What is that gross stuff on your baby?

What is that “gross” stuff on your baby?

(And why you should absolutely love it)

Your baby has just been born, and as you gaze in awe at your little miracle, you might be surprised to see their delicate skin covered in a thick, creamy, white substance. It might look like they’ve been lathered in sunscreen ready for a day at the cricket – but this amazing, natural coating is called Vernix Caseosa (or simply vernix).

And believe me — this stuff is nature’s wonder balm for your baby!

What is vernix?

Vernix is a protective, waxy, cheese-like coating that begins forming on your baby’s skin from around 11–20 weeks gestation. It’s produced by the baby’s sebaceous (oil) glands and is uniquely human – you won’t see it on any other mammal in quite the same way.

Vernix is made up of:

81% water
9% lipids (fats)
10% protein

But it’s so much more than that – it’s nature’s first skincare product and immune booster all rolled into one.

 

 

Why is vernix so important?

Far from being something to wipe off and wash away, vernix plays several essential roles before, during and after birth:

Protects skin in the womb – Vernix forms a barrier between your baby’s skin and the amniotic fluid they float in for months. Without it, their skin would become wrinkled, dry and irritated — think of how your fingers look after a long bath!

Assists with birth – It acts like a natural lubricant, helping your baby slide more easily through the birth canal.

Provides thermal protection – Vernix helps your baby regulate their body temperature after birth, conserving heat and reducing the risk of heat loss.

Immune defence and antibacterial properties – Vernix contains powerful antimicrobial peptides and proteins that help protect against harmful bacteria like Group B Streptococcus and E. coli – a natural defence system at work while your baby’s immune system is still developing.

Skin hydration and pH regulation – Research shows vernix helps maintain the moisture balance of newborn skin and supports the acid mantle – a protective barrier that prevents skin irritation and infection.

Antioxidant properties – Vernix contains Vitamin E and melanin, which help protect your baby’s skin from oxidative stress and environmental toxins.

 

 

Should vernix be wiped off?

Absolutely not! The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours – and ideally much longer to allow the vernix to be naturally absorbed into your baby’s skin.

Bathing too soon can disrupt the delicate microbiome your baby is born with, wash away the beneficial bacteria from the birth process, and remove this precious protective layer.

When left undisturbed, vernix will naturally dissolve and absorb into the skin within a few days – no rubbing required.

What if my baby doesn’t have much vernix?

Babies born before their estimated due date often have more vernix, while babies born post-dates may have very little or no vernix visible. This is completely normal and simply reflects their gestational age.

Fun fact: Cosmetic companies want in!

The skincare industry has long studied vernix for its remarkable moisturising and protective properties, hoping to replicate it in products – but nothing beats the real thing your baby produces naturally.

Final thoughts

So next time you meet a brand-new baby covered in that thick, creamy goodness, know that you’re looking at one of nature’s most incredible designs – a built-in skincare, immune-boosting, anti-bacterial, temperature-regulating marvel.

Leave it on. Let it soak in. Let it do what it was made to do.

And if anyone thinks it looks “gross” – that’s just another way to keep those early baby cuddles for yourself a little longer!

 

Sources & Further Reading:

World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines on Newborn Care – Delayed Bathing
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/newborns-reducing-mortality

National Institute of Health (NIH) – Vernix Caseosa: Its Role in Skin Barrier Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10422133/

Lund, C., Kuller, J., Lane, A., Lott, J., & Raines, D. (2007). Vernix caseosa: its role in skin hydration and barrier function in the newborn.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17536485/

Hoath, S. B., & Pickens, W. L. (1998). Vernix Caseosa and the Skin Barrier. Clinics in Dermatology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9894372/

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15592296

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595247/

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a22969357/vernix

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=12538777&dopt=Abstract

http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/519767

http://www.wpro.who.int/immunization/documents/newborncare_final.pdf