basic sense: smell and take a sniff. Also synthetic fragrances do not evaporate the way essential oils do - so when a scent just won't go away, there is a good chance that it is synthetic. Because essential oils are expensive, it is highly unlikely that discount products contain even a drop of essential oil. Beware, many companies combine essential oils with synthetic oils and then claim aromatherapy or natural.
Our Facility:
The California Baby FDA-registered manufacturing facility is also Certified USDA NOP Organic. Whereas many skincare companies outsource product manufacturing, function without any regulations, and often say whatever they want about their products - California Baby follows a strict set of regulatory protocols (checked and certified by a 3rd party) to ensure you only receive the best and safest products.
FDA registered facilities typically exist in the food and pharmaceutical industries because it is required. FDA registered facilities must follow a much stricter set of rules and sanitation standards. Most cosmetic companies don't want to comply with them due to the extra costs and regulations. Not only is our facility FDA registered, but we also achieved certified organic certification - a very rare accomplishment in the cosmetics industry. We pull out all the stops so we can provide the best of the best to our customers.
Click here to learn more about our facility!
Our Farm:
In 2011 we started growing calendula on our own certified organic farm in Santa Barbara County, CA. Six months later, we developed a super-concentrated, pure, certified organic calendula extract from our first harvest.
In 2016 we planted our first plot of French lavender. Stay tuned, one day soon we will be using our own lavender! Growing these flowers under our watchful eye is not only just part of the rigorous program of quality control we implement across all of our operations, but also one big reason why we’ve been trusted to keep babies and families safe for more than 20 years.
Click here to learn more about our farm!
Our Products:
California Baby offers three certified organic products:
- Calming Organic Powder
- Super Sensitive Organic Body Oil
- Calendula Organic Extract
California Baby continues to lead the way in the purchasing and contracting with organic farmers in the USA. We work closely with them and purchase years in advance so that the farmer knows he has a home for his organic crop avoiding the fluctuations in market conditions. Jessica, California Baby founder & developer, also works closely with raw material suppliers to increase their organic content and pushes for innovation in Green Chemistry production process. However, sometimes, due to our strict allergen standard, organic might not be the best option. For example, we require that our vegetable oils be processed in a nut-free facility. If the only organic option for vegetable oil is one that comes from a facility that also processes nuts, we will chose the non-organic option—so that we are guaranteed allergen free material thus avoiding cross contamination. Our customers can always rest assured that we are continuously using and updating our formulas with organic material that also meets our strict allergen profile so that you receive the healthiest ingredients available.
All California Baby products are vegan except for three which utilize ultra-purified lanolin, an animal ingredient: California Baby Diaper Rash Creams (Calming & Super Sensitive).
We decided to use lanolin as a water barrier instead of the typical, cheaper petroleum and fish oil alternatives, which can be contaminated. Lanolin is extracted from wool of the sheep and is not considered a body fat.
We only use pure, cold pressed, vegan (vegetable) oils in our products.
California Baby feels that preservatives are a very necessary part of a personal care product since these type of products are expected to have a long shelf life—unlike food. Cosmetics are subject to contamination and growth of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms and children regularly have cuts, scrapes and put all sorts of things in their mouths. So we created a broad-spectrum preservative system to help ensure the integrity of California Baby® products with formulas tailored to the needs of each product.
We use higher than average concentrations of antioxidants & essential oils, which help to preserve our products. In our creams, lotions and hair conditioners, we utilize glyceryl caprylate which is coconut derived amino acids and not strictly classified as a preservative but as an antioxidants. We also use levulinic acid (from sugar cane) and phytic acid from rice In our shampoos & bodywashes and bubble baths, gluconolactone (corn) (and) sodium benzoate, an approved preservative for organic skin care are used. Many companies that claim to be preservative free utilize this type of system. We feel one should be very careful of companies that claim to be preservative free as it is either stretching the truth or, we feel, undesirable to use an unpreserved product.
No. California Baby does not, and never has, used PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, or PTFE in our products. Because we manufacture our own products in our FDA registered and certified organic facility, we have complete control and visibility over the manufacturing process and what ingredients are used in our products.
Yes, all California Baby products are free of parabens.
