How to identify safe baby skin care products – What we leave out and why.

Research into baby skincare can be a daunting prospect when you consider that there is little to no regulation to rely upon. How are parents expected to find the time and energy needed to sift through labels of cryptic ingredients?

The truth is, major household brands know this and continue using cheap, potentially toxic ingredients in low enough levels that are deemed 'safe' to not cause harm. Whilst these small doses might not seem like much on their own, imagine how potent these chemicals become over time with daily use. Our babies deserve better protection against the toxins lurking around us – because even 'low' levels of exposure aren't okay when it comes to their delicate skin.

Parents have every right (and reason) for wanting better protection for their children without sacrificing their wallets or sanity.

Over recent years there has been an increase in paediatric atopic dermatitis reported with most children developing this painful skin condition before the age of two years. When babies are born, their sensitivity to chemicals remains higher than adults' whilst their organs are still developing. This means they cannot adapt to the number of chemicals and contaminants they are exposed to daily. Everyday baby products such as shampoo's, lotions, baby wash products, laundry detergents amongst others, often still contain ingredients that can be harmful and have the potential to cause short and long term health complications.

The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to protect your baby from these toxins.

Here’s how:

User Fewer Products

The first step in protecting your baby from environmental toxins is to use fewer products. Babies don’t need a lot of products—less is more! Choose only what you need and make sure it is high-quality and free from harsh chemicals or potential irritants. Be mindful when choosing skincare, cleaning, and laundry products for your baby—they may contain ingredients that could be harmful if used too often or too frequently.

Choose Carefully

When selecting skincare products for your baby, be sure to scan the label for any ingredients you may not recognize or any known toxins. There are still many brands on the market that use ingredients proven to be harmful—avoid them!To help you decipher the INCI (International Nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients) label, we have broken down the most common toxins, and potential irritants and allergens that you should look out for when choosing baby skincare products.

Parfum/Fragrance:

Synthetic Fragrances are the number one trigger of allergic reactions. Used to mask unwanted smells of artificial ingredients, they often contain numerous chemicals. Brands are not required to disclose the ingredients behind the “fragrance”, and therefore it remains a loophole in the industry.

Look out for: Fragrance, Parfum, perfume, aroma

Alternatives: Fragrance-free Products and Parfum free.

Parabens:

Groups of chemicals widely used as preservatives, found in fragrance, cosmetics and skincare products. Known to cause allergic reactions and irritation when used in high concentration. In fact, multiple countries have gone on to ban certain parabens; with the Danish banning use for children up to 3 years of age in the view they may be more susceptible to endocrine disruptive effects. Unfortunately, Australia is yet to ban ANY parabens.

Look out:for Ingredients ending in paraben: ethyl, benzyl, butyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, methyl, pentyl, phenyl, propyl, phenyllsopropyl

Alternatives:Not a necessary ingredient; there are many natural and safe preservative systems available.

Petrolatum:

A solvent and protective agent which is a by-product of petroleum refining. The primary health concern is unsafe refining and contamination with carcinogens.

Look out for: Petroleum jelly, Petrolatum, Paraffin oil, mineral oil.

Alternatives:Plant-based oils – we use natural and organic oils such as Camellia, Jojoba, and Sunflower instead.

PEGS (Polyethylene Glycols):

Not the kind you hang up clothes with, but a controversial ingredient – they’re a by-product of manufacturing and pose a threat because of the processing method. They can enhance the penetration of toxins into the skin, leading to skin irritation and hypersensitivity.

Look out: forPolyethylene glycols, PEGs, PEO or POE.

Alternatives: Natural glycols or vegetable glycerine

Silicones:

Synthetic fillers, used as conditioning agents, inhibit the natural transpiration process, leaving a film on the skin which can cause clogged pores, dehydrated skin, irritation and breakouts.

Look out for:Dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, Cyclomethicone

Alternatives:Plant-derived waxes and oils

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate:

Cleansing agents that get rid of dirt and oil (often used to create foam in bubble baths – but not the good kind). They can be extremely drying, cause skin & eye irritation or trigger allergies.

Look out for: sodium lauryl/Laureth sulfate/sulphate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate

Alternatives:Plant-based glucosides, including decyl, lauryl or coco glucosides – we always use natural surfactants to create gentle bubbles.

Genetically modified organisms:

GMOs, are new plants, animals or microorganisms that have been genetically engineered (made in a lab). The long-term impact of GMOs on our bodies is still unknown; however, skin irritation, allergies and digestive issues are said to be side effects so far.

Look out for: cosmetic ingredients potentially derived from GMOs: corn oil, corn flour, soybean oil, lecithin and proteins produced by yeast.

Alternatives: Plant-based ingredients.

Phenoxyethanol:

A commonly used preservative in natural products – but is best avoided as they contain 1,4-dioxane which is a known carcinogen and has been linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity. Its use has been restricted in Europe and Japan as well.

Look out for: phenoxyethanol, 2-phenoxyethanol, 1,2-dibromo-2, 4-dicyanobutane, PhE

Alternatives: Other natural preservatives

We hope the above can serve as a useful reference guide to help you shop for safe baby skincare products with confidence. Do not settle for low quality when it comes to your baby's skin; check those labels carefully before you buy.

Taking simple steps such as using fewer products and choosing them carefully can help protect your little ones. Be especially mindful that your baby is even more sensitive and susceptible to toxins than an adult, so try to stick with all-natural formulas that won't irritate their skin or health in any way.

By being informed about what goes into the skincare products you buy for your baby, you can ensure they have a happy, healthy start in life!