Many parents assume that skincare products made for infants would be entirely safe. This, however, is not the reality, as numerous products contain ingredients potentially harmful to your little one. In this article, we will discuss the distinct sensitivity of infant skin care products compared to adult skin, reveal the toxic substances found in common baby soaps, shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, and oils, and ultimately provide strategies for navigating the baby skincare industry, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your child.
Appreciating the Sensitivity of Infant Skin Relative to Adult Skin
While similar in function to adult skin, baby skin has crucial differences that make it distinctly vulnerable to harsh ingredients found in many skin care products. Like adult skin, baby skin performs vital functions such as offering protection against germs and UV damage, regulating body temperature, and hormone production.[1][2]
However, the skin of a baby is still developing and hence demands extra care. It is more permeable, allowing more allergens and harmful substances to enter.[2] It also cannot retain moisture as effectively as adult skin, often resulting in dryness and roughness.[2] Furthermore, its pH level is more neutral than adult skin, making it particularly prone to irritation from alkaline skin care products.[2]
Toxic Substances in Baby Soaps
Various baby soaps contain toxic chemicals that can penetrate the baby’s skin. For example, Formaldehyde, a byproduct of certain other chemicals and a known carcinogen can be found in soaps.[3] Parabens, another common ingredient in baby soaps, are associated with dysfunction of the endocrine system and cancer.[4] Other harmful components include synthetic fragrances that cause allergic reactions and irritation, triclosan, a potential carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, and skin irritant.[3][5]
Dangers of Baby Shampoos and Conditioners
Baby shampoos and conditioners also contain potential toxins. Cocamidopropyl betaine, a common foaming agent, can lead to dermatitis and eye irritation.[6] Formaldehyde and parabens are common ingredients too.[3][4] In addition, petroleum-based softeners like polyethylene glycol (PEG) can lead to skin irritation,[7] and sodium lauryl sulfate, known for causing skin rashes, has also been associated with serious health issues like cancer.[5]
Toxic Ingredients in Baby Creams and Lotions
Many baby creams and lotions include harmful ingredients that can irritate the baby’s skin and cause health problems. For instance, 1,4-Dioxane, a probable carcinogen, can be found in up to 34% of all baby lotions.[8] Another damaging ingredient often present in baby moisturizers is DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde releaser.[3] FD&C colors, petrolatum, and propylene glycol are other common harmful ingredients found in baby lotions.[9][10][11]
Hazards of Baby Oil
Often, “baby oil” is synonymous with mineral oil, which typically originates from petroleum and is mixed with synthetic fragrances. This can not only lead to skin irritation and blocked pores but can also cause severe respiratory issues if inhaled.[12]
How to Shield Your Baby: Navigating the Baby Skin Care Terrain
Given the array of toxins potentially present in your baby’s skincare products, the task of safeguarding them can seem daunting. Nevertheless, there are practical steps parents can undertake to decrease their child’s exposure to harmful substances.
To protect your baby, it’s crucial to read product labels and watch out for harmful ingredients
such as DMDM hydantoin, synthetic fragrances, FD&C colors, parabens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), petrolatum, and others previously mentioned in this article. It’s also useful to research brands that produce safe, non-toxic products.
Favor fragrance-free products when feasible, as “fragrance” can often cover hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Also, select products labeled “hypoallergenic” and “dermatologist-tested”. Regardless, it’s always advisable to do a patch test on a small part of your baby’s skin before applying a new product all over their body.
Whenever possible, opt for organic and natural products. However, not all products tagged as “natural” are necessarily devoid of harmful chemicals. Hence, it’s still essential to read labels thoroughly.
Think about creating homemade baby skin care products. Numerous DIY recipes are available online for baby lotions, creams, and soaps that use safe, natural ingredients. Ensure any homemade product is properly stored and thrown away after its freshness date.
With careful attention and some research, it’s entirely achievable to navigate the baby skin care product industry safely, ensuring your baby’s skin stays as soft and healthy as possible.
Concluding Thoughts: Protecting Your Baby’s Health Begins With Their Skin
Babies’ skin is incredibly sensitive and far more vulnerable than adults, and unfortunately, many commonly used skin care products are not as safe for them as we’d hope. They can contain many harmful toxins that cause immediate and long-term health issues.
As a parent or caregiver, you have the ability to protect your child by being aware of these potential hazards and taking steps to avoid them. This includes reading product labels thoroughly, opting for trusted brands that prioritize safety, selecting fragrance-free products, and, when possible, choosing items with natural and organic ingredients.
Remember, making safer choices for your baby’s skincare products is not only about maintaining their beautiful, soft skin. It’s about building the foundation for lifelong good health. Your diligence today will significantly contribute to safeguarding your child’s well-being for the future.
References:
- Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. (2009). No More Toxic Tub. [PDF file]. Retrieved from [http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/parents-and-caregivers/report-baby-products/]
- Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d). Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook. Retrieved from [https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/epa-600-r-06-096f.pdf]
- Environmental Working Group. (n.d). EWG’s Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database. Retrieved from [https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/]
- Pan, S., Yuan, C., Tagmount, A., Rudel, R. A., Ackerman, J. M., Yaswen, P., . . . Leitman, D. C. (2016). Parabens and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Ligands Cross-Talk in Breast Cancer Cells. Environmental health perspectives, 124(5), 563–569. [https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409200]
- Horii, Y., Kanazawa, H., Fujimoto, Y., Yoshiike, M., Irie, M., Konishi, H., … & Yoshioka, H. (2020). Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-induced Irritant Contact Dermatitis Causes Dermal Damage and Systemic Immune Responses in Mice. Acta Histochemica Et Cytochemica, 53(4), 53–62. [https://doi.org