Label Literacy: Are You Reading Labels When Choosing Skincare for Your Baby?

Label Literacy: Are You Reading Labels When Choosing Skincare for Your Baby?

Do you read labels when purchasing skincare products for your baby? Are you aware of the potentially harmful ingredients found in some renowned brands? With customers becoming more conscious, brands are now revising their product ingredients. How do you navigate through the gamut of products claiming to be the best? It’s the labels that differentiate them. As consumers pay closer attention to product content, they opt for better quality. However, issues persist!

In this blog, we’ll guide you on deciphering product labels, ingredient lists, certifications, and regulatory nuances, empowering parents to confidently choose safe skincare products for their little ones.

Here’s what to look for:

Read & Interpret Product Labels:

Reading and interpreting product labels empower consumers to make informed decisions. It reveals the contents of a product and provides a better understanding of its formulation. Newborns’ skin is 20x thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, making them susceptible to various skincare conditions, allergies, and irritation. Therefore, delving into the details of product labels empowers parents to choose the best for their little ones.

Ingredients Lists:

At the core of any skincare product lies its composition. Checking the ingredients list will help you comprehend what goes into your little one’s skincare regimen. Navigating the jargon can be daunting, as skincare ingredients often have multiple scientific names that may bewilder consumers. Taking the time to grasp these terms can make a significant difference. For instance, Chamomilla Recutita, often listed in soothing diaper rash creams for newborns, is none other than Chamomile extract. Its calming and anti-inflammatory properties are perfect for alleviating diaper rash and irritation. Understanding these terms can be a game-changer in making informed choices about your child’s skincare routine.

Expiration Date:

Similar to adult skincare products, your little one’s skincare items also have a shelf life. It’s crucial to check for the expiry date on each product. Using expired products can pose risks to your baby’s delicate skin. While not all packaging includes expiration dates, it’s essential to rely on those that do. Make sure to manage your baby’s skincare inventory and stay vigilant about expiration dates to safeguard your baby from potential skin irritations or harm.

Certifications:

When it comes to your baby’s skincare, certifications play a pivotal role. Ensure that your chosen products hold certifications from reputable organizations like IFRA, ECOCERT-COSMOS Organics, and others. These certifications indicate compliance with stringent standards, providing consumers with 100% transparency and peace of mind. Dermatologist-approved and certified products offer an assurance of safety for delicate skin, a paramount concern for parents. In today’s market, customers are increasingly willing to invest more in products with authentic certifications, prioritizing quality and safety over lower-priced alternatives. By opting for certified products, parents not only ensure the well-being of their little ones but also make a conscious choice towards a healthier and safer skincare routine.

Regulatory Nuances:

Staying abreast of regulatory nuances is essential when selecting skincare products for your baby to ensure their safety. Beyond merely complying with regulations, it’s imperative to verify that the product is manufactured in accordance with promotional guidelines outlined by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Regulatory nuances encompass various aspects, such as ingredient restrictions, labeling requirements, and manufacturing practices. For instance, ensuring compliance with specific ingredient bans, like phthalates or parabens, safeguards against potentially harmful substances. Additionally, adherence to labeling regulations, including clear ingredient lists and expiration dates, enhances transparency and consumer trust.

No Harmful Chemicals:

Last but certainly not least, ensuring the absence of harmful chemicals is paramount in your baby’s skincare routine. Baby skin is particularly sensitive and can suffer adverse reactions when exposed to such substances. Therefore, thorough label scrutiny is imperative to confirm that your chosen baby care products are devoid of harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, polyethylene glycol, mineral oil, talc, and silicone, to name but a few.

Check out the complete list of harmful ingredients you should avoid in your baby’s skincare products.

Empowering Skincare Choices for Your Little One

Making informed skincare decisions is crucial for your little one’s healthy and happy skin. It enables you to understand a product’s formulation, the potency of its ingredients, and its suitability for their delicate skin. At CITTA, your little one’s well-being is our top priority. That’s why we ensure 100% transparency in product labeling. We meticulously list every ingredient used to keep your little one’s skin healthy and happy all year round.

