BABY CARE
Ingredients to Avoid
in Baby Products
Table of Contents
Choosing the best baby shampoo in Malaysia can be challenging, there are tons of options available in the conventional product zone, but the options available for natural products are relatively limited. When it comes to baby’s delicate skin and scalp, mamas often wonder how to select the best products for their baby.
Start Reading the Labels Instead of the Marketing Claims
U you have seen claims like “natural”, “suitable for sensitive skin”, “safe for baby” but is it really true? Products that are labelled “unscented” can contain synthetic fragrances. Even “Natural” products can contain harmful chemicals – just like many other conventional products. Self-regulation is the only regulation when it comes to selecting skin care and cosmetic products.
To choose the best baby shampoo involves identifying brands that are transparent with their ingredients, and their commitment in safety testing. It is also essential to know what ingredients to avoid to help you make informed decision.
Let's look at the top 5 ingredients to avoid
Here we will look at the top 5 ingredients to avoid:
Paraben
If you look at most of your conventional products, you will probably one (or even two and more) listed in the ingredient list. It could be listed as Paraben, or it could also be in the form of Methylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Proplyparaben and more. Paraben is a form of preservative. It is shown in scientific studies that Paraben could cause hormonal imbalances and breast cancer. Methylparaben can lead to skin aging, skin rashes and other allergies.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLS/SLES are substances that provide foaming and degreasing effect to products such as facial cleanser, shower gel and shampoo. It is prone to cause irritation and drying as it can easily dissolve natural skin oil. It can be in the form of TEA Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, and TEA Lauryl Sulfate
Phthalate-Free
Pthalate is a plasticizer that is often added to plastic to make it increase flexibility. Some examples include: DEHP, DEP, DBP and others. Similar to Parabens, Pthalates are endocrine disruptors that can lead to reproductive problems, birth defects and other hormonal issues.
Synthetic Preservatives
Synthetic Preservations are known to be the cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions. Synthethic preservatives are designed to remove biological organisms, and have been known to cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
Artificial Fragrance / Parfum
Most of the conventional cosmetic and skincare products contains artificial fragrances (even in skincare that claims to be suitable for sensitive skin). These fragrances are used as they cost lesser than natural perfumes, it is often listed as Perfume, Peru Balsam and Fragrance. Unfortunately, natural essential oils used in natural cosmetics are also listed as perfume at the moment.
How to Choose a Safer Product?
Other than paying attention to the labels, you can refer to resources like the Skin-Deep Database to have a clearer view of the ingredients or key-in the product name at Cosdna to have a quick look at the product analysis report. A rating of each ingredient will be provided, ranking from 1-10 to indicate safeness of each ingredient. These are easy way to determine whether the product is safe to be used on you and your children.
