For generations, grandmothers across Indian homes have reached for a bowl of ubtan instead of store-bought soaps. Made with turmeric, besan, milk, sandalwood, and other kitchen ingredients, this herbal pack has been used to cleanse, soften, and brighten skin naturally. With more parents today looking to avoid harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances for their little ones, it’s no surprise that ubtan is making a comeback. But when it comes to babies, with their delicate and sensitive skin, the big question comes up, Can I Use Ubtan / Herbal Packs on Babies? is this traditional remedy actually safe for them?
Babies are born with skin that is thinner and more absorbent than adult skin, which means everything we put on them matters a lot. While herbal ingredients sound gentle and natural, ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe for infants. Factors like allergies, age, skin conditions, and how the pack is prepared all play a role. In this blog, Let’s look at what ubtan and other herbal packs are made of, the potential benefits for baby skin, the risks you should watch out for, and simple guidelines to help you decide if and how you can use them safely.
Can I Use Ubtan / Herbal Packs on Babies?
What Do Paediatric Guidelines Say?
Both the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) stress one main thing for newborn and infant skin, keep it simple, gentle, and barrier-friendly
IAP also notes that cultural practices like vigorous rubbing of newborn skin can disturb the natural vernix caseosa, which protects the baby.
What this means for ubtan/herbal packs, Neither AAP nor IAP specifically approve or ban traditional ubtan. But their core advice is clear, avoid harsh scrubbing, fragrances, and ingredients that can damage the delicate skin barrier of babies.
Potential Benefits of Ubtan/Herbal Packs for Babies
When made correctly and used occasionally, it has good benefits. And some traditional ingredients have been used for centuries for gentle cleansing. Here are a few examples:
- Besan/Gram flour: Mild cleanser that doesn’t strip natural oils
- Turmeric: Used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties, but should be in very small amounts to avoid staining
- Sandalwood: Traditionally used to soothe skin
- Milk/Curd: Lactic acid can gently cleanse
The goal of ubtan was never deep scrubbing. It was meant as a soft paste to lift dirt without soap.
What About Traditional Nalangu Maavu for Babies?
Nalangu Maavu is a traditional South Indian herbal powder that’s been used for generations during baby baths, especially on auspicious days or for weekly oil baths. The word “Nalangu” means bath, and “Maavu” means flour/powder.
The classic homemade mix usually includes ingredients like green gram dal/besan, Black stone flower, rose petals, dried orange peel, turmeric, vetiver, fenugreek, Athimathuram, Lavangapathiri Leaf, Marjoram etc, all sun-dried and ground into a fine powder. Unlike soap, nalangu maavu is meant to gently cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. In many Tamil homes, it’s used once or twice a week after a warm oil massage and left on for just 2-3 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
How to use safely for babies 6+ months:
- Take 1-2 tsp of nalangu maavu and mix with milk, curd, or plain water to make a smooth paste.
- Apply gently on the body. Do not scrub.
- Leave for 2 minutes and rinse well. Keep bath time under 10 minutes as per IAP guidelines.
- Always do a patch test first and avoid if your baby has eczema or very dry skin.
Many parents today use nalangu maavu occasionally to stay connected to tradition, but switch to doctor-recommended baby wash for daily use.
Risks to Watch Out For
- Skin irritation & allergies: Baby skin is thinner and absorbs more. Turmeric, sandalwood, or essential oils can cause rashes.
- Barrier damage: Scrubbing or leaving paste on too long can dry out skin. IAP specifically warns against practices that disturb the skin barrier.
- Infections: Homemade packs can carry bacteria if ingredients aren’t fresh or hands/utensils aren’t clean.
Safe Use Tips
- Age matters: Avoid on newborns and for babies below 6 months.
- Patch test first: Apply a tiny amount on inner forearm and wait 24 hours.
- No scrubbing: Apply gently, leave for 1-2 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. Bath <10 min.
- Frequency: Max 1 time in 2 weeks, not daily.
- Avoid broken/eczema skin: AAP notes babies with eczema need extra-gentle, minimal-ingredient care.
- Talk to your doctor first, especially if your baby has dry skin, eczema, or allergies.
If you want to try a herbal pack, do it sparingly, keep the recipe very simple, and always run it by your pediatrician first.
Note: All the details provided here are for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your paediatrician before trying new skincare products on your baby.
No time to grind nalangu maavu or herbal packs at home? Don’t worry, we’ve got them ready for you. Click here, to get them delivered right to your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ubtan safe for newborns?
IAP and AAP recommend keeping newborn skin care very simple. Herbal packs with multiple ingredients are not to be user for babies below 6 months.
What age can I start using ubtan on my baby?
Most pediatricians suggest waiting until after 6 months. Even then, use it very rarely. Do a patch test first.
Which ingredients in ubtan should I avoid for babies?
Avoid turmeric in large amounts, essential oils, fragrance, mustard oil, and olive oil. Also avoid scrubbing ingredients.
Can ubtan help with baby acne or dry skin?
Some parents use it for mild cleansing, but AAP recommends minimal-ingredient, fragrance-free products for sensitive skin. For baby acne or eczema, check with your paediatrician before applying anything.
How do I do a patch test for ubtan?
Apply a pea-sized amount of the paste on your baby’s inner forearm. Wait 24 hours. If there’s no redness, itching, or rash, it’s likely safe to use once.
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