Safety guide

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.

Focus

Child exposure

Guide type

Evidence-backed

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.

Related ingredients

BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

High concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 7055 composition records across product categories including Cleaning products and household care, Home maintenance, Specialty occupational products.

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GLYCERIN

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 35327 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Cleaning products and household care, Construction and building materials.

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Water

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 70443 composition records across product categories including Cleaning and safety, Personal care, Cleaning products and household care.

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HYALURONIC ACID

Moderate concern

Fetched 1 ClinicalTrials.gov references for HYALURONIC ACID.

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