Baby Shampoo & Other Products: Know Which Ingredients Can Be Toxic
Get a quick cheat sheet of the chemicals you should look out for in common baby products.
This past Monday, a campaign backed by 25 groups-including the Environmental Working Group, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and Physicians for Social Responsibility-publically urged Johnson & Johnson to remove potentially carcinogenic chemicals from their baby products by November 15 th .
Trace amounts of the red-flagged ingredients-1.4-dioxane and quaternium-15-are found in popular products such as Johnson's Baby Shampoo and Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash.
1.4-dioxane, a solvent used to make chemicals gentler on skin, has been shown to cause vertigo, drowsiness, headaches, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, while quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde, a common disinfectant, was recently classified as a human carcinogen by the U.S. National Toxicology Program.
MORE: Beauty's Most Controversial Chemicals
Though J&J claims to be in the process of phasing out these ingredients, many parents may choose to opt for safer options. "If you want to be super-cautious, look for organic, chemical-free products specifically indicated for children," says NYC dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D.
Try brands such as Lavanila, Weleda, and California Baby, and follow this cheat-sheet of additives to avoid below.
Ceteareth and Oxybenzone: Both are used in many sunscreen formulas. Opt instead for a natural zinc sunscreen.
DEET: This harmful pesticide used in bug repellents should never be applied to a child's skin.
Dimethl phthalates (DMP) and other phthalates: All are toxic ingredients shown to affect the liver, kidney, and blood.
Talc: Derived from minerals that might contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. Try baking powder or cornstarch-based versions instead.
Mineral oil: A pore clogging petroleum-based oil that traps toxins inside the body. Look for essential oil moisturizers instead. Note: Most well-known baby oils are made up of mineral oil and fragrance.
- Roopika Malhotra
Do you use any of these products on your children?
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