10 Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Skincare Products

Selecting proper natural baby skincare products for your baby needs great attention and awareness of the composition of those products. The skin of babies is quite delicate and susceptible to any form of irritation due to the use of certain components or substances. It’s yet another factor that makes parents opt for natural products in order to protect their children’s skin.

Having knowledge about the components that can be included in some products will certainly aid parents in choosing the right lotion, shampoo, baby bath, and diaper cream. All products are not harmful to the skin of babies, but there are certain ones which can irritate their skin. Let us discuss ten of them.

10 Ingredients Parents Should Check in Baby Skincare Products

1. Artificial Fragrances

These skincare products contain fragrances to give the product a nice smell. There may be irritants and/or allergens in some ingredients of the fragrance contained in the product. Fragrance will be listed as “fragrance” or "parfum", without listing the ingredients one by one. Fragrance-free products are preferable to be used by infants with sensitive skin.

2. Parabens

The parabens like methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are the preservatives which are used in order to prevent the growth of the microbes within the cosmetic products. Parabens' potential effect on hormones has created much concern in the minds of many parents. However, according to the FDA in USA, parabens have never been found harmful to human health, even when used in cosmetics.

3. Phthalates

Phthalates are substances that are used in different things, like perfumes and cosmetic products. Diethyl phthalate is one such chemical that is added to perfumes. This is because all the ingredients used in any perfume cannot be mentioned individually. It is for this reason that perfume-free baby care products can be used.

4. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and imidazolidinyl urea are preservatives that produce formaldehyde. Because of the fact that formaldehyde is a sensitiser, people who are allergic to formaldehyde will definitely have a negative reaction to formaldehyde. Parents worried about this issue should choose to use products without preservatives.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

Sodium lauryl sulphate is a surfactant that can strip oils off the skin, resulting in dryness and irritation. Selection of a product by considering its potential to generate lots of foam is not advisable. In case of regular washing of infants, one must use an effective yet mild product for the baby’s skin.

6. Triclosan

Triclosan is a component of an antibiotic that was previously used in certain personal hygiene products. There is no need to use any antibacterial baby skin care products while bathing your baby. Mothers need to focus more on cleansing through baby-friendly products. Plain, gentle cleansing is usually sufficient for routine hygiene.

7. Artificial Colourants

Colour can be used in the preparation of these lotions, washes, and creams, making them look more pleasing. There are some colours that are permissible for use in makeup, though they could bring about an allergic reaction in certain people. Colour has no effect whatsoever on the performance of these cosmetics. Simple makeup products will make it easier for the baby.

8. Methylisothiazolinone (MI)

Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative that can most likely be found in cosmetics. This compound has the ability to cause an allergy in some people and thus must be used with extreme caution. Parents need to check the contents listed on the label of the product when their child uses it and be on the lookout for allergic symptoms.

9. Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is included in cosmetic products because it has moisturizing properties and does not hinder the solubility of cosmetics in water. It is safe for the majority of people and will not cause an allergic response except for a few people who may suffer allergic reactions on broken skin. The parents need to keep in mind the skin needs of their babies.

10. Talc in Baby Powder

Talc is a mineral used in some powders and cosmetic products. The problem with the baby powder being too loose is that there is a danger of inhaling the powder particles, which may have an impact on the baby’s lungs. That is why the American Academy of Paediatrics advises parents not to use baby powder with talc. However, there is another way out of this situation.

How to Choose Natural Baby Skincare Products

It would be essential to remember the following – it is necessary to take into account the significance of analysing the list of ingredients before making a purchase for your kid's skin. According to the recommendations, one has to choose the products having the list of ingredients and being appropriate in terms of cleansing and age. One thing to remember here is the fact that despite the presence of the label "natural", "clean", or "chemical-free", it does not necessarily mean that the product is safe.

The only way to be sure there are no chemicals in your baby products is to know the ingredients of your baby products.

Choose Gentle Care with ADNA Naturals

When providing care for your baby, caution is of the essence when deciding the methods of doing it and ensuring the use of acceptable ingredients. ADNA Naturals made sure that all of these characteristics were taken into consideration while designing its products. To learn more about their products and how to use them, please click here.

A NaniMAA Brand — Traditionally Tested, Clinically Tested. Now, who is a mother going to look up to in connection with her baby? At ADNA Naturals, we have the same philosophy: our products are manufactured by mothers for their babies and even used on their babies. We hope that this can be an inspiration for you in connection with your baby's skincare needs.