DEET is toxic pesticide and, when ingested, may cause skin irritation in sensitive persons. High concentrations applied to the skin can cause blistering. DEET's use has been linked to seizures among children. California Baby prefers a safer approach to controlling pesky bugs with our Natural Bug Blend® that contains citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood essential oils - great alternatives to toxic chemical bug repellents such as DEET. Our traditionally recommended essential oils are safe, gentle, and effective. Our blend works on insects without harming or killing them. It has a distinctive, but pleasant, odor which makes it difficult for pests to locate a host. Citronella is not harmful to humans, pets, or the environment. Bug repellency is based on scent—reapply generously and often.
For use on ages 6 mos. and below, consult with your doctor
Note: Oils, like citronella, are carefully monitored by the EPA and, in order for a bug repellent to be effective, a specific percentage of the active must be used. Products that use citronella simply for scent, like our Summer Lotion/citronella, are not bug repellents and should not be relied upon for bug protection.
California Baby products contain coconut derived ingredients. Coconut is not typically restricted in the diets of people with tree nut allergies. However, in October of 2006, the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. Because cross-reactions are rare, many experts in the allergy field feel that coconut should not be classified as a tree nut. Discuss this with your doctor.
We do NOT add any colors, dyes, or clear formula chemicals to our products; the color and texture can change slightly based on the time of year and the harvest conditions of the source ingredients. California Baby uses extremely mild cleansing agents and does not need to add 'numbing chemicals' to make a product tear free, unlike other companies.
California Baby utilizes some ingredients derived from corn (and coconut) such as our creams and lotions, shampoo & bodywashes and bubble baths. Here are the California Baby products that are completely free of corn derived ingredients:
- Spritzers
- Massage Oils
- Essential Oils
Many customers like to switch between several creams and lotions in order to find one that works best for them. Because everyone's skin has different needs, we recommend you try our Try It Kit. Our customers report great success with our Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash and our Calendula Cream.
Because California Baby products are gentle skin care products and not medications or over-the-counter treatments, they may be reapplied as often as needed.
We always recommend doing a patch test prior to using any product. Here's how: First, stop the use of other skin care products and use one type exclusively for a week so that you can get an accurate result. Place a small amount on the inside of the wrist or inner thigh and look for a reaction. If you see any redness, stop using the product immediately. If no redness is observed, continue.
Another thing to be aware of is not using too many different products (like wipes, powder, etc.) from different companies; that way you can pinpoint where the reaction is coming from.
California Baby products are allergy tested. We avoid ingredients that cause irritation or provoke allergic reactions—highest on the list is synthetic fragrances, which may contain phthalates and other irritants. To ensure purity, our essential oils are tested for synthetic contaminants and pesticide residue. We suggest that you always do a patch test before use. Here's how: apply a small amount of the product to the inside of the wrist right before bedtime. In the morning look at the area for any redness, itchiness or any sign of irritation. Do this for 7 days. If you are sensitive to a product it is likely to show up during this test.
California Baby products are free of common allergens such as gluten, milk/casein, egg, peanut, walnut, cashew, almond and pecans, fish, shellfish, sesame, soy, and wheat.
California Baby products contain coconut derived ingredients. Coconut, the seed of a drupaceous fruit, is not typically restricted in the diets of people with tree nut allergies. However, in October of 2006,the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. Because cross-reactions are rare, some experts in the allergy field feel that coconut should not be classified as a tree nut. Discuss this with your doctor.
California Baby utilizes some ingredients derived from corn (and coconut) such as our creams and lotions, shampoo & bodywashes and bubble baths. Here are the California Baby products that are completely free of corn derived ingredients:
- Spritzers
- Massage Oils
- Essential Oils
This term refers to ingredients in beauty products that clog the pores and can cause blackheads, pimples or cosmetic-related acne. We do not use potentially comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin and dyes that are commonly found in other personal care products.
California Baby products are pH balanced and recommended for all skin types, even very sensitive skin. As the pH values of our products are proprietary and confidential, we are unable to give out this information. We suggest you purchase travel/sample sizes and do a patch test to check compatibility to your skin.
- We use HDPE (#2) bottles that utilize 100% Post Consumer Content (PCR); BPA and phthalate free. 100% Recycled Plastic uses 90% less water and energy to make and is better for the environment!
- Our tree free labels are printed with UV-based lead free inks and are easy to recycle with paper or plastic – no need to remove labels before recycling!
- Caps are made of Polypropylene (BPA free)
Although we have spent many wonderful years in Whole Foods, Target, and other big box stores, we decided to exit them and to shift our focus to provide a fantastic online shopping experience and to support independent retailers and other family owned businesses.
If you’d like to shop in stores, please email customersupport@californiababy.com and we’ll check to see if there is a store near you.
Check out our website! It has been optimized for mobile shopping. You can select free samples with all orders, your order will ship very quickly, and you get free shipping over $69. Let us know if you need product recommendations, we’re here to help!
Our subscription program is super convenient! When signed up you’ll get up to 10- 20% off every order + free shipping + other perks. Pick your favorite products, sit back, and we will auto ship on the schedule of your choosing.
We hear ya! We’re working diligently to make your favorite California Baby products available in Canadian stores. Unfortunately, a universal harmonized regulatory standard does not exist for natural personal care products; when it comes to natural and aromatherapy products, Health Canada's rules are very different from the U.S. It is important that we are able to communicate on our label what makes California Baby products special while conforming to the very restrictive regulations. We appreciate your passion and hope to have good news for you soon!
We offer several shipping options to Canada! With FedEx and DHL you can expect your order in less than a week. We also offer a slower economy option, Borderguru, which would take about 2 weeks to deliver.
For an instant shipping quote, please enter your address at checkout and our website will provide you with shipping rates (all duties and taxes are included in the price!)
Click here to view a list of our authorized online retailers in China to ensure you’re purchasing authentic California Baby you can trust.
Our OTC products are eligible for HSA/FSA! This includes Sunscreens, Diaper Rash Ointments, Eczema products, and Bug Spray.
We recommend consulting with your insurance provider.
For purchases from californiababy.com:
We want to make it easy for you to return your products if things aren’t working out! Return requests must be submitted within 60 days of your purchase.
- For unopened products with safety seal intact - we are happy to issue you a refund once the products are returned to us.
- For opened/used products - we will email you a store credit once the products are returned to us. The store credit is in a form of a gift card with no expiration date. Teddy bears can only be returned for a store credit.
For all returns, we'll need the product returned back to us. We'll email you a prepaid return shipping label so there is no extra cost for you.
You may read our full return policy here: https://www.californiababy.com/policies/refund-policy
Yes you may call in a phone order! Our phone number is (424) 398-8223 and we are available from Monday - Friday from 9am - 330pm PST.
Shopping on our site is also very safe and secure. We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to keep your information safe, and we never distribute any of your information to third-parties.
As an eco-friendly company, we do not produce a printed catalog, nor do we mail out order forms or info sheets. Our website showcases our entire product line and is the best product information source. Occasionally with your order, we will include new or seasonal product information sheets printed on recycled paper and eco-friendly inks.
2 free samples are included with all orders (subject to availability). Interested in a particular product? Please email support@californiababy.com with requests; if available, it will be included with your order. Otherwise, samples of new, seasonal, or complimentary products will be sent.
If you are not ordering at this time, try one of our our inexpensive sampler packs which are a great way to try some of our most popular products. Here is a link to our samples page: https://www.californiababy.com/collections/samples
We don’t offer coupons but we do occasionally have sales or special offers. If you are subscribed to our newsletter and/or social media you will be the first to hear about it. Go to our Instagram page and Facebook page to learn more!
All packages will have a tracking number and will be emailed to you upon shipment of your order.
After successfully placing your order on our website, you will receive an email confirmation from customerservice@californiababy.com with a link to your tracking number. If you don't see it, it may be in your spam folder.
If it's not in your spam folder, please email us at customersupport@californiababy.com.
We accept the following methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, AliPay, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and Paypal.
Feel free to cancel your order anytime before it has been picked up by the carrier. If you need to cancel your order once it is in transit, we will need to subtract a $10 return shipping fee from your refund to get the products back to us.
We recommend that you purchase sample/travel sizes if you are trying a product for the first time. Click here to see our sample/travel sizes.
Shipping in the USA -
We offer free shipping in the mainland USA for orders over $59! If your order is under $59 the shipping rate is $5.99 in mainland USA.
Our standard shipping is via FedEx Ground or USPS Priority Mail. Estimated delivery dates are shown at checkout.
We ship orders Monday thru Friday. Orders received over the weekend will be shipped on Monday or Tuesday. Most orders are shipped within 1 business day if all products are in stock.
We ship to all 50 US states and almost every country! Shop in your local currency.
International shipping -
All duties and taxes are included in the ship charge! There will be no hidden fees later.
International orders ship via DHL Express, FedEx International Economy, or BorderGuru. DHL Express and FedEx are faster, premium options and packages usually arrive within 1 week. Borderguru is our slower, economy option which usually takes 10-21 days to arrive depending on the delivery location and customs processing times.
