How long have I been using Johnson's Baby Lotion? Well since I was a baby I guess - I've been using this wonderfully versatile product for as long as I can remember and to this day, its smell WAS (see update at bottom of review) is one of my favourite smells in the world! I can't describe the smell to you as it's unique - only Johnson's Baby Lotion smells like Johnson's Baby Lotion and if you've managed to live life without trying or smelling it then I think you're sorely missing out.

ABOUT JOHNSON'S BABY LOTION

Ok, ok, so it was originally invented for use on babies, and to give it credit where it's due, it was used on me as a baby and maybe just a bit too successfully because, at 37 years old, I still didn't want to let it go! Did I mention that I loved the smell of it?

Each baby pink bottle has "Clinically Mildness Proven" printed across the front and I wouldn't argue with that for one second. If it's mild enough for your baby it's mild enough for you. It's made by Johnson & Johnson whose sales have increased each year for the last 72 years (I think I've helped sales for about half of that time)!

"Best for Baby" - Johnson's Baby Lotion is (and I quote from their own advertising) "the most effective way to remove oily substances that water alone cannot and leave skin clean and babysoft." Well I challenge anyone who has tried this on their baby to disagree with this statement. I am so obsessed with this product that I've discussed it with many friends and colleagues over the years asking if it's what they use on their babies and the answer is always a resounding "YES"! I've not come across anyone who used it on their baby and encountered any problems and everyone seems to adore the soft scent it gives off too. It helps prevent nappy rash and keeps babies skin soft, smooth and fresh at all times. Apparently "8 out of 10 midwives use JOHNSON'S Baby on their own children" - I really wonder what the other 2 use? It's also the lotion of choice for hospitals. Lucky babies in hospitals eh?

"Best for You" - it's very effective as a moisturiser for us grown ups too as it "works in harmony with the skin. When you smooth it on, the skin just takes it in." Again, I can't argue with that. I not only use this as part of my daily routine after showering for all over freshness, but I also use it as a makeup remover. I've tried various other makeup removers over the years (at great expense I might add) but I always come back to using Johnson's Baby Lotion to remove my makeup, it's soft, it's effective and damn cheap too. Oh yes, and did I mention that it smells lovely too? Also use it to relieve dry hands after washing and it's great for dry skin patches too. I wouldn't recommend using it as sun tan lotion though… It's a bit like using butter I think! You can put some in your bath to moisturise your skin whilst you relax in the tub and some people have even washed their hair with it in an emergency when out of shampoo (personally I haven't actually tried washing my hair in it YET!)

AVAILABILITY

Johnson's Baby Lotion is commonly available in just about every chemists' in the UK. It's stocked at Boots and Superdrug stores and comes in 200ml, 300ml, 500ml and I've got several 50ml bottles which was the trial size available many years ago - I went mad buying up loads of these at the time (not seen them around anywhere for years now though). These 50ml bottles are just so cute and are so handy to keep in your handbag. I always carry one! Prices for the 200ml bottle start at about £1.00 and goes up to about £2.49 for the 500ml.

WARNING

It says on the bottle "Keep out of children's reach" and "For external use only". Ok, well, yes, it does smell very nice so you could actually believe that there are people out there who might want to drink it?! As to keeping it out of children's reach - well I think that warning's just to ensure that the kids don't use it all up themselves and so that they save some for us adults…

TO CONCLUDE

Johnson's says of its Baby Lotion "The lotion that truly knows the secret of perfectly, babysoft, fresh skin." I'd say I have to agree with this statement 100% and then some. This is one product that I don't think I could live without! I can see myself using it when I'm in my 60s or 70s or more (if I'm lucky enough to live that long).

If you'd like further information on Johnson's products, then the website is:
http://www.johnsonsbaby.com

And by the way, it's also "hypoallergenic, allergy and dermatologist-tested" so shouldn't affect anyone with allergies adversely.

Thanks for reading.

UPDATE - NOV 2009

I can no longer say I'm a fan of Johnsons Baby Lotion (not the stuff that's available in the UK these days anyway). They changed the formula a few years ago and the scent and consistency that had me hooked all these years has drastically changed. For some odd reason the consistency nowadays leaves my skin feeling very greasy and uncomfortable.

In India they still use the old formula so when I go there every other year I purchase a few bottles (5 or 6) to bring back here to use but I must say I'm very disappointed that I have to this. The consistency on the version available in the UK has changed so much so that I no longer feel comfortable using it as my skin has a bit of an adverse reaction to it. Therefore I have been forced to change my rating of this product to just 3 out of 5 stars. I'm going to India again in December, just a few weeks away and I'm down to my last bottle - I'm really hoping that they haven't changed the formula/scent out there yet as I'll be so disappointed! Wish me luck!