Ingredients to avoid
While each baby is unique, some ingredients are especially important to avoid in products for your wee human These include ingredients that are likely to cause irritation and allergies, as well as those that may be absorbed through the skin.
Fragrances
Everyone loves a good-smelling baby. As a result, fragrances are common in baby skincare products. Another 2018 study of 533 baby products found that almost half contain fragrances or perfumes.
Fragrances can cause allergic reactions, including rashes and breathing problems. If your baby seems sensitive to products with fragrances, be sure to choose soaps and moisturizers with labels that don’t have these words:
“fragrance”
“perfume”
“essential oil blend”
“aroma”
Fragrances may be listed generically without using specific ingredient names, or they may be identified by a less obvious name, such as “amyl cinnamal.”
The FDA provides a full list of common allergensTrusted Source in cosmetic products, including fragrances, plus how to identify them in ingredients lists.
Synthetic dyes
The good news is that most color additives and synthetic dyes are tightly regulated by the FDA and must get approval before they’re included in cosmetic products. However, this certification doesn’t apply to all dyes.
Dyes that don’t need to be certified include those from:
minerals
plants
animal sources
Parabens
Parabens are used in a variety of cosmetic and food products as a preservative. They’re particularly common in “wash off” products such as soaps and shampoos.
Parabens are a common source of irritation from skincare products, so they should be avoided for babies and young children who are sensitive to them. Parabens are also easily absorbed by the skin.
Research from 2018 suggests that the long-term exposure to parabens throughout a person’s life may affect their metabolism and hormone regulation, so you may want to reduce your child’s exposure early in childhood.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used in some cosmetic products. While it’s not clear exactly how they affect health, some 2010 research suggests that exposure to phthalates at different times in life has effects on human development, allergies, and reproductive health.
The FDA has concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to regulate phthalates in cosmetics. According to its website trusted Source, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetic products.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used in a variety of cosmetic products, including liquid baby soaps and baby wipes. These compounds are used to prevent bacterial growth but also may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.
Although the doses observed in skincare products are generally considered safe, repeated and long-term exposure may increase the risk of other health concerns, including asthma and some cancers.
Most cosmetic companies have voluntarily removed formaldehyde from their products, but it’s still used in some products for babies and children, so be sure to check the ingredients list.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is a type of alcohol commonly used in moisturizers and sunscreens. It has become increasingly popular in cosmetic products due to its skin-softening properties, but it’s also a common cause of irritation and allergic reactions.
Talk with your child’s health care provider or dermatologist if you suspect your little one is having a reaction to it.
Sulfates
Sulfates are a hard ingredient to avoid. They’re used in a lot of different skincare products, such as shampoos and body washes.
The most commonly used sulfates are:
sodium lauryl sulfate
sodium laureth sulfate
Sulfates aren’t necessarily unsafe, but they can cause temporary irritation. If you notice any redness, dryness, or itching after bath time, check your baby’s products for sulfates and consider switching to a sulfate-free wash.
Chemical sunscreens
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Chemical sunscreens protect skin by absorbing UV rays, whereas mineral sunscreens block UV light, deflecting it away from the skin.
Both protect against the sun’s harmful rays, and chemical sunscreens are often more appealing to parents because they’re easier to apply.
However, researchTrusted Source published in 2020 suggests that some of the ingredients in chemical sunscreens can be absorbed through the skin into the body. While that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unsafe, parents should be aware of the potential risks until more research is done, since some of these compounds may affect the activity of hormones in the body.
Common ingredients in chemical sunscreens to avoid include:
avobenzone
benzophenone
homosalate
methoxycinnamate
octinoxate
octisalate
oxybenzone
PABA
The takeaway
Choosing safe and effective skincare products for your baby can be overwhelming, but it’s not impossible.
Instead of picking up labels with trendy claims, such as “hypoallergenic,” “gentle,” or “organic,” try learning about ingredients that can cause skin irritation if your baby shows signs of a rash or reaction.
This can help you feel empowered to navigate the many options available to you.