Furthermore, by transparently listing the harmful ingredients we avoid, we empower parents to make informed choices. When you choose CITTA, you not only provide your little one with comprehensive care but also gain peace of mind.

Choose Wisely, Choose CITTA for skincare you can trust!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • The Delicate Balance of Children's Skin: Why Ad...

    Are you using your shampoo for your kids as well? Is it safe for your kids? Are you a parent struggling to find the right skincare products for your kids...

    Read more

    The Delicate Balance of Children's Skin: Why Adult Skincare Isn't Suitable

    Are you using your shampoo for your kids as well? Is it safe for your kids? Are you a parent struggling to find the right skincare products for your kids and teens? Many parents even switch to using adult products once their kids reach 6 years old due to this confusion. As parents, our children's well-being is paramount, and understanding the unique needs of their developing skin and hair is crucial. Their skin and hair differ significantly from adults, and using adult products can have adverse effects. Dr. Prajakta Bhokre, a seasoned pediatrician and neonatologist in Pune, emphasizes, “Children's skin and hair are delicate and require special care. Adult skincare and hair care products can disrupt the delicate balance and harm their developing systems." Kids' Skin: A Delicate Canvas To comprehend the importance of specialized care for children's skin, we must recognize the structural differences between their skin and adults'. A child's skin is thinner, more delicate, and has a higher surface area to body weight ratio than adults. Their skin's natural protective barrier, composed of lipids, is not fully developed, which means their skin is not as efficient at retaining moisture and is more susceptible to dehydration, irritation, and damage from environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollutants. Even the pH level of a child's skin is more acidic, which helps to ward off harmful bacteria and makes it more sensitive to changes and potential damage. Their hair is finer and less oily, resulting in a greater tendency for tangles and breakage. Why It's Unsafe for Kids to Use Adult Products? Adult skincare and hair care products often contain potent ingredients like parabens, sulphates, silicones, talc, and phthalates that may be too harsh for a child's delicate skin and hair. Ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and strong fragrances can strip away natural oils, disrupt the skin's pH balance, and cause allergies, rashes, or even chemical burns in children. Moreover, many adult products are formulated to address age-specific concerns, such as wrinkles or acne, which are not relevant to children. Ideal Ingredients for Kids' Skincare and Hair Care For kids aged 5-10, it's important to choose products with gentle, natural ingredients. Ingredients like almond oil, olive oil, basil oil, rice protein, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric oil, and oats are not only nourishing but also gentle on young skin and hair. “These ingredients hydrate, protect, soothe, and help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, promoting healthy growth and making them perfect for nurturing young skin and hair,” says Dr. Bhokre The Importance of Age-Appropriate Products (0-10 years) It's essential to select age-appropriate products for kids. Dr. Bhokre further states that “Children aged 5-10 years should use products specifically designed for their age group, such as baby products ranging from 0-10 years. These products are formulated with the unique needs of growing children's skin and hair in mind, providing gentle care without harsh chemicals.” They contain milder ingredients, ensuring that kids' skin remains protected and nourished. pH Levels: A Precarious Balance A child's skin is more prone to pH level changes than an adult's. Their skin's pH is naturally more acidic at around 5.5, which acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria. Adult products can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving their skin vulnerable, further leading to dryness, itchiness,  infections, or even eczema. Structural Differences in Hair In addition to skin, a child's hair is structurally different from an adult's. Children's hair is finer, more fragile, less porous and lacks the oil-producing capabilities of adult hair. Adult hair products may strip their hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Ingredients to Avoid in Kids' Products “When selecting skincare and hair care products for kids, it's essential to avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, talc, asbestos, silicones, mineral oils, parabens, and strong fragrances. These ingredients can irritate the skin and harm their overall health”, says Dr. Bhokre. Opt for products that are free from harmful additives to keep the child’s skin healthy while keeping them safe from the detrimental effects of these harmful chemicals. At CITTA we focus on using the highest quality natural ingredients while keeping harsh chemicals at bay. Our products are carefully formulated to cater to the unique needs of children's skin and hair. CITTA prioritizes safety and nourishment for kids' skin and our commitment to natural ingredients ensures that children can enjoy healthy, glowing skin without the risk of adverse reactions. While it may be tempting to use adult skincare and hair care products on your children, it's essential to consider their unique skin and hair needs. Opt for products specifically designed for kids, enriched with natural ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals. Our products promote healthy skin for children while emphasizing the importance of nourishment and safety in children's skincare routines. After all, our children deserve the very best, and that begins with caring for their delicate skin and hair with the utmost attention and care.