For an instant shipping quote, please enter your address in the indicated space at check out. Our website will provide you with an accurate quote which includes all duties and taxes.
We ship to the following countries (partial list):
Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia (Slovak Republic), Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and more.
To check if we ship to your country, please start the checkout process and you'll see a full list of all countries we ship to when entering your delivery address.
The product pages on our website have the most up to date and complete information on California Baby products.
Our products do not contain any of these potentially harmful and carcinogenic ingredients. The short list above highlights the most common synthetic additives we choose to avoid. However, our "no-no" list is too long to list in its entirety, to learn more about our strict ingredient standards, click here!
Yes. All California Baby products and packaging are free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Phthalates in skin care products may be found in synthetic fragrances. We only use pure, aromatherapy quality essential oils to scent our products. Our bottles are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene)—a material that is PVC, BPA, and phthalate free. HDPE is safe and accepted by most recycling facilities across the country.
We confirmed with our plastic bottle supplier that they do not do any fluoridation (PFAS). We also do not do any fluoridation when we receive the bottles.
California Baby uses ultra-purified, USP pharmaceutical-grade lanolin (instead of petroleum or fish oil-based ingredients) as a moisture barrier in our diaper rash cream. Because lanolin melts away when diapers are washed in hot water, our Diaper Rash Creams should not leave a residue or affect the absorbency of cloth diapers. We suggest you patch test prior to use.
California Baby products are made in small batches with the finest, freshest plant-based ingredients. Store creams and oils in a cool, dry, dark place - away from direct sunlight and heat. This especially important if you are 'stocking up' by buying multiple products. The bathroom is not the best place to store your products because of the moisture and humidity, but the hall or bedroom closet is.
When purchasing our gallons, we suggest you refill into a smaller bottle and keep it out of the shower unless it will be used completely within one month.
If you are reusing your pump or bottle, you should sanitize it with rubbing alcohol between uses. Here's how: pour a small amount into your bottle and shake, pump out or squeeze thru the dispensing cap. Leave it to dry completely (overnight is best) on paper towels. The alcohol will evaporate without a trace of residue.
"Best by" dates are printed on the bottom of our bottles and jars and stamped into the crimped seal of our tubes. Our expiration dates are listed as MM/YY.
For all personal care products (and moms, this means make-up too) - here are a few questions to ask yourself when evaluating: How does it smell? Has the color changed drastically? Has the consistency changed drastically?
If so, follow the rule "If in doubt—throw it out!"
Our plant-based products can vary in scent, color, and to some extent texture. As our ingredients are crop based, many natural factors can affect the look of a product, ranging from the growing season, to the time of year the ingredient was harvested/processed, etc.
These variances are what make California Baby products unique. Products can darken or turn milky over time as the herbs become more pronounced; herbs may fall to the bottom of the bottle (simply shake to mix).
Essential oils are volatile (they evaporate as they release their scent) and you may notice a slight change in the blend over time. This is normal! California Baby essential oil blends are complex and expected to be enjoyed in each stage of their opening.
To control the quality of our products, we built our own solar-powered, FDA-registered, certified organic manufacturing facility right here in Los Angeles, USA. All California Baby® products are proudly blended and packaged in this facility.
We source our raw materials from the very best places we can find them: for example, our pure essential French lavender oil is from France and quillaja saponaria extract (soap bark) is from Chile. We even take it a step further and grow our own certified organic calendula in Santa Barbara, CA. We are constantly looking for ways to make our products better, more pure, and more sustainable.
We recommend the use of our Super Sensitive (no added fragrance) products on pets. However, as human skin and hair naturally have a different pH level than pets, using pet specific grooming products is recommended. Stay tuned! We will launch our new pet line in Early 2019.
Please note, all of our products are cruelty-free and we do not test on animals or have any of our partners test on animals. If you would like to use products scented with essential oils, please consult with your veterinarian first.
Our Facility:
The California Baby FDA-registered manufacturing facility is also Certified USDA NOP Organic. Whereas many skincare companies outsource product manufacturing, function without any regulations, and often say whatever they want about their products - California Baby follows a strict set of regulatory protocols (checked and certified by a 3rd party) to ensure you only receive the best and safest products.
