Which ingredients should children avoid in personal care?
Children have thinner skin and developing endocrine systems, making ingredient selection especially important. This guide covers the ingredients with the highest caution signals for child exposure.
Common questions
- Is phenoxyethanol safe for babies?
- Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. The French ANSM issued a warning against its use in products for children under 3, particularly in diaper area products. Many pediatric dermatologists recommend caution.
- What sunscreen is best for kids?
- Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are widely recommended for children. They sit on the skin surface without significant absorption and have strong safety profiles.
- What preservatives should I avoid in baby products?
- Look to avoid parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben), MIT/CMIT (methylisothiazolinone), and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM hydantoin in products used on young children.
Ingredients in this guide
Formaldehyde
Critical concernCritical concern driven by cmr.
Bisphenol a
Critical concernCritical concern driven by cmr.
Lead and its compounds
Critical concernCritical concern based on regulatory listings.
FD&C red no. 40
High concernHigh concern based on regulatory listings.
Talc
High concernHigh concern based on regulatory listings.
Phenoxyethanol
Minor concernMinor concern based on regulatory listings.
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone
Minor concernMinor concern based on regulatory listings.
Zinc oxide
Minor concernMinor concern based on regulatory listings.
Triclosan
Minor concernMinor concern based on regulatory listings.
Sodium butylparaben
Minor concernMinor concern based on regulatory listings.
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