Author: Ewa Farjon, M.S.
All mothers want to provide their babies with the very best: the best food, clothes, toys and skin products. And since babies’ skin is gentle and tender, their skin products should also be gentle and tender, right? Unfortunately, all too often, this is not the case. Most products marketed specifically for babies contain ingredients that are actually harmful to their tender skin.
For instance, most baby oils contain only two ingredients: mineral oil and artificial fragrance, both of which should be avoided in all skin care products, even those used by adults. Mineral oil can be very harmful, since it can clog the skin’s pores so it can’t breathe. Derived from the same source as the gasoline used in cars, mineral oil is also used as a solvent for inks, and as a coating agent to protect metal surfaces from moisture and oxidation. Do we really want to put a product that is used in industry on a baby’s skin?!
Why is mineral oil so often used in products marketed for babies? Because this ingredient is cheap, and unlike natural oils, will not become rancid, even after staying on the shelf for years. It is very sad, but economic reasons are often considered more important than babies’ health.
To read about the harmful effects of artificial fragrances, another ingredient that is routinely used in babies’ skincare products, please read our article, Synthetic Fragrances Versus Essential Oils. As we pointed out there, all products that come in contact with the skin, including babies’ products, should contain only pure essential oils, never artificial fragrances.
When discussing babies’ skin products, we can’t forget shampoos, body washes, and the very popular (and controversial) bubble baths. Unfortunately, many of these bath products have been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals, the most problematic of which are those known as “hidden carcinogens.” This concept is extremely difficult to understand, but a full discussion may be found here.
Remember to avoid some chemicals that are irritating, or are linked to cancer. Naturally, it is impossible to list all of these ingredients here, but the most popular are: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, DEA and TEA. All of these ingredients can be found in bubble baths, shampoos, and body washes. Since it is hard to remember which ingredients are good for skin, and which ones should be avoided, it is best to use only mild, holistic bath products for your baby.
Of course, babies need shampoo, body wash and baby oil. But they can live without bubble bath. Children love bubble baths because of the foam, but unfortunately the ingredients that are used to make this foam – such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Amonium Laureth Sulfate -- are harsh, and therefore harmful. Also, because kids tend to love bubble baths, they will often spend more time in them than in a regular bath, so it is very likely that their skin will absorb more harmful chemicals. We should keep in mind that natural, mild products will not produce as much foam as those that contain the harsh, carcinogenic ingredients. But, contrary to popular belief, foam doesn’t have anything to do with the ability to clean.
The best way to stay away from these chemicals is to buy natural, holistic shampoos and body washes that contain only mild cleaning agents. To find out about Gems & Herbs’ holistic baby products click here.
If you decide to give your baby a bubble bath -- in spite of the information contained in this article -- please make sure to rinse the soap off very well after the bath.
Ewa Farjon, M.S., has been a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists since 2001, and has years of experience in the cosmetics industry as a formulation chemist.
Today, she utilizes her knowledge and skills to develop natural, holistic products without harsh chemicals for her own company, Gems & Herbs. Ms. Farjon is also an international speaker and SPA consultant. More information may be found at About Us.