FDA registered facilities typically exist in the food and pharmaceutical industries because it is required. FDA registered facilities must follow a much stricter set of rules and sanitation standards. Most cosmetic companies don't want to comply with them due to the extra costs and regulations. Not only is our facility FDA registered, but we also achieved certified organic certification - a very rare accomplishment in the cosmetics industry. We pull out all the stops so we can provide the best of the best to our customers.
Click here to learn more about our facility!
Our Farm:
In 2011 we started growing calendula on our own certified organic farm in Santa Barbara County, CA. Six months later, we developed a super-concentrated, pure, certified organic calendula extract from our first harvest.
In 2016 we planted our first plot of French lavender on our farm. Stay tuned, one day soon we will be using our own lavender in our products! Growing these flowers under our watchful eye is not only just part of the rigorous program of quality control we implement across all of our operations, but also one big reason we’ve been trusted to keep babies and families safe for more than 20 years!
Click here to learn more about our farm!
Our Products:
California Baby offers three fully certified organic products:
Calming Organic PowderSuper Sensitive Organic Body OilCalendula Organic Extract
All of our products contain some organic ingredients, however, sometimes due to our strict allergen standard, organic might not be the best option. For example, we require that our vegetable oils be processed in a nut-free facility. If the only organic option for vegetable oil is one that comes from a facility that also processes nuts, we will chose the non-organic option—so that we are guaranteed allergen free material, thus avoiding cross contamination. Our customers can always rest assured that we are continuously using and updating our formulas with organic material that also meets our strict allergen profile so that you receive the healthiest ingredients available.
California Baby continues to lead the way in the purchasing and contracting with organic farmers in the USA. We work closely with them and purchase ingredients years in advance so that the farmer knows he has a home for his organic crop and can avoid market fluctuations. Jessica, California Baby founder & developer, also works closely with raw material suppliers to increase their organic content, pushing for innovation in Green Chemistry production process.
All California Baby products are vegan except for three which utilize ultra-purified lanolin, an animal ingredient: California Baby Diaper Rash Ointments (Calming & Super Sensitive) and our California Kids Overnight Cream.
We decided to use lanolin as a water barrier instead of the typical, cheaper petroleum and fish oil alternatives, which can be contaminated. Lanolin is extracted from wool of the sheep and is not considered a body fat.
California Baby is certified cruelty free. We do NOT conduct product or ingredient tests of any kind on animals. We test in vitro or on humans.
Our Super Sensitive line (no fragrance) is an excellent choice for use during pregnancy. We recommend that any expectant mother check with her physician before changing her skin care routine with any new product.
Our products smell good and children may want to taste them. Although safe and gentle, if our products are ingested, always contact your pediatrician first. If you cannot contact your pediatrician, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Our tote bags meets the toy industry standards (EN71), CONEG, and California Prop 65 for environmental standards.
Your physician should always be your first point of contact. In the case of life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go the nearest emergency room. If you're not sure or just want to be safe, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
No, there are no chemical absorbers in our products.
Many products are available in half and one gallon sizes, please click here for a direct link to our 'Bulk/Gallons' page.
The following steps are recommended to sanitize your container when refilling or reusing our bottles:
Remove all old product from the bottle using hot water.Add approx. 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the empty bottle and swish around, coating the inside of the bottle, be sure to include the cap/pump/sprayer too; Pour out.Allow to air-dry completely by placing on a paper towel (upside down) overnight. The alcohol will evaporate completely without leaving a residue.Refill with your favorite California Baby product!
We offer SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Yes. There are two types of UV light that can harm your skin - UVA and UVB. A broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum, sunscreen protects you from both.
Our SPF 50+ and SPF 30+ sunscreens are water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
No, our products do not contain nano-sized particles.
Yes - #2 Tube / #5 cap
Because our sunscreens are water resistant, we recommend that you wash with our bodywash, but the trick is to apply the wash first (without water) allowing the cleanser to break up the oils. For very resistant areas, try applying our lotion or massage oil first to break up the sunscreen.
Because the sunscreens are highly water resistant (up to 80 minutes in water), we recommend that you use an oil based cleanser or a cleaning product w/o water first to break up the emulsion. There is also a stain remover called “Kiss Off”, available in art supply stores such as Pearl & Michaels, that can be helpful.
UVA rays are always present, regardless of weather or season, and are very powerful; they are one of the main causes of premature aging, sun spots, and leathery skin. UVA rays deeply penetrate the skin and can also penetrate clothing and glass. UVB rays are not are strong as UVA rays, but they are the main cause of sunburns and skin cancers, thus being just as, if not more, damaging as UVA rays. Our broad spectrum sunscreens protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
"Best by" dates are stamped into the crimped seal of our tubes. Our expiration dates are printed as a MM/YY.
