If you choose an organic formula, such as the ones we offer at Organic Baby Formula Shop , you might also be what social media calls an “Eco-Mom”—a parent who is conscious about the environment and wants to minimize their baby’s exposure to toxins and chemicals.
We strongly believe in living an organic lifestyle, which includes choosing natural products not only for ourselves but also for our babies.
If you want to limit your baby’s exposure to toxins, you probably already know how many products babies use every day: diapers, skin care products, teething products, and non-toxic toys.
Rather than promoting specific brands, we created a helpful guide to help you identify harmful ingredients and make safer choices for your baby.
This article is part of a mini series where we share tips on how to reduce toxins in your baby’s environment. Today we begin by looking at harmful ingredients commonly found in baby skin care products and suggest safer alternatives.
Natural Alternatives to Baby Skin Care Products
There is a wide range of organic skin care products available today. However, they can sometimes be expensive.
For this reason, some parents choose to make simple skin care products at home using natural ingredients such as:
- Essential oils
- Calendula
- Coconut oil
Whether you buy organic products or make your own, always read the ingredient labels carefully and avoid the following substances.
Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Skin Care Products
Artificial Fragrance
Products containing artificial fragrances should generally be avoided. Many synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum or coal-based chemicals.
Natural scents are a much safer alternative. When reading labels, look for clearly listed natural ingredients instead of generic terms like “fragrance.”
Talc
Talc is a mineral powder that has been used in cosmetics and baby products for decades. It is commonly used as a drying agent.
However, talc has been associated with lung irritation and has raised health concerns in some studies. A simple natural alternative is organic cornstarch, which many parents already have in their kitchens.
Mineral Oil
Despite its name, mineral oil is not a natural ingredient. It is a by-product of petroleum processing and can be harsh on sensitive baby skin.
Fortunately, there are many natural oils that work far better for baby care, such as:
- Organic olive oil
- Organic coconut oil
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives commonly found in soaps, lotions, and body washes. They have been associated with hormone disruption and skin irritation.
Avoid products containing parabens, benzoic acid, or propyl-ester preservatives.
Triclosan
If a product is labeled “antibacterial,” it may contain triclosan. This chemical has been linked to environmental concerns and potential health risks.
Natural alternatives such as simple soap or household cleaners like vinegar can often be safer options.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is used in many cosmetic products to help open pores and improve absorption. However, it is sometimes linked to skin irritation and other health concerns.
Instead of baby wipes containing synthetic chemicals, many parents prefer reusable washcloths, which are healthier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.
Dioxane and Ethoxylated Surfactants
These chemicals are surprisingly common in baby soaps and shampoos. They may appear on labels as:
- Laureth sulfate
- Oleth
- Polyethylene
- Polyethylene glycol
- PEG compounds
Many parents prefer avoiding products containing these ingredients and instead use very gentle cleansers or even simple bath cloths with natural oils.
Reducing Toxins in Your Baby’s Environment
Another everyday source of potential toxins is plastic. We recently wrote an entire article about reducing plastic exposure for your baby.
You can read more about it here: How to Reduce Plastic Exposure for Your Baby .
Choosing Safer Products for Your Baby
Thankfully, as awareness grows, more companies are creating organic and non-toxic baby products that avoid harmful ingredients.
While organic products can sometimes be more expensive, making simple natural alternatives at home is always an option.
And of course, the most important ingredient in anything you create for your baby is something that cannot be bought: love.