Decoding Labels: Ingredients Parents Should Avoid in Baby Cosmetics

A list of harmful substances, supported by research, and how to spot them.

As a parent, safeguarding your baby's health and well-being is your top priority. Navigating the world of baby cosmetics can be daunting, especially when faced with ingredient lists that seem written in a foreign language. Understanding what’s in these products is crucial because your baby’s skin is delicate and more permeable than adult skin, making it more susceptible to absorbing harmful substances.

This guide aims to help you decode product labels by highlighting ingredients that research suggests may be harmful, so you can make informed choices for your little one.

Babies have sensitive skin that requires gentle care. Some chemicals commonly found in cosmetics can cause irritation, allergies, or have other adverse effects. By knowing which ingredients to avoid, you can reduce the risk of exposing your child to potentially harmful substances.

Below is a list of ingredients that studies have shown may be harmful, along with tips on how to identify them on product labels.

1. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)

What They Are:
Preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetic products.

Why Avoid Them:

• Potential Endocrine Disruption: Studies suggest that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that parabens can be absorbed through the skin and have weak estrogenic activity, potentially disrupting hormone function.¹
• Accumulation in the Body: Research indicates that parabens can accumulate in body tissues over time.

How to Spot Them:
Look for ingredients ending with “-paraben” on the label.

2. Phthalates (Diethyl Phthalate, DEP)

What They Are:
Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and are sometimes used as solvents in fragrances.

Why Avoid Them:

• Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity: A study in Environmental Health Perspectives linked prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with adverse effects on male reproductive development.²
• Hidden in Fragrances: Phthalates can be present in products listed under “fragrance,” making them harder to identify.

How to Spot Them:

• Check for “phthalate,” “DEP,” or opt for products labeled “phthalate-free.”

3. Synthetic Fragrances

What They Are:
Artificial scents added to products to enhance their smell.

Why Avoid Them:

• Skin Irritation and Allergies: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances are among the top allergens causing contact dermatitis in children.³
• Undisclosed Chemicals: Synthetic fragrances can contain numerous chemicals not individually listed, some of which may be harmful.

How to Spot Them:

• Look for “fragrance,” “parfum,” or “perfume” on the label.

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

What They Are:
Surfactants used to create foam and remove oils and dirt.

Why Avoid Them:

• Skin Irritation: Studies have shown that SLS can cause skin irritation and dryness by stripping away natural oils.⁴
• Potential Contaminants: SLES can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How to Spot Them:

• Look for “sodium lauryl sulfate” and “sodium laureth sulfate” in the ingredients list.

5. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

What They Are:
Used as preservatives to prevent microbial growth.

Why Avoid Them:

• Carcinogenic Potential: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.⁵
• Allergic Reactions: Formaldehyde can cause skin sensitivities and allergic reactions.

How to Spot Them:

• Ingredients to watch for include “formaldehyde,” “formalin,” “methylene glycol,” “quaternium-15,” “DMDM hydantoin,” “imidazolidinyl urea,” and “diazolidinyl urea.”

6. Mineral Oil and Petrolatum

What They Are:
Byproducts of petroleum used as moisturizing agents.

Why Avoid Them:

• Potential Contaminants: Unrefined or mildly refined mineral oils may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are carcinogenic.⁶
• Clogged Pores: They can create a barrier on the skin that may clog pores and hinder the skin's natural functions.

How to Spot Them:

• Look for “mineral oil,” “paraffinum liquidum,” “petrolatum,” or “petroleum jelly.”

7. Phenoxyethanol

What It Is:
A preservative used to prevent bacterial growth as an alternative to parabens.

Why Avoid It:

• Potential Toxicity: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that phenoxyethanol can depress the central nervous system and cause vomiting and diarrhea in infants when ingested.⁷
• Skin Irritation: High concentrations can cause skin and eye irritation.

How to Spot It:

• Listed as “phenoxyethanol” on the ingredient label.

8. Artificial Colors (FD&C or D&C Dyes)

What They Are:
Synthetic dyes used to color products.

Why Avoid Them:

• Allergic Reactions: Some artificial colors can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.⁸
• Potential Contaminants: May contain heavy metals like lead or arsenic in trace amounts.

How to Spot Them:

• Look for “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a color and number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40).

• Read the Entire Ingredient List: Don't rely solely on marketing claims like “natural” or “gentle.”
• Simplify: Choose products with shorter ingredient lists and recognizable ingredients.
• Order Matters: Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, from highest to lowest concentration.
• Look for Certifications: Certifications from reputable organizations can provide additional assurance of a product’s safety standards.

Opt for products made with natural, gentle ingredients known for their soothing properties. These include:

• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and moisturizing effects.
• Chamomile: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Shea Butter: Provides deep hydration.
• Coconut Oil: Offers antimicrobial benefits.
• Calendula: Helps in healing and soothing irritated skin.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in vitamins A and E, nourishes and softens skin.

We understand the importance of using safe, gentle products on your baby's skin. That's why we've created a line of baby cosmetics free from harsh chemicals, using only the finest natural and organic ingredients.

Decoding ingredient labels empowers you to make the best choices for your baby’s skincare. Here are some additional tips:

• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with common harmful ingredients and their potential effects.
• Use Reliable Resources: Websites like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database provide safety ratings for cosmetic ingredients.
• Consult Professionals: If in doubt, ask your pediatrician or a dermatologist for recommendations.

Your attentiveness in selecting safe, gentle products makes a significant difference in your baby’s health and comfort. By choosing cosmetics free from harsh chemicals and supported by research, you’re not only protecting your little one’s skin but also fostering a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Remember, every small step you take contributes to a healthier future for your child.

Discover the purity of natural baby care. Visit maitreyacosmetics.com to explore our full range of gentle, nurturing products designed with your baby’s well-being in mind. Because when it comes to your little one, only the best will do.

• Darbre PD, Harvey PW. Paraben esters: Review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. Journal of Applied Toxicology. 2008 Jul;28(5):561-78.
• Swan SH, et al. Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2005 Aug;113(8):1056-61.
• American Academy of Dermatology. Contact dermatitis: A practice parameter. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2010 Oct;136(4):1004-1022.e104.
• Fowler JF Jr. Allergic contact dermatitis from sodium lauryl sulfate in a hair conditioner. Contact Dermatitis. 1990 May;22(5):291-5.
• IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Formaldehyde, 2-Butoxyethanol and 1-tert-Butoxypropan-2-ol. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, No. 88. 2006.
• European Commission. Opinion on Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in Food. 2012.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns consumers about Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream. 2008.
• Sharma GM, et al. Hypersensitivity reactions to food colorants and preservatives. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology. 2013 Aug;45(2):162-78.