10 Most Toxic Ingredients Found in Baby Products

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Having a new baby is so exciting, especially if it is your first! Along with all the excitement, there also comes a huge learning curve to climb.

Babies need so much from their parents. It is up to us to make sure we do everything in our power to tend to their needs. One important responsibility we have as parents is to ensure the health and safety of our little ones. Making sure all of the products that are used on our babies are safe and nontoxic should be a priority.

What is actually shocking is that there are very dangerous baby products out there. A lot of the biggest baby companies, surprisingly, use unsafe ingredients in their products. If you are concerned about toxic chemicals in products for your baby, you have definitely come to the right place.

After reading this article, you will be able to recognize the most common toxic ingredients in products you may even be using in your home right now.

How it Started…

When I was planning on having my first baby, I completely changed my entire way of living. We threw all of the toxic products out of my house and really paid attention to the food I brought into my house.

Creating the safest, cleanest, most nontoxic environment for my future babies was a must. I also wanted to make sure we were as healthy as possible to help us conceive easier and speed up the process.

How did I accomplish this?

My husband and I worked with many naturopaths and confided in several well-seasoned veterans of the non-toxic lifestyle for guidance.

Making the lifestyle changes that we did was the best thing we could have done for our family and we will never look back!

Now let’s get started, here are the top 10 most toxic ingredients found in baby products, make sure to subscribe down below to get my list of the top recommended safe baby products for your baby…

#1. Fragrance or Parfum

The toxic ingredient most commonly named fragrance is #1 on the list due to the fact that you can find this ingredient (or some form of it), in the majority of personal care products. Basically, anything that has a strong smell.

Companies use many different forms of labeling this ingredient, watch out for anything that uses the words, fragrance, aroma, parfum, benzyl benzoate/salicylate, scent, hydroxycitronellal, phenethyl alcohol, etc.

The health impacts of using products with these possible carcinogens include and are not limited to, respiratory irritation, skin irritation and rashes, possible allergic reactions, sensitizing effects, and long-term health issues.

#2. Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used synthetic preservative found in many products. It acts as a preservative with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and also stabilizes perfumes. This dangerous chemical is readily absorbed through the integumentary system.

This can also mean whatever products you use with this ingredient (take note pregnant mommas-to-be), will be absorbed through your skin!

Some symptoms when using phenoxyethanol daily may include, effects on the central nervous system, effects on the brain, irritation of the eyes, possible allergic reactions, rashes in the diaper area, etc. Some studies indicate that the use of this ingredient is not harmful in small doses but I would be wary of using products containing this, especially on babies and when pregnant or nursing.

#3. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS) typically Contaminated with the Carcinogen 1,4 Dioxane

These contaminants may often present in an ingredient list together. Their function is to allow for the product to absorb more easily into the baby’s skin. The hazard with this combination of skincare ingredients is that they are linked to cancer, allergies, lung problems, skin irritation, and organ toxicity. 1,4 Dioxane is actually banned in Canada and is on the Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredients Hotlist but is unfortunately still found in products in China and the U.S.

#4. Lake Dyes or Colorants

Lake Dyes or Colorants typically serve the purpose in cosmetics and products to make the color more appealing to the eye. They often contain FD&C colors which are synthetic chemicals used to add color and are horrible for our environment and our health. This may come as a shock to some and I HATE to be the bearer of bad news but– these particular chemicals are actually found in our food! Yes- you read that right, you may be actually consuming these while you eat.

The dangers found lurking in food ingredients could quite possibly be covered in a 100-page dissertation for a doctorate degree, therefore, I don’t have time to cover that one today!

My point is this, just because a product is on the market does NOT mean it is safe for you or your family. Always do your research to keep yourself and the ones you love healthy.

#5. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparben, Butylparaben)

One of the more commonly know toxic ingredients are parabens. Surprisingly, these neurotoxins are still being used in our skincare products and sometimes even our baby products. Stay away from anything that mentions the words above or any variations of them.

Parabens copy the hormone estrogen in the body. They can actually act as hormone disruptors in the endocrine system. You can find them in lotions, topicals, ointments, and deodorants. Some dangers of using products with parabens include reproductive toxicity and skin irritation. Parabens can also accumulate in breast tissue and are sometimes found in breast tumors.

One doctor, I saw actually recommended a product to use on my daughter for her Keratosis Pilaris that actually contained parabens. Immediately I called the company and they refunded my money back so I could buy a nontoxic remedy. Thankfully, I took a peek at the ingredient list and referenced my Nontoxic Baby Product list. Subscribe down below to get yours for FREE!

#6. Talc

Talc is a powdered mineral typically found in baby powder and can also be called, CI 77718TALCTALC Absorbent/Bulking Agent. This very dangerous type of baby product, not only poses respiratory issues if inhaled when using, but it also has a slew of harmful side effects. I would recommend against using powders around babies and children. The reason for this is due to the fact that it is very easy for the particles to become airborne and enter the baby’s respiratory system.

#7. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) or Retinol

According to the EWG Skin Deep’s Website,

Retinol is associated with birth defects at maternal intakes as low as 25,000 IU/day. FDA recommends that women of child-bearing age limit their intake of retinol to 5000 IU (1.5 mg retinol)/day. Increased frequency of mutations in cell exposed to retinyl palmitate and UVA (synergistic effect).

Read More Here

#8. Chemicals that act as Formaldehyde Releasers (like Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin, etc.)

Formaldehyde is known for its carcinogenic properties. When some preservatives are added to products, they can cause a volatile chemical reaction that releases formaldehyde. The chemical compounds are found in baby shampoo, baby wash, hair products, and cosmetics. This can be super dangerous for your baby due to several studies that have proven that it is potentially linked to cancer. It is also known to cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and other nasty skin irritations.

#9. BHT

BHT or Butylated hydroxytoluene is an ingredient used as a preservative and can be found in pretty much any skincare product. The main cause for concern (as the research shows), BHT may cause liver cancer in animals when tested and it can also act as a tumor supporter. The Environment Canada Domestic Substance List, notes BHT is expected to be toxic or harmful. In addition, it can cause upper respiratory irritation, rashes, and other adverse reactions. Read more details on the EWG website.

#10. Zolinones

You may see this term usually at the end of toxic ingredient names. It can usually be found in baby wipes, makeup, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners as Methylisothiazolinone. This preservative can cause severe allergic reactions, especially on babies’ sensitive skin. I found that this is even found in some baby wipes advertised for sensitive skin or as natural! Never use baby wipes that have MI on your little one’s skin, it can really hurt your baby. Some studies have even shown that MI can cause long-term neurological impacts.

Additional Source: ThinkDirtyApp

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Now What?

You can start by adding these safer alternatives to your baby’s skincare routine! Both of these are just some of the non-toxic products I use in my house. I encourage every mom or mom-to-be to read labels on all your products.

Another article that may be helpful to future moms is Tips on Easing Anxiety Before Having Your C-Section, check it out before you go!

If you want to update your little one’s wardrobe, the company Little Lentil Clothing has amazing organic baby clothing that you can trust. In addition to being organic, their clothing is super adorable!

Now consider yourself a pro at recognizing the most toxic ingredients out there on the market! Cheers to living a healthier, safer life!

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