What is liniment?
Liniment (say it: LIN-i-ment) is a creamy, no-rinse nappy change lotion made from olive oil and limewater. It cleans gently and leaves a light barrier that helps protect against nappy rash. In France it's the go-to for nappy changes. You'll find it in every pharmacy and every nappy bag, and most French babies have never known anything else at change time.
In Australia almost nobody has heard of it. That's why we started making it here, in Melbourne.
Not the liniment you rub on sore muscles
In English, "liniment" often means a sports rub. This is something completely different. The French version, called liniment oléo-calcaire, is a gentle skincare lotion for babies, with no heat, menthol or fragrance.
What's in ours
Four ingredients, all listed on the bottle:
- Australian extra virgin olive oil
- Limewater (water with calcium hydroxide, nothing to do with the fruit)
- Organic beeswax
- Vitamin E
No fragrance, no alcohol. We make every batch by hand in Melbourne.
How it helps protect against nappy rash
Nappy rash mostly comes from moisture and friction. Wipes clean, but they leave skin damp. Liniment cleans and then leaves a light film of olive oil and beeswax on the skin. That barrier sits between your baby's skin and the next wet nappy, which helps protect against nappy rash at every change.
If a rash is severe, broken or not improving after a few days, see your GP, pharmacist or maternal child health nurse.
How to use it
- Shake. Oil and limewater separate naturally. A quick shake brings them back together.
- One or two pumps on a cotton pad, or on your usual dry or reusable wipe.
- Wipe, and you're done. No rinsing. It works for wees and poos, cloth or disposable nappies.
Why French parents swear by it
It cleanses and hydrates in one step. Instead of leaving skin damp, it leaves a light, silky barrier that keeps skin soft and helps protect against nappy rash until the next change. And the ingredient list fits on one line.
Can I still use wipes?
Yes. Lots of parents pump liniment onto a wipe. Use whatever works for your family. If you want to go wipe-free, our extra-large organic cotton pads do the same job.
Not just for nappy changes
Because it's simply olive oil, beeswax and limewater, many parents also use it as a gentle moisturiser on little hands and faces.
Try it
The easiest way to start is our First Try Pack: a 125 mL bottle and a pack of organic cotton pads for $14.90.
For external use only. If irritation develops, discontinue use.
Still have questions? Our FAQ covers the rest, or send us a message. We answer every one ourselves.