The Importance Of Clean Skincare in Baby Products
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Time to read 3 min
As parents, our number one priority is making sure our babies are safe. We spend hours researching the safest car seats, strollers, and foods for our baby, but what about the products we use on their skin?
A baby’s skin is very different from ours, it’s thinner, more delicate, and much more absorbent. This, combined with a still-developing detoxification system, makes babies more vulnerable to potentially harmful ingredients hiding out in baby skincare products.
Research published in PubMed shows a surprising reality: the average newborn is exposed to approximately 48 different environmental chemicals through just eight skincare products (Bever et al., 2021). Scientific studies have linked these exposures to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and potential long-term health conditions like reproductive disorders and certain cancers (Darbre & Harvey, 2008; Braun et al., 2013).
This information tells us that choosing clean, non-toxic skincare for our babies is very important. Clean skincare isn’t just a trend; clean skincare keeps babies safe and protects their short and long-term health.
Now that we know clean, non-toxic skincare for babies is a must. How do we go about finding the right products to put on their skin? Understanding the ingredients listed on skincare products will be crucial. Here we will go over the ingredients commonly found in baby products that research has found to be potentially harmful.
Ingredients to Avoid
1. Phthalates
Phthalates are a chemical commonly found in baby skincare products because of their use in plastic packaging and as carriers for fragrance. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has identified Phthalates as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormones, which can lead to health issues such as reproductive issues and behavioral problems (NIEHS, 2020).
2. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used in skincare products to extend their shelf life. They can be listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben (easily identify them by anything ending in -paraben) on an ingredient label. Research has found that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially causing hormone disruptions. Many clean baby skincare products are labeled as paraben-free, making it easier to avoid them.
3. Formaldehyde
It may sound crazy that formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and skin irritant, could be lurking in a baby skincare product, but it's actually quite common. A study done by A Campaign for Safer Cosmetics found formaldehyde in 82% of the children’s products they tested (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 2015). Formaldehyde may be clearly listed on an ingredient label, but it may also be hiding in ingredients like: DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and diazolidinyl, which can slowly release formaldehyde over time. The safest bet is to choose baby skincare products that clearly label themselves as formaldehyde-free.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
When an ingredient is listed as “fragrance” or “parfum” on a product, it can actually contain many undisclosed chemicals. These chemicals can be allergens or even hormone disruptors. Fragrance ingredients do not have to be disclosed legally because of a loophole for “trade secrets”. Fragrance is best avoided anyway because a baby’s sensitive skin can be easily irritated by them. Always choose fragrance-free.
5. Sulfates
Sulfates are powerful foaming and cleansing agents that can be found in baby shampoos and body washes. Sulfates can be irritating to a baby's eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Watch out for ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. When in doubt, look for products that specifically say they’re sulfate-free.
Ingredients to Look For Instead
Now that we know what to avoid when shopping for our baby’s skincare. Let’s end on a positive note and mention some great ingredients to look for on a product label.
For Moisture
A baby’s skin needs moisture, so look for naturally derived, hydrating ingredients.
We love:
-Jojoba
-Coconut
–Sunflower
For Skin Soothing
For a baby’s sensitive skin, look for naturally derived, soothing ingredients.
We love:
-Shea butter
-Aloe Vera
-Chamomile
-Colloidal Oatmeal
When shopping for baby skincare products, read your labels and check for both potentially harmful ingredients and beneficial ones as well. Let third-party certifications like Made Safe™, EWG Verified™, and USDA organic help you pick the best products for your baby’s skin. With many skin care companies taking note of all the health benefits of clean, non-toxic baby products, you have more great skincare options than ever to keep your baby safe.
Madeline Hall
Madeline is a licensed cosmetologist in Tennessee and California with a decade of industry expertise. Drawing from her experience as a cosmetology educator and beauty contributor to online publications like CVS Health and Behind the Chair, she decodes ingredient labels and champions clean beauty. Her mission is to empower readers to make confident, health-conscious choices for themselves and their families.
