Reading labels wasn’t always a thing. But now you won’t find even a single parent that doesn’t take a look at what’s printed at the back of a bottle, and that’s a good thing. While most of the ingredients might sound like chemical mumbo-jumbo your chemistry teacher tried to teach you about, educating yourself about toxic ingredients in baby skincare products can actually save you and your baby from a world of trouble.
In today’s article, we will list the top ten toxic ingredients you must avoid, and why switching to natural products such as AreoVeda’s Baby Care Range is a wiser choice.
Top 8 Must-Avoid Toxic Ingredients In Baby Skincare Products
1. Phthalates
From shampoos to lotions to laundry detergents, phthalates are found in a host of babycare products. However, despite their prevalence, they are not good news. While they may improve the penetration of topical application products such as lotions, they can also disrupt a baby’s natural hormonal balance and lead to serious issues such as developmental toxicity. They might even cause asthma.
2. Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative that are used in several cosmeceutical items. Their purpose is to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. While this may make them sound useful, they should not be included in baby skincare products. They are a well-established irritant that may potentially disrupt hormone function and adversely impact the development of your baby’s endocrine system. They are commonly found in wipes, shampoos, lotions, diaper rash creams etc.
3. Formaldehyde
As shocking as it might be, trace amounts of formaldehyde have found their way to a number of baby products – from diaper creams to wipes, shampoos and even baby formula! This is bad news because even short-term exposure to formaldehyde has negative effects including skin irritating, burning sensation, nausea or watery eyes. If your baby has suffered prolonged exposure to this toxic ingredient, their chances of getting cancer might increase.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
Ever noticed the terms “fragrance” or “parfum” at the back of a baby skincare product? Well, it has no place there. Artificial fragrances contain a ton of chemicals, which can hinder your baby’s growth. They might also trigger allergies.
5. Sulphates
Whether it’s SLS or SLES, both these surfactants might cause a rich lather, but they also cause serious issues too. When part of baby products such as soaps and shampoos, both sodium laureth sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate can result in skin dryness, rashes, and irritation. If they get in your baby’s eye during a bath, they might cause a burning sensation too.
6. Mineral Oil
Lotions, oils, creams – you name it, they have it. Mineral oils are one of the most common toxic ingredients found in several baby products because it’s cheap! That said, it puts your baby at risk of digestive issues, yeast infections, clogged skin, and more.
7. Talc
The main ingredient of most commercially available baby powders, the use of talc has actually been linked to a heightened risk of cancer – possibly because it might contain asbestos. It can also cause respiratory ailments in your baby.
8. Oxybenzone
A staple in sunscreen, oxybenzone can disrupt normal hormonal functioning in babies and children, thereby contributing to the early onset of adolescence. It may even cause skin cancer, which is ironic because sunscreens are supposed to act as a preventive measure against UV Ray-induced skin cancer.
Why Opt For Baby Skincare Products With Natural Ingredients
The list of adverse effects of toxic ingredients is long and never-ending. Instead of buying the wrong products and risking your baby’s odds of coming in contact with toxic ingredients, switch to natural baby skincare products instead.
AreoVeda’s Baby Care Collection, for example, is entirely natural, toxin-free and safe for your baby. In fact, it is EWG Certified so you can trust that no harmful ingredients have been used to make any of their products. They have also received EcoCert certifications, which amply backs the claim that their products are made of 98% natural ingredients only. From their moisturising Baby Bathing Bars to Diaper Rash Creams and Baby Massage Oil – every item is extensively lab-tested to be safe for regular use!
Conclusion
There is no doubt that this list of toxic ingredients can send any parent into panic mode. But there is no need for that. As concerning as it might seem, we now live in an era of greater consumer awareness and discretion. Parents like you want the best for their child and brands are listening. You now have many safe baby skincare products to choose from, like AreoVeda’s Baby Care Collection. They are all about prioritising your baby’s health, giving them the kind of gentle care they truly deserve.
