The array of baby skind care products that are available can be overwhelming. So how do you choose which ones are right for your little one?

When it comes to a baby’s delicate skin, we believe that natural is better. But not all natural products are created equal. Some manufacturers will include one or two natural ingredients, typically lavender, chamomile or aloe for babies. But in addition they include ingredients that are definitely NOT natural. Chemicals such Quaternium-15, PEG-80 Sorbitan, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Acrylic Polymer are typical ingredients.

Since the FDA does not have regulations on what can be called natural, even products containing only one natural ingredient can use the term on their packaging. As a result it’s hard to tell exactly which products are good choices unless you know how to decipher the ingredient list. Which is made even more difficult by the fact that many natural ingredients have long, chemical sounding names. Even then it’s important to note that some natural baby skin care products use synthetic chemicals that are sometimes necessary. For safety, some personal care products, like shampoos and lotions that contain water, need preservatives to guard against microbial contamination. Traditionally gentle preservatives like phenoxyethanol and methylparaben are fine for inclusion in products described as natural. Methylparaben is actually a food-grade preservative and very mild. One or two gentle preservatives in a natural baby skin care product are fine as long as they are the last ingredients.

What the Experts are Saying

A recent report in Clinical Pediatrics reveals that more than 75 percent of newborns suffer rashes within the first few months of birth, and researchers suspect that contributing factors include the very products that promise to soften, clean, and moisturize children’s skin. As they note in their research, “Newborn skin is relatively more permeable to topically applied agents than adult skin. Therefore, the risk of systemic toxicity is must greater in newborns.”

What’s more, say these researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at Loyola University in Chicago, “The safety and efficacy of over-the-counter skincare products are not supported by well-controlled scientific studies.”

Choosing the Right Baby Skin Care Products for your Baby

Millions of babies have been raised using baby skin care products containing chemicals. Yours may do just fine with many of these products. But the reality is that baby skin care conditions such as eczema are on the rise and what we put on our baby’s skin is a large part of that. So if you’re looking for a natural alternative there are options available. Shop now for gentle baby skin care products for your little one at Pipsqueak Boutique.