8 Potentially Harmful Ingredients in Baby Products: Understanding the Risks and Impacts
As a mother, you strive to provide the best care for your baby, from their nutrition to their skincare. However, navigating the world of baby products can be daunting, especially when faced with a myriad of ingredients. Besides, some of them may pose risks to your newborn’s delicate skin.
Why is it important to be mindful of the ingredients in baby products?
Babies have very delicate skin, and it is 10 times thinner and more sensitive than an adult’s skin, making it prone to dryness, irritation, and infection. Moreover, since the stratum corneum or skin barrier is still in its development phase in babies, their skin absorbs and loses water far more quickly than that of adults. Therefore, it needs some extra TLC.
Harmful ingredients in baby products can cause adverse reactions and long-term health effects to their delicate skin. Fret not! Here, we will delve into 8 potentially harmful ingredients that you must steer clear of in your baby’s products.
Without further ado, let’s get started;
1. Sulphates:
Sulphates, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), are commonly used as foaming agents in baby shampoos and body washes. While they create a rich lather, they can also strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions in sensitive babies.
2. Polyethylene Glycol:
PEGs, or polyethylene glycols, cause increased absorption of ingredients into the skin, even toxic ones. They also include a variety of contaminants that can irritate skin. According to studies, PEGs when manufactured, are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1, 4-dioxane, which have been linked to cancer over the long term.
3. Parabens:
Almost banned in the Western world, the use of parabens is quite prevalent in our country. Parabens are preservatives commonly added to baby lotions, creams, and shampoos to extend their shelf life. According to studies conducted by leading dermatology academics and researchers, parabens have been linked with hormone disruption and developmental issues, raising concerns about their safety, especially in products used on babies whose systems are still developing.
4. Mineral Oil:
Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum processing and is often used in baby oils and lotions for its moisturising properties. Research from the 1980s showed that mineral oil may promote the development of skin cancer. It forms a barrier on the skin that can clog pores, potentially leading to various skin issues. Moreover, its safety is debated, with concerns about contamination and long-term effects on the skin.
5. Talc:
Talc, a mineral often found in baby powders, has been associated with respiratory problems and an increased risk of ovarian cancer in adults when used in the genital area. According to Dr Kashish Kalra, MD, Dermatologist, HOD of Dermatology and Trichology Max Smart Superspeciality Hospital at New Delhi’s Saket, a lot of talcs have asbestos as an impurity. For babies, inhaling talc powder can irritate their delicate lungs, leading to respiratory issues. Additionally, talc particles can irritate the skin, exacerbating existing conditions such as diaper rash.
6. Silicone:
Silicone is used in baby skincare products for its smooth texture and ability to create a protective barrier on the skin. While it may temporarily soothe dry skin, it can also trap moisture, leading to clogged pores and potential irritation. Moreover, concerns have been raised about its long-term effects on the skin, especially in babies with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
7. Phthalates:
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to soften plastics and as solvents in cosmetics and personal care products, including baby care items. These chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to a variety of health issues, including developmental and reproductive abnormalities.
8. Alcohol:
Alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, is commonly used as a solvent or preservative in baby wipes and skincare products. However, it can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations. For babies, whose skin is more sensitive and prone to dryness, alcohol-based products can strip away natural oils, leading to discomfort and irritation.
Why Parents Trust CITTA for Baby Skincare
At CITTA, we believe that when it comes to babies, there should be zero compromises. That’s why our products are:
- Dermatologist-approved and tested for safety
- 100% free from sulphates, parabens, mineral oil, talc, PEGs, phthalates, silicones, and alcohol
- Formulated with ECOCERT/COSMOS-certified natural ingredients
- Rooted in dadi-nani ke nuskhe, blending traditional wisdom with modern science
With CITTA, you don’t have to second-guess ingredients; we disclose everything, even at 0.01%. Because for us, your baby’s skin deserves transparency, safety, and love.
FAQs
Q1. Why should I avoid sulphates in baby shampoo?
Because sulphates strip natural oils, leaving the scalp dry and irritated, especially in babies with sensitive skin.
Q2. Is talc safe for babies?
No. Talc can cause breathing problems in infants and may contain harmful asbestos impurities. Always choose talc-free baby powders.
Q3. What does “dermatologist-approved” really mean?
It means products are clinically tested to be safe on sensitive skin and recommended by dermatologists. CITTA ensures every formula is dermatologically tested.
Q4. Can parabens really affect my baby’s health?
Yes. Parabens can mimic hormones, potentially disrupting your baby’s natural development. That’s why CITTA never uses parabens.