If it’s made for babies, it must be safe. Right?
A recent Consumer Reports article says not so much.
The unbiased informer of what’s safe, what works, and what lasts, Consumer Reports investigated and reported on whether baby products are truly safer and gentler than their adult counterparts. They found that many ingredients commonly used in popular baby products have been linked to a variety of human health concerns, as well as environmental issues. These include:
- Carbomer, which has been linked with skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, doesn’t break down easily in the environment, and may pose a threat to aquatic organisms.
- Dimethicone, a form of silicone that poses some environmental concerns and may be toxic to aquatic life.
- Dyes, which have been phased out of most baby lotions but can still be found in some baby bubble baths, shampoos, and toothpastes, and can cause irritation, inflammation, and redness.
- Fragrance, which hides an untold number of potentially harmful ingredients and has been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, allergies, environmental issues, and more.
- Petroleum-based ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin, which can be contaminated with carcinogenic substances and can pose a threat to the environment even when not contaminated.
- Phenoxyethanol and polysorbates, which can be associated with carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane.
So whether you’re picking up products for babies and young children or yourself (who hasn’t turned to baby lotion as a less expensive and seemingly safe moisturizer for themselves now and then?), be sure to pay attention to the ingredient labels and steer clear of any that include the toxins above and others on our ingredients to avoid list.
Better yet, shop with your favorite provider of non toxic products to ensure your choices are 100% safe and effective. Pure Haven’s baby collection and all our products are made with only the purest ingredients. Ask your Pure Haven Consultant about their favorites.
Source:
Cook, S. 13 May 2024. How to Choose a Baby Lotion Without Harmful Chemicals – Consumer Reports