Skin care products, including baby lotion, baby shampoo and baby powder, commonly contain chemical additives. A few ingredients of concern include formaldehyde, mineral oil, parabens, and sulfates. I formulate my own skin care products and a lot of people have asked why there is concern about these ingredients. Below is some information I found about these additives commonly found in skin care products.
Formaldehyde: A chemical that has been known to cause skin rashes and allergic reactions to people with sensitive skin and babies. Formaldehyde can be absorbed through the skin when using personal care products containing it.
Mineral Oil: Commercially produced baby oil usually contains mineral oil which is a by-product in the refinement of petroleum to produce gasoline. Mineral Oil is said to be second to the sun in causing skin cancer.
Parabens: They are used in personal care products as preservatives because they are the cheapest way for manufacturers to control bacterial growth in their products. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Other parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben. There is concern that parabens may contribute to the causes of cancer, specifically breast cancer by mimicking the female hormone, estrogen and accelerating the growth of cancerous cells.
According to the American Cancer Society, studies have not shown any direct link between parabens and breast cancer risk but states that larger studies are needed. (cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp)
The use of parabens in personal care products are banned in Europe and have been banned by all the major organic certifiers in the world including the United States, Australia and Japan.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES): Chemicals commonly found in many personal care products because they are inexpensive and effective foaming agents. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), also known as Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) are commonly used alternatives to SLES. These chemicals are either known to be or may be eye and skin irritants.
There are so many products in and around our homes that have been linked to cancer and other less serious issues such as skin irritations so it is hard to know what to use or not use and I think it really comes down to personal choice.
If you love fragrant lotions and other skin care products, you should purchase those products. I think it is best to purchase those products with the least amount of chemical additives. There are a lot of personal care products available that are almost completely natural. Most skin care products such as baby lotion, will and should contain some type of preservative. You can purchase personal care products that are paraben and formaldehyde free. I make and choose to use skin care products made as natural as possible with paraben free preservatives. Bottom line... the choice is yours!
Please note: The information provided in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or other health care provider. It is not considered to be all inclusive and is based on my own personal research and thoughts. You should consult a qualified health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
When using any new skin care product, testing a small amount on your inner arm to see if any irritation occurs is recommended. If irritation or sensitivities do occur, discontinue use and dilute affected area with vegetable oil, not water, and dry to reduce irritation.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician or medical practitioner before using any product containing essential oil or fragrance oil. Some essential oils have been noted to stimulate the uterus.
Penny Whitlock is the owner of Penny Lane Boutique, an online boutique featuring bath, body and home products. Penny Lane was established after Penny became interested in natural skin care about fifteen years ago when she made my first bar of soap. What began as a hobby is proudly a thriving, woman-owned, business. She began experimenting with herbs and botanical oils and immersed herself in all the books and research she could find about natural body care treatments. As her business grew, her love for botanicals, especially lavender, essential oils and fragrance oils grew, as well.
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