    Read More
  • Baby's Delicate Skin Deserves the Best: Choose ...

    Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD) is a distinguished Consulting Pediatrician in Pune. With an impressive track record, he served as Former President of the Maharashtra State Academy of Pediatrics in 2010...

    Read more

    Baby's Delicate Skin Deserves the Best: Choose the Perfect Skincare for your Bundle of Joy

    Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD) is a distinguished Consulting Pediatrician in Pune. With an impressive track record, he served as Former President of the Maharashtra State Academy of Pediatrics in 2010 and Former President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Pune Branch from 2008 to 2009. He's also the Director of Unique Hospital for Children and Kartik Group of Hospitals in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. Dr Dhekne is recognized as a Master Trainer for both the "Asthma Training Module" and "Problem-Solving in Paediatric Infectious Diseases (PSPID)" by IAP.  As you embark on this new adventure called parenting, keeping your bundle of joy cosy and well-fed becomes your top-most priority. You’d move mountains to ensure they’re showered with all the TLC in the world; you would go to any lengths to protect them. Apart from ensuring the right nutrition and shielding them from heat and cold, even delicate matters like choosing the right skincare for your ‘mini-me’ can become an uphill task. Their sensitive and delicate skin requires the utmost care. If you’re unsure about how to choose the best skincare products for your little munchkins, we’ve got you covered! Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD), who is among the distinguished consulting pediatricians from Pune, is here to drop some wisdom on pampering that adorable epidermis and the dos and don'ts of skincare for babies. He also gives us a low-down on how to pick the safest baby skincare brands: Allergen-free formulations:  Opt for products that are free from harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, and dyes. Allergen-free formulations are designed to minimise the risk of adverse reactions and are gentler on your baby's skin. Avoid harmful ingredients:  “Avoid products that contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial preservatives, as these chemicals can cause skin irritations and potential long-term health risks. Instead, choose products with natural Indian ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, turmeric oil, and almond oil, known for their soothing properties,” says Dr Dhekne. Moisturisation is key: Babies are prone to dry skin, especially in certain weather conditions. Choose moisturising products specifically formulated for babies to keep their skin soft and hydrated. Read labels thoroughly: Take the time to read product labels carefully and pay attention to certifications such as ‘paediatrician-tested’ and ‘dermatologist-approved.’ These endorsements offer added assurance about the product's safety and efficacy. Minimalistic approach: Stick to the essentials for baby skincare, such as a gentle baby wash and moisturiser. Avoid overwhelming your baby’s skin with too many products. Consult a paediatric dermatologist: When in doubt, seek professional advice. Paediatricians can assess your baby’s skin type and recommend suitable products based on their needs. A dermatologist can also provide personalised guidance if your child has specific skin conditions like eczema or cradle cap. “The natural ingredients in babycare products help soothe and protect the delicate baby skin, leaving it soft, supple and healthy. Parents can witness improved skin conditions, reduced irritation and a noticeable difference in their baby's overall skin health after using natural and organic products,” adds Dr Dhekne. When it comes to baby skincare, it’s always better to exercise caution. You can embrace the benefits of natural care through CITTA’s dermatologist-approved and ‘conscious’ baby skincare products. The brand is committed to crafting products with natural ingredients while maintaining the highest safety and efficacy standards. CITTA’s baby skincare range comprises gentle and nourishing formulations enriched with plant extracts, essential oils, and botanical goodness.

    Read More