Warning - List of Toxic Ingredients Found In Baby Care

These ingredients are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, birth defects or endocrine disruption. Some can even be found in products marketed as 'natural' or 'organic'.

Propylene Glycol (PG): Penetrates the skin quickly, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, & kidney abnormalities. A dangerous petrochemical used in many skin products & as an anti-freeze in cars. No value to the skin but ensures that the cream glides easily on the skin.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate/Sodium Laureth Sulphate: In most skin, hair, body & baby care products to create lather. Derived from petroleum, works by stripping the skin from its natural oils & can cause irritation, dryness & itchiness. Used in engine degreasers, car washes, garage floor cleaners. Animals exposed to SLS/SLES experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, & even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS/SLES. Frequently used in semi-natural cosmetics as it is derived from coconut.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl & Ethyl Paraben: A preservative in cosmetics & many products. Rapidly absorbed by the body. Linked by some scientific researchers to breast cancer. May cause allergic reactions & rashes.

Mineral Oil: Petroleum by-product that coats the skin, clogging the pores. Interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne & other disorders. Slows down skin function & cell development, resulting in premature aging. Baby oil is 100% mineral. Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with carcinogenic PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Petrolatum is used as it is extremely cheap.

Phthalates: Used in flexible plastic & vinyl toys, some teethers, personal care products, perfumes, cling wraps & shower curtains, to name just a few. Shown to have adverse ‘gender-bending’ effects on normal hormonal activity. Phthalates are thought to lower sperm counts possibly even cause sexual abnormalities deformities. Not often listed on labels.

Fragrance, Parfum: Synthetic or artificial fragrance compounds. May cause allergic reactions. Can also contain Phthalates that make a scent linger on the skin & clothes longer. Babies don't need to smell like their lotion, shampoo, diaper ointment or laundry soap all day long.

Synthetic Colours: FD & C Yellow No. 6. etc. May be made from coal tar. Contains heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity & irritation. Can be carcinogenic.

Urea Diazolindyl / Imidazolindyl: Primary cause of contact dermatitis by the American Academy of Dermatology. Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical. Is toxic when inhaled & a strong irritant.

Triethanolamine (TEA): A highly acidic synthetic emulsifier. Found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens.

PVP/V Copolymer: Petroleum-derived chemical. Particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs.