Many of today's baby products contain ingredients that are not only toxic, but are often unnecessary. Although the demand for more natural products has increased over the years, cosmetic manufacturers continue to use carcinogenic ingredients in products made for babies.
We believe that it is important to create an environment that is free from harmful chemicals at this important life stage. Decreasing a baby's exposure to chemicals from day one could mean a lower risk of allergies and chemical sensitivities, and lower risk of cancers and other illnesses. Choosing healthy alternatives to conventional baby products is simply one way of reducing your baby's exposure to chemicals. Here is a list of things to watch out for:
Mineral Oil (Baby Oil)
What exactly is Baby Oil? It is mineral oil, a by-product from petroleum. Despite being made for sensitive skin, it most likely has a fragrance added to it, derived from a synthetic origin. Mineral oil is known to coat the skin like plastic wrap and prevent the skin from "breathing." This interferes with the skin's natural ability to eliminate toxins; in fact, it has the opposite effect by clogging pores.
Since mineral oil is derived from crude oil (a non-renewable resource), it is also incredibly harmful if ingested. Mineral oil contains hydrocarbons, which can lead to severe vomiting and fatal lung damage in infants. With all the natural alternatives available, this ingredient should be avoided at all costs, for both your baby and the environment.
Talc Powder
The size of the minerals found in talcum powder are so small that they can easily be carried in the air like dust and reach the smallest areas of the lung. Inhaling the powder has been found to cause serious lung complications in infants. The use of talcum powder has also been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women, although more clinical trials still need to be studied on this controversial product. Most often, the use of a diaper ointment is just as effective at preventing diaper rash as talcum powder, without the harmful effects.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
In addition to banning Bisphenol A from baby bottles, Health Canada has recently issued a warning about all products containing BPA. This chemical compound is found in some hard, clear, lightweight plastics and resins. Until recently, it was used in the production of plastic baby bottles, drinking cups, and various types of food containers. Animal studies suggest that, once ingested, BPA may imitate estrogen and other hormones. Luckily, there are now a variety of options available for sippy cups and baby bottles, now free from BPA.
Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde are both probable carcinogens
though the risk of cancer from absorption through the skin is not fully understood. The chemical can also trigger adverse skin reactions in infants, children and adults. It is often recommended to avoid exposure to these two chemicals, especially for those suffering from eczema or contact dermatitis. The European Union has banned 1,4-dioxane from cosmetic products. And formaldehyde is not allowed in cosmetics sold in Japan and Sweden.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics recently commissioned a report to determine which children’s bath products were contaminated with formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. The results of the study can be found at this link:
http://safecosmetics.live2.radicaldesigns.org/article.php?id=426
Unfortunately, 61% of the 48 baby and child personal care products tested had both chemicals!
It is also interesting to note that many "tear-free" shampoos are formulated with numbing agents to prevent babies from feeling the pain.
Phthalates
Baby shampoos, lotions and powders often contain phthalates, a chemical found in many ordinary products including cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical supplies. They are used to stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible. Exposing infants to chemicals that have been linked with possible reproductive problems. The products with the strongest phthalate association were baby powder, lotion, and shampoo. Although more evidence is needed to determine the harmful link between phthalates and health, it is best to choose products that are labelled phthalate-free.
For more information, you can always use this website as a resource on safe, non-toxic products for your children and yourself. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
You'll be fascinated to learn about all the safer alternatives that are now available.
W.L at Pretty Organic Cosmetics
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