
6 Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Care Products
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It acts as a barrier that protects us from the outside world. It’s no wonder that what we apply to our skin can significantly affect our health. Many chemicals present in cosmetics can penetrate the skin, causing both internal and external issues.
When it comes to baby care, it is especially important to avoid ingredients known for their aggressiveness. A baby’s skin is particularly delicate and much thinner than that of an adult, making it more susceptible to irritation. Therefore, choosing safe care products is a key task for every parent or caregiver.
When a baby is born, it is perfect. Their body has a natural scent. We often try to remove this scent by applying perfumed oils. We also wash them with strong detergents that disrupt the skin’s lipid balance. In fact, a baby’s skin doesn’t need all these artificial chemicals. Many products marketed as “for babies” are actually no different in composition from those intended for adults.
What ingredients are harmful to a baby’s skin?
Below is a list of six ingredients to avoid in baby cosmetics. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing. Remember to carry out a patch test on a small area of skin. Do this before using a new product on your baby’s sensitive skin.
1. Sulfates (Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate)

Delicate and sensitive baby skin requires special care, so it is advisable to choose sulfate-free products.
Sulfates are surfactants that strip oils from the skin. They are commonly used in baby products like Lupilu from Lidl or Mamia Baby Bath from Aldi. Until recently, all products from Johnson & Johnson contained SLS, but they have now been replaced with milder versions.
Sulfates have a strong drying effect. They can cause allergic reactions, itching, and irritation. These chemicals can worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis by removing the skin’s natural protective layer.
To avoid these irritating ingredients, choose products labeled as “sulfate-free” or “SLS-free” (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Always check the ingredient list to ensure the product is sulfate-free. Using sulfate-free products will help care for your baby’s healthy skin and minimize the risk of irritation.
2. Talc
Talc has been commonly used in baby powders because of its absorbent properties. These properties help keep the skin dry. However, after the scandal concerning its potential health risks, talc has been removed from many baby products. Research has shown that talc may be linked to the risk of developing cancers. This risk is especially present if the talc is contaminated with asbestos. Some cancers, such as ovarian cancer, have been noted.
In 2018, Reuters investigated Johnson & Johnson. They revealed that the company had known about the presence of asbestos in their talc products for decades. Before going bankrupt, the company had to pay $3.5 billion in judgments and settlements, including $2 billion to 22 women. Currently, talc in J&J products has been replaced with corn starch. However, talc is still used in other baby products.
3. Artificial Fragrances
Avoid products that contain artificial fragrances! Many fragrances contain phthalates, fossil fuels, and other harmful chemicals that are detrimental to both health and the environment. Perfumes can irritate babies’ delicate skin, increasing the risk of allergic reactions. They can also exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis and cause breathing difficulties in children with asthma.
Some manufacturers use the general term “fragrance” or “perfume” on labels. They do this to hide a range of chemicals added to the products.
Instead, choose baby products that are fragrance-free or have a natural scent from plant-based ingredients (essential oils). Such products will be gentler on your baby’s skin, leaving them fresh and clean.
Finding a baby shampoo and shower gel that is both SLS- and artificial fragrance-free is a rare feat. It’s difficult even among natural cosmetics, as artificial fragrances are allowed in the composition. However, I found the perfect product in Poland that meets these criteria. You won’t find it on the children’s products shelf, though. It is Altera’s shower gel and shampoo, costing only 10 PLN.
In the UK, fragrance-free shower gels are offered by Child’s Farm, available in stores like Holland and Barrett.
If you want to read more about the impact of artificial fragrances on your family’s health, click here.
4.Fluoride

Speaking of hygiene, let’s talk about fluoride. Every parent wants their child to have healthy teeth. But what if I told you that fluoride could have serious side effects? No one has probably mentioned these to you.
Young children, especially those who are just learning to brush their teeth, often swallow toothpaste. Trust me, even my four-year-old does it.
Swallowing large amounts of fluoride can lead to fluorosis, causing white or brown spots on the teeth. In more severe cases, it can weaken the teeth. Furthermore, excessive fluoride can affect other aspects of health, such as kidney function or joint problems. In the long term, it may also impact bone development.
But that’s not all. An example of how harmful fluoride can be for our children is the results of studies conducted in Canada. The study analyzed the effects of fluoride exposure during infancy. It found that fluoride in the water used to prepare formula milk negatively affected children’s intellectual development. The more fluoride was present in the water and formula milk, the greater the decline in IQ results.
Fluoride-free toothpastes can be easily purchased at health food stores and online. For infants, I recommend Jack and Jill’s glycerin-based toothpaste in a flavorless version. The Green People or Now Foods toothpaste is also highly recommended. Let me know which toothpastes you recommend in Poland.
5.Paraffin/Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is probably one of the most commonly used ingredients in baby skincare. Adults also often use it, believing that baby products are gentler and safer.
But do you know where the main ingredient in baby oils comes from? Mineral oil is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. Due to its low cost, it is widely used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies as a base in many products.
While it forms a protective layer on the skin, its origin raises concerns. The lack of nutritional value for the skin is also a point of concern. This is particularly important if you care about natural and conscious skincare for your little one.
Most baby oils are nothing but mineral oil and artificial fragrance. If you care about natural skincare for your baby, I recommend 100% natural almond oil. Your little one will thank you.
6. Parabens and Phenoxyethanol
Parabens are becoming less common in baby products as parents’ awareness increases. To keep sales, cosmetic companies are removing this ingredient from their formulas. Parabens are artificial preservatives that can disrupt the hormonal system and are suspected of influencing the development of cancer.
Unfortunately, parabens have been replaced with phenoxyethanol, which is usually used in concentrations of up to 1%. At higher concentrations, phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even toxicity. Extra caution should be exercised when using phenoxyethanol in baby cosmetics, especially in newborn skincare products.
In some countries, health organizations recommend limiting the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics for children under 3 years old. This is to minimize the risk of reactions from the absorption of larger quantities of the substance by the body. There are also studies suggesting that phenoxyethanol can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Products containing phenoxyethanol include Nivea Baby, Johnson & Johnson products, and many others.
Summary:
In baby care, it is especially important to avoid irritating ingredients. These include sulfates, talc, artificial fragrances, fluoride, and mineral oil. A baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive, so it’s important to choose natural, safe products and read their ingredients carefully. Conscious choices in cosmetics are an investment in your baby’s health and well-being.
Source:
J&J knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder
Fluoride exposure from infant formula and child IQ in a Canadian birth cohort – PubMed