Follow the rule "If in doubt—throw it out!" For all personal care products (and moms, this means make-up too) - here are a few questions to ask yourself when evaluating: How does it smell? Has the color changed drastically? Has the consistency changed drastically?
No. We never use active chemical ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, etc. All of our sunscreen products are PABA free.
UV absorbers penetrate into the skin and, according to the EWG, "Laboratory studies indicate that some chemical UV filters may mimic hormones, and physicians report sunscreen-related skin allergies, which raises important questions about unintended human health consequences from frequent sunscreen application." (to learn more visit https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/#.WutgwH8h1EY )
In addition, the most common sunscreen active ingredient, Oxybenzone, has been found to be toxic to reefs and marine life. Hawaii has banned the sale of these sunscreens starting in 2021!
We use Titanium Dioxide in all our sunscreens. Our titanium dioxide does not contain nano-sized particles.
California Baby® sunscreens create a protective layer on top of the skin (like a band-aid). Our mineral (physical) sunscreens are non-invasive and do their job by sitting on top of the skin, scattering and reflecting UV rays. Because they are not absorbed into the skin, we feel that they are gentler and safer than chemical sunscreen actives.
It is true that chemical sunscreen active ingredients can breakdown overtime rendering them ineffective. However, Titanium Dioxide is mined from ore (rocks) so it remains unvarying in its composition and efficacy over time. At California Baby, we like this attribute because we feel it keeps our sunscreens stable and efficacious.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which tend to be thin and watery, our mineral-based sunscreens are thick and concentrated, so a smaller amount does the job. To get an even layer, squeeze a dime-sized amount onto three fingers, dot it onto sun-exposed areas, then use your hands or a cosmetic sponge to blend evenly. Repeat until fully covered.
Full ingredient listings are included on each product page. We also maintain and update our ingredient listings on www.ewg.org as part of our commitment to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. In order to be fully compliant with the requirements for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetic signers which includes the following:
Comply with the EU Cosmetics Directive in all markets
Disclose all ingredients
Publish and regularly update product information in EWG's Skin Deep database
Comply with ingredient prohibitions and restrictions under the Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Participate in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
California Baby products are free of common allergens such as gluten, milk/casein, egg, peanut, walnut, cashew, almond and pecans, fish, shellfish, sesame, soy, and wheat.
There is no risk for cross contamination with those allergens because we exclusively make our own products!
Sulfates are an additive to cleaning products that causes the foaming action commonly associated with soaps. The most common sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), found in most shampoos and conditioners. However, these cheap synthetic ingredients are harsh, invasive cleansing agents - sulfates or DEA can also be contaminated with 1-4, Dioxane, an ingredient known to cause cancer.
California Baby products do not contain Sulfates or DEA. Instead we use gentle, plant-based glucosides. Many companies may claim that their products do not contain any Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or other sulfates because they know consumers do not want to be exposed to this harsh cleansing agent. Be careful and check out the other ingredients! Some tricky companies will use variations and blends of the SLS because they are just as cheap and just as invasive, but they have a different name so customers won't know the difference. An example of this is Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS).
California Baby® pioneered the use of plant derived glucosides (decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside) which are non-invasive cleansing/bubbling agents that we use exclusively in our bubble baths and shampoo & body washes. Our glucosides are very gentle and are non-stripping of delicate membranes and sustainably grown; they undergo rapid and complete bio-degradation in the environment. As such, they don't contaminate rivers or other water sources. Soapbark and yucca are added for extra bubbling power.
We use only pure essential oils to scent our products (except for our Super Sensitive line which has no fragrance). We test our essential oils for synthetic additives and pesticide residue—making them pure and true aromatherapy quality.
Our Super Sensitive products do not contain any added scent, however, you may smell a slight earthy smell which naturally comes from the ingredients. We don't add any scent masking chemicals to hide the natural smell. Products will have their own natural scent—this is to be expected and indicates that no scent masking agents have been added. When a product smells like absolutely nothing, it is time to be suspicious!
Synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and can mimic many natural scents. Synthetic fragrances may contain phthalates along with many allergens and skin sensitizers. Synthetic fragrances may explain the ongoing headache or the mystery rash you suffer from but were never sure of the cause —suspect your air freshener, shampoo, perfume, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent…
Synthetic fragrances do not belong in plant-based or organic products – even though some "natural" standards do allow their use. You can spot a synthetic fragrance on the ingredient listing as 'fragrance' or 'parfum'; or you can simply use our most basic sense: smell and take a sniff. Also synthetic fragrances do not evaporate the way essential oils do - so when a scent just won't go away, there is a good chance that it is synthetic. Because essential oils are expensive, it is highly unlikely that discount products contain even a drop of essential oil. Beware, many companies combine essential oils with synthetic oils and then claim aromatherapy or natural.
Our Facility:
The California Baby FDA-registered manufacturing facility is also Certified USDA NOP Organic. Whereas many skincare companies outsource product manufacturing, function without any regulations, and often say whatever they want about their products - California Baby follows a strict set of regulatory protocols (checked and certified by a 3rd party) to ensure you only receive the best and safest products.
FDA registered facilities typically exist in the food and pharmaceutical industries because it is required. FDA registered facilities must follow a much stricter set of rules and sanitation standards. Most cosmetic companies don't want to comply with them due to the extra costs and regulations. Not only is our facility FDA registered, but we also achieved certified organic certification - a very rare accomplishment in the cosmetics industry. We pull out all the stops so we can provide the best of the best to our customers.
Click here to learn more about our facility!
Our Farm:
In 2011 we started growing calendula on our own certified organic farm in Santa Barbara County, CA. Six months later, we developed a super-concentrated, pure, certified organic calendula extract from our first harvest.
In 2016 we planted our first plot of French lavender. Stay tuned, one day soon we will be using our own lavender! Growing these flowers under our watchful eye is not only just part of the rigorous program of quality control we implement across all of our operations, but also one big reason why we’ve been trusted to keep babies and families safe for more than 20 years.
Click here to learn more about our farm!
Our Products:
California Baby offers three certified organic products:
- Calming Organic Powder
- Super Sensitive Organic Body Oil
- Calendula Organic Extract
California Baby continues to lead the way in the purchasing and contracting with organic farmers in the USA. We work closely with them and purchase years in advance so that the farmer knows he has a home for his organic crop avoiding the fluctuations in market conditions. Jessica, California Baby founder & developer, also works closely with raw material suppliers to increase their organic content and pushes for innovation in Green Chemistry production process. However, sometimes, due to our strict allergen standard, organic might not be the best option. For example, we require that our vegetable oils be processed in a nut-free facility. If the only organic option for vegetable oil is one that comes from a facility that also processes nuts, we will chose the non-organic option—so that we are guaranteed allergen free material thus avoiding cross contamination. Our customers can always rest assured that we are continuously using and updating our formulas with organic material that also meets our strict allergen profile so that you receive the healthiest ingredients available.
All California Baby products are vegan except for three which utilize ultra-purified lanolin, an animal ingredient: California Baby Diaper Rash Creams (Calming & Super Sensitive).
We decided to use lanolin as a water barrier instead of the typical, cheaper petroleum and fish oil alternatives, which can be contaminated. Lanolin is extracted from wool of the sheep and is not considered a body fat.
We only use pure, cold pressed, vegan (vegetable) oils in our products.
California Baby feels that preservatives are a very necessary part of a personal care product since these type of products are expected to have a long shelf life—unlike food. Cosmetics are subject to contamination and growth of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms and children regularly have cuts, scrapes and put all sorts of things in their mouths. So we created a broad-spectrum preservative system to help ensure the integrity of California Baby® products with formulas tailored to the needs of each product.
We use higher than average concentrations of antioxidants & essential oils, which help to preserve our products. In our creams, lotions and hair conditioners, we utilize glyceryl caprylate which is coconut derived amino acids and not strictly classified as a preservative but as an antioxidants. We also use levulinic acid (from sugar cane) and phytic acid from rice In our shampoos & bodywashes and bubble baths, gluconolactone (corn) (and) sodium benzoate, an approved preservative for organic skin care are used. Many companies that claim to be preservative free utilize this type of system. We feel one should be very careful of companies that claim to be preservative free as it is either stretching the truth or, we feel, undesirable to use an unpreserved product.
No. California Baby does not, and never has, used PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, or PTFE in our products. Because we manufacture our own products in our FDA registered and certified organic facility, we have complete control and visibility over the manufacturing process and what ingredients are used in our products.
Yes, all California Baby products are free of parabens.
