7 Harmful Ingredients You Need to Look Out For in Baby Products

7 Harmful Ingredients You Need to Look Out For in Baby Products

A baby’s skin is ultra-sensitive and prone to redness, rashes, and other skin issues. So it is all the more important to monitor what touches your baby’s skin. Some harmful chemicals can hamper your baby’s healthy growth and development. Being careful of what your baby care products contain is the first step to ensure that no harmful chemicals or irritant reaches your baby.

Have a look at this list of harmful ingredients and make sure your baby skincare product does not contain these:

 

7 Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Products

#1. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used in water-based products as it prevents mold from forming. It might not be directly present as an ingredient but can be present in the form of formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in products such as shampoos, baby wipes, and sunscreens. It has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It can also have other health impacts like skin irritation, respiratory problems, headaches, and itchy eyes.

#2. Triclosan

Any baby product that claims to be antibacterial is likely to have triclosan. Triclosan has strong antibacterial properties but it acts as a hormone disruptor and is also harmful to the environment. Although you might think using an antibacterial baby product is the best way to keep your babies’ stay away from infections but in reality, this will not allow their inner resistance to build up. It would make a weak immune system and consequently, the antibacterial treatments will not work when needed.

#3. Parabens

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in food and cosmetics as these inhibit the growth of microbes. These are toxins that can be absorbed through the skin and cause skin allergies and irritation. It can also cause hormonal disruption and hamper the endocrine system of the developing baby.

#4. Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that is found near Talc mines and has a possibility of contaminating some of the talc. Talc is a mineral substance that is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. Asbestos is really harmful to babies as it is a known carcinogen and also causes skin irritation.

Always use talc that is tested and certified as asbestos-free.

#5. Dyes

While the idea of colors may seem fun but not at the cost of your baby’s healthy skin. Some dyes contain harmful ingredients that are damaging for the baby’s delicate skin which is still in the process of developing its protective barrier. Many dyes have the potential to cause harmful effects like skin irritation and problems like eczema in babies.

#6. Alcohol

Alcohol is usually added in adult skincare products to make them dry quickly and feel light on your skin. But it can serve as an irritant for babies and can also dry your baby’s skin which is why it shouldn’t be used in baby care products.

What to look for in the label: Alcohols are usually listed as ethanol or ethyl alcohol.

#7. Phthalates

Phthalates are multipurpose chemicals that are found in personal care products, medications, and plastics. Using baby skincare products that contain phthalates as their ingredients may disturb the normal development of the baby and also pose an increased risk of allergies.

 

Tips To Select Safe Babycare Products:

  • Lists All Ingredients

Always go for brands that lists all of their ingredients on their product like Johnsons and is free from all the above-mentioned ingredients. Some brands only mention key ingredients on their packages which may primary not include the potentially harming ingredients.

  • Natural Is Not Safe Always

The word ‘natural’ sounds to be the safest option for the baby. However, there is no evidence that these products are 100% safe for your babies as even these products can cause allergic reactions in babies. Moreover, preservatives are necessary to increase the shelf life of products and to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in these products.

Look for products that are clinically proven mild and not just tested as it ensures that these are absolutely mild and safe for baby’s delicate skin.

  • Ensures Gentle Protection

Check if the baby care brand you use ensures that its products are gentle and mild for your baby’s delicate skin. Look for brands that are recommended by the doctors and are clinically proven mild to make sure that these products provide gentle cleaning for your baby.

All Johnson’s baby products come with a clinically proven mild seal and are tested for 12 months before they are used in any baby care products. These products use only essential and purposeful ingredients that are safe for the baby’s delicate skin providing 100% gentle care.

  • Look for the Trust Factor

Go for brands that have a lot of trust factor invested in them by their consumer base and is also trusted and recommended by doctors. Some brands have been developing skin products that ensure proper protection of your baby’s skin. These brands have been able to win the trust of millions of mothers and so have a great reliability factor.

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