While we may not pay much attention to what goes into making our favorite beauty products and skin care products – even though we should – we find that as soon as we have a baby in the home to think about, we are on high alert as we watch for ingredients and chemicals that could potentially harm our children.
The following are a few chemicals commonly found in infant products that we should really avoid:
Talc. This is often added to baby powders and is used as a drying agent. However, it can irritate the lungs and may also be carcinogenic.
Fragrance. This is added to many products either to provide a scent or to mask the chemical scent of the other ingredients. However, many times this contains coal and petroleum-derived synthetic chemicals that can actually lead to asthma. These chemicals are often found in diapers, baby powder, baby wash, and lotions.
Propylene Glycol. This chemical may be another carcinogenic and is easily absorbed by the skin. It effectively opens up the pores which allow the other chemicals to make their way in as well. It is often found in baby wipes.
Parabens. These are everywhere, unfortunately, including in infant products. Soaps, shampoos, and baby washes contain parabens which are neurotoxins that have been linked to reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption, and skin irritation.
Triclosan. While it is often described as an antibacterial ingredient, it is actually a carcinogenic endocrine disruptor. It may eventually lead to our children not being able to create natural resistance and immunity to bacteria.
Other Places These Toxins are Found
In addition to being included in many baby powders, washes, shampoos, wipes, and more as already mentioned. These toxins can also be found in other unlikely places. Polyurethane foam has been found in changing pads, and this toxin can lead to learning disabilities, infertility, and cancer.
The fragrances in baby oil are also a concern because they can trigger allergic reactions, cause problems with the immune system, and can even cause lung irritation.
Safer Alternatives
Safer alternatives to products containing these products are made from more natural ingredients that are healthier for the body. Instead of baby oil, for example, you should consider lotions that are plant or nut-based and fragrance-free. A base oil such as coconut oil is a much better alternative and acts as a great moisturizer as well.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids which happen to make this oil one of the healthiest oils you can use on your skin.
Jojoba oil is another alternative and can moisturize your baby’s skin and alleviate any dryness. These oils are also great ingredients to include in other DIY baby products, including diaper rash cream.
A safer alternative for many baby shampoos and washes is castile soap, distilled water, and ten drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil. These two oils are great for baby and also has calming properties making it perfect for use before bedtime.
Meta: There are many side effects to using products containing chemicals on infants; however, there are much more natural and effective solutions that are safer to use like coconut oil and lavender essential oil.