DEET is toxic pesticide and, when ingested, may cause skin irritation in sensitive persons. High concentrations applied to the skin can cause blistering. DEET's use has been linked to seizures among children. California Baby prefers a safer approach to controlling pesky bugs with our Natural Bug Blend® that contains citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood essential oils - great alternatives to toxic chemical bug repellents such as DEET. Our traditionally recommended essential oils are safe, gentle, and effective. Our blend works on insects without harming or killing them. It has a distinctive, but pleasant, odor which makes it difficult for pests to locate a host. Citronella is not harmful to humans, pets, or the environment. Bug repellency is based on scent—reapply generously and often.
For use on ages 6 mos. and below, consult with your doctor
Note: Oils, like citronella, are carefully monitored by the EPA and, in order for a bug repellent to be effective, a specific percentage of the active must be used. Products that use citronella simply for scent, like our Summer Lotion/citronella, are not bug repellents and should not be relied upon for bug protection.
California Baby products contain coconut derived ingredients. Coconut is not typically restricted in the diets of people with tree nut allergies. However, in October of 2006, the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. Because cross-reactions are rare, many experts in the allergy field feel that coconut should not be classified as a tree nut. Discuss this with your doctor.
We do NOT add any colors, dyes, or clear formula chemicals to our products; the color and texture can change slightly based on the time of year and the harvest conditions of the source ingredients. California Baby uses extremely mild cleansing agents and does not need to add 'numbing chemicals' to make a product tear free, unlike other companies.
California Baby utilizes some ingredients derived from corn (and coconut) such as our creams and lotions, shampoo & bodywashes and bubble baths. Here are the California Baby products that are completely free of corn derived ingredients:
- Spritzers
- Massage Oils
- Essential Oils
Many customers like to switch between several creams and lotions in order to find one that works best for them. Because everyone's skin has different needs, we recommend you try our Try It Kit. Our customers report great success with our Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash and our Calendula Cream.
Because California Baby products are gentle skin care products and not medications or over-the-counter treatments, they may be reapplied as often as needed.
We always recommend doing a patch test prior to using any product. Here's how: First, stop the use of other skin care products and use one type exclusively for a week so that you can get an accurate result. Place a small amount on the inside of the wrist or inner thigh and look for a reaction. If you see any redness, stop using the product immediately. If no redness is observed, continue.
Another thing to be aware of is not using too many different products (like wipes, powder, etc.) from different companies; that way you can pinpoint where the reaction is coming from.
California Baby products are allergy tested. We avoid ingredients that cause irritation or provoke allergic reactions—highest on the list is synthetic fragrances, which may contain phthalates and other irritants. To ensure purity, our essential oils are tested for synthetic contaminants and pesticide residue. We suggest that you always do a patch test before use. Here's how: apply a small amount of the product to the inside of the wrist right before bedtime. In the morning look at the area for any redness, itchiness or any sign of irritation. Do this for 7 days. If you are sensitive to a product it is likely to show up during this test.
California Baby products are free of common allergens such as gluten, milk/casein, egg, peanut, walnut, cashew, almond and pecans, fish, shellfish, sesame, soy, and wheat.
California Baby products contain coconut derived ingredients. Coconut, the seed of a drupaceous fruit, is not typically restricted in the diets of people with tree nut allergies. However, in October of 2006,the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. Because cross-reactions are rare, some experts in the allergy field feel that coconut should not be classified as a tree nut. Discuss this with your doctor.
California Baby utilizes some ingredients derived from corn (and coconut) such as our creams and lotions, shampoo & bodywashes and bubble baths. Here are the California Baby products that are completely free of corn derived ingredients:
- Spritzers
- Massage Oils
- Essential Oils
This term refers to ingredients in beauty products that clog the pores and can cause blackheads, pimples or cosmetic-related acne. We do not use potentially comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin and dyes that are commonly found in other personal care products.
California Baby products are pH balanced and recommended for all skin types, even very sensitive skin. As the pH values of our products are proprietary and confidential, we are unable to give out this information. We suggest you purchase travel/sample sizes and do a patch test to check compatibility to your skin.
- We use HDPE (#2) bottles that utilize 100% Post Consumer Content (PCR); BPA and phthalate free. 100% Recycled Plastic uses 90% less water and energy to make and is better for the environment!
- Our tree free labels are printed with UV-based lead free inks and are easy to recycle with paper or plastic – no need to remove labels before recycling!
- Caps are made of Polypropylene (BPA free)
