Alternative to reformulated California Baby Calendula Cream for Eczema?

[mum2sarah]

Not sure if this is the best forum for this, but DD2 has bad eczema, and DS is starting to develop it, too.  I've experimented with lots of calendula creams/lotions and the one that seemed to work was California Baby.  But they reformulated it recently and bumped calendula down on the ingredients from the second ingredient (first being water) to like the 6th ingredient and I'm pretty sure that will render it useless to us, as this is now similar to the Weleda lotion that did nothing to help my kids' eczema.  I tried Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm because it had calendula second on the ingredient list, but this stuff is too greasy and it just sits on top of the skin essentially not being absorbed at all.  Thus it did not help DD's eczema either.  Is there anything out there that is comparable to the old California Baby CalendulaCream  recipe? 

[wafflefish]

[mumkimum]

Wow - didn't know they'd changed it recently . . .

My kids always have rejected lotions, mostly - and these might not be as 'heavy' as the Cali. Baby creme, but I've really liked Mountain Rose Herbs Baby balm (lots of calendula) which I just use more often on their dry patches than I probably would a lotion.  I also use olive oil, but Mountain Rose Herbs also has a 'restorative skin oil' that's also calendula heavy and I've thought about picking up sometime.   

[mum2sarah]

I'll have to check out Mountain Rose.  Thanks!  I found this: http://www.vitacost.com/Mill-Creek-Botanicals-Baby-Calendula-Cream  Calendula is listed after water and glycerin.  It's not organic, but I am going to give it a try and report back (order arrived today from amazon).  I'm skeptical though because it doesn't have a calendula-ish smell at all.  Also just a pet peeve, it has baby bottles and binkies all over the design on the label...

[Miriam Stone]

Hi! We've noticed there's been a lot of discussion about our recent product changes. Here is some information that might help. You can also visit our website at www.californiababy.com or like us on facebook for more information. All the best, Miriam @ California Baby

A RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CALENDULA CREAM: Due to the issues discussed above with our previous preservatives (capryloyl glycine and undecylenoyl glycine), we made the decision to use new preservatives (caprylhydroxamic acid and glyceryl caprylate) in our creams and lotions. These are naturally derived from coconut, are from the same class as amino acids as the previous preservatives, and have the same properties and functionality. As well, due to an unsteady supply of organic safflower oil that met our specification, we switched to organically-grown canola oil and added it to our Calendula Cream for extra moisturization. It is produced in single-item facilities, which ensures it has no cross-contamination with nuts, another example of our very strict ingredient standards. 

Some customers have noticed that our Calendula Cream has a slightly different smell. This is because we recently began extracting calendula in-house, so it is much more concentrated and has a more pronounced herbal scent. Because it is more concentrated, we can use less of it but get the same level of effectiveness as before (this is also why it has moved down on the ingredient list). You can see the difference in the picture on this post.

Some customers have also said they are experiencing irritation from the cream. Since the ingredient changes were very minor and the products went through extensive safety testing before they were released, the irritation is likely being cause by a sensitivity to essential oils. We suggest customers who are experiencing this switch to the Super Sensitive/No Fragrance lotion.

[FrannieP]

I like the Mt Rose Baby Balm as well. The best results I've had though is with Native Remedies Clear Skin Cream that stuff is awesome. It's a bit spendy, but a little goes a long way and it's been worth every dime IMO.