Dangerous Chemicals in Baby Care Products

Have you ever wondered what is really in a baby care product? As a parent you know how important it is to research the products you use; you only want the best for your child and need to protect them from anything harmful. However, baby care products often contain chemicals that turn out to be detrimental for a child’s health.
Considering that a baby’s skin is 4 times more sensitive than that of an adult, it is astonishing to see the high levels of toxic chemicals children are exposed to every day. According to an Environmental Working Group study:

• 82% of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients with the potential to harm their brain and nervous system.
• 69% of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients that may be endocrine disruptors.
• 36% of children are exposed to ingredients with strong data linking them to cancer.
• 80% of children’s products marked as “gentle” and “non-irritating” contain ingredients that are linked to allergies and skin or eye irritation.

 Why are children being exposed to so many toxins? On top of environmental pollutants, most commercial baby care companies add chemicals to their products to make them foam, smell wonderful, or to leave a “clean” sensation after a bath, but unfortunately those chemicals are dangerous!

Out of these chemicals, the most prominent culprits are:

• Quaternium 15: It releases formaldehyde; a skin, eye and respiratory irritant, and a known carcinogen (formaldehyde exposure has been associated with leukemia).
• 1,4 Dioxane: A likely-carcinogen present in Baby Shampoo, Oatmeal Baby Wash, Moisture Care Baby Wash, and Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash. This chemical has been proven to be toxic to the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.

It is important to keep in mind that these chemicals, more often than not, are found on labels under other names. For example, Quaternium 15 can be found as DMDM, Hydantion, Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea. Whereas 1,4 Dioxane can be found through the following byproducts: PEG-100, Stearate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Polyethilene, Ceteareth 20. Moreover, some of the products that are labeled as “doctor recommended” include these chemicals!

Not all hope is lost, however! Thanks to Morrocco Method there is now a 100% raw and paleo baby line that includes essential baby care products and shampoos.  Our Sea Essence Baby Shampoo and Heavenly Essence Baby Shampoo are made with organic, wildcrafted ingredients that gently cleanse baby’s hair and soothe baby’s skin when used as a body wash.

Other baby essentials such as baby powder, baby oil, and detangling sprays have to be analyzed for dangerous chemicals as well since these products will often include preservatives, thickening agents, artificial colors, and fragrances. Some of the worst offenders are talc and triclosan which are ingredients commonly found in baby powder. These have been scientifically proven to be carcinogens and still, most commercial baby powders include them. For a safer baby powder option you can choose our Zen Baby Powder, which naturally absorbs excess moisture and prevents diaper rash.

When it comes to baby oils, companies advertise them as “perfect for dry skin” and are even infused with “Vitamins A & E”. However, regular baby oil is made with mineral oil mixed with fragrance; it’s a cheap by-product of petroleum processing and acts as a plastic wrap on baby’s skin. For a non-toxic option, use our Sun Essence Baby Oil, which carefully soothes baby’s skin, leaving is feeling soft and healthy.

Lastly, there are some products out there that help with a child’s unruly and tangled hair. Nevertheless, most of them contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) a 1,4 dioxane by-product and known carcinogen. This substance can strip your child’s hair of its natural moisture, making it more prone to tangles in the future. Instead, try our Miracle Detangler, which will help detangle your child’s hair, while adding moisture back to their strands, preventing future tangles.

EVALUATE INGREDIENTS ON LABELS BEFORE BUYING

Remember, “Our Health Is Our Wealth”; it is important to read and research the ingredients in any product before purchasing it. As a rule of thumb, the only way you will not expose your baby to any harmful chemicals is by purchasing products that are 100% raw, paleo and natural like those found in our Morrocco Method baby line.