The Short Answer
Tubby Todd Everyday Lotion is Acceptable. It is significantly cleaner than drugstore classics like Johnson's, avoiding parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. However, it relies on Phenoxyethanol as a preservative. While considered safe in low concentrations, this synthetic ingredient prevents it from being a "perfectly clean" recommendation for purists.
The real star of the lineup is the All Over Ointment. Unlike the lotion, the ointment is completely preservative-free, uses 1% colloidal oatmeal for eczema, and earns a Recommended rating.
Why This Matters
Marketing often blurs the lines between products in the same brand. Tubby Todd is famous for its "before and after" eczema photos, but those results usually come from the All Over Ointment, not the Everyday Lotion.
The Everyday Lotion is a water-based product, which means it requires a preservative to prevent mold and bacteria. Tubby Todd chose Phenoxyethanol—a common "clean-ish" alternative to parabens that still triggers concerns for infant skin sensitivity. Is Baby Lotion Safe
What's Actually In Tubby Todd Lotion
The formula is botanical-heavy and rich in emollients. Here is the breakdown for the Fragrance-Free Everyday Lotion:
- Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter — Excellent natural moisturizers that repair the skin barrier.
- Safflower & Avocado Oil — Nourishing plant oils high in fatty acids.
- Phenoxyethanol — A synthetic preservative. It is restricted in Japan and the EU for use in products around the mouth/lips. It can be an irritant for some babies with eczema. Is Phenoxyethanol In Baby Wipes Safe
- Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate — Food-grade preservatives generally considered safe.
- Plant Extracts — Cucumber, Mango, and Green Tea extract. These add antioxidants but can theoretically be allergens for super-sensitive skin.
Brand Alert: Heavy Metals
While the lotion itself is safe from contamination scandals, the brand recently faced scrutiny regarding another product.
Independent testing by Lead Safe Mama in late 2025 found high levels of lead (550+ ppb) and cadmium in Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste (their zinc oxide cream).
While this doesn't mean the lotion has lead, it raises a yellow flag for the brand's quality control regarding mineral sourcing. We recommend skipping their diaper paste until new testing proves it clean. Is Tubby Todd Diaper Cream Clean
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Fragrance-Free option — The best choice for newborns.
- Transparent Labeling — They clearly list all ingredients.
- No Silicones — Free of dimethicone, which is common in other "sensitive" lotions.
Red Flags:
- Phenoxyethanol — The primary preservative is synthetic.
- "Natural" Fragrance — The scented versions (Lavender & Rosemary) use plant oils. While natural, these are potent allergens that can trigger contact dermatitis in newborns. Is Fragrance In Baby Lotion Harmful
The Best Options
If you love the brand, the Ointment is the product worth buying. If you want a truly clean lotion, there are better alternatives.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubby Todd | All Over Ointment | ✅ | Preservative-free, effective for eczema, completely clean. |
| Tubby Todd | Everyday Lotion | ⚠️ | Good ingredients but contains Phenoxyethanol. |
| Tubby Todd | Sweet Cheeks Paste | 🚫 | Recent testing showed high heavy metal contamination. |
| Pipette | Baby Lotion | ✅ | Cleaner preservative system and cheaper. |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy the Ointment, skip the Lotion. The All Over Ointment is the "miracle" product that is truly clean.
2. Stick to Fragrance-Free. Even natural essential oils like Lavender can irritate newborn skin.
3. Avoid the Diaper Paste. Due to recent heavy metal findings, use a safer alternative like Badger or Earth Mama. Safest Diaper Cream
FAQ
Is Tubby Todd All Over Ointment the same as the Lotion?
No. The Ointment is a thick, waterless balm containing 1% Colloidal Oatmeal and no preservatives. The Lotion is water-based and contains Phenoxyethanol. The Ointment is far superior for eczema.
Does Tubby Todd use synthetic fragrance?
No. Their scented products use natural plant extracts and essential oils. However, they label them as "Fragrance*" on the bottle with a footnote. We still recommend Fragrance-Free for babies under 6 months.
Is Phenoxyethanol safe for babies?
It is safe in concentrations under 1%, but it is not "natural." It is a synthetic ether alcohol. Many crunchy parents avoid it because it can cause allergic reactions and is toxic if ingested (though you shouldn't be eating lotion). Is Baby Lotion Safe
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