Personal Care Products
Your choice for soaps, shampoos, conditioners and body lotions is very important when you are trying to provide the safest products to use on your child’s body. Current government regulations do not require manufacturers of personal care products to engage in rigorous safety testing before offering their products for sale to the public. As a consequence, many personal care products contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled or accidentally ingested. Testing shows that girls have higher levels in their bodies of some common endocrine disrupting chemicals that are used in beauty products, and research shows that they can be harmful even in very small amounts.
Products designed specifically for children are often dyed with bright, artificial colors and scented with artificial fragrances to make them “fun” to use. Ironically, these non-essential additives are particularly harmful for children.
The good news is that a growing number of manufacturers offer thoroughly tested and safe personal care products intended for use on infants and children. Many of their products are made from food-grade or plant-based materials and do not contain any chemicals known to be harmful.
When it comes to cleaning hands, most pediatricians agree that washing with soap and warm water is just as effective as using an antibacterial product in preventing the spread of disease. Frequent hand washing throughout the day is just one of those good habits that will help protect your child throughout their life. Pure castile (plant-based) bar or liquid soaps with no added artificial dyes, chemical preservatives or fragrances are safe choices.
Many antibacterial soaps contain a chemical pesticide called triclosan, which is linked to serious health and environmental concerns. You may feel safer using antibacterial products, but their use has been shown to add to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria or “super bugs.” Triclosan is also found in many other products, including deodorants, sponges, dishwashing detergents, athletic clothing, combs, toys, shoes, socks, pens, and computer keyboards. Be wary of products whose labels say “antimicrobial,” “germ-free,” or “germ fighting.”
The use of alcohol-based sanitizers is also discouraged, as they are flammable and can leave a toxic residue on hands. Plant-based, waterless hand cleaners and sanitizers can be used if you are away from home or not near a source of water. Products containing thyme oil as a disinfectant are very effective and can be used without worry as long as your child is not sensitive or allergic to the herb.
It is also important to choose toothbrushes and toothpastes that do not contain triclosan. The use of dental floss is also an important part of dental hygiene, but be sure to choose brands that are free of PFAS.
A little sun exposure (10 to 15 minutes every day) is generally beneficial to your child’s health. Sunshine is the body’s best source of vitamin D, which helps fight off colds and flu as well as other diseases. But if your child is going to be outdoors when the sun is most intense (in most places, this is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), the safest way to prevent skin damage is to protect him/her with a hat and long-sleeved shirt and pants made from dark colored, tightly woven fabrics. If your kids are swimming, keep in mind that when fabrics get wet they lose some of their ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). If your child is going to be outdoors for an extended period, try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
Sunscreens may actually do more harm than good if they are formulated with toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through your child’s skin. Chemicals to avoid in sunscreen products include PABA, dioxybenzone, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), titanium dioxide, parabens, TEA, and DEA.
Barrier-type sunscreens containing the mineral zinc oxide are your safest choices. Zinc oxide is the only FDA-approved ingredient for use on children under six months of age. The regular form of zinc oxide leaves a white residue on the skin, which in this case you want. Be wary of zinc oxide products that are clear because they are made from nano-sized particles that can penetrate the skin and their safety has yet to be proven.
Cosmetics also fall into the category of poorly regulated and tested products. From mascara and lipstick to foundation and eye shadow, all of these products can contain chemicals that are easily absorbed through the skin, accidentally ingested or inhaled. Of particular concern are endocrine disrupting chemicals, including parabens and phthalates, with the latter being ubiquitous in fragrances* and fragranced products. Care must be taken to choose only those brands that voluntarily give full disclosure of ingredients.
Fingernail polish and nail polish remover contain particularly harmful chemicals, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. For that reason, your child should never accompany you to the nail salon. If your child really wants to make their nails look pretty, soak and pamper them and look for buffers that can polish nails to a high shine with no chemicals at all. If you find yourself in a battle over this, insist on using the least toxic nail products available and apply in a well- ventilated room...or better yet, outdoors.
Finally, nothing is more comforting or relaxing for your child than a warm, soothing bath. If your child likes bubble baths, you can make your own safe and pure bubble bath solution using liquid castile soap, glycerin and perhaps a drop of essential oil. You can also give your child special attention after a bath (or any other time) with some simple massage techniques that have been shown to decrease stress hormones and can be therapeutic for both the provider and the recipient. Sesame is a good choice for massage oil because it also supports the immune system.
* Fragrances - under current law, according to the National Institutes of Health, phthalates used in fragrances do not have to be listed on the label.
Safe Products & Solutions
Weleda - Full line of soaps, toothpaste, creams & lotions.
Babo Botanicals - Full line of soaps, shampoos, bubble bath & moisturizers.
Badger - Full line of balms, mineral sunscreens, lip & face care, moisturizers.
Jack n' Jill - Natural toothpaste, hair care & soaps.
Radius - USDA organic toothpaste & dental floss.
Piggy Paint - Non-toxic nail polish & removers.
The LiceMeister Comb - Early detection and chemical-free removal of nits and lice.
Resources
The non-profit Environmental Working Group created a database for personal care products and cosmetics, focusing on potential health concerns. You can search by product or ingredient to get a science-based evaluation.
Green Mama Tips – “Chemicals to Avoid in Everyday Personal Care Products” sourced from Northwestern Health Sciences University
Non-profit Grassroots Environmental Education has three important fact sheets - Top Cosmetic Chemicals You Should Avoid, Facts on Fragrances and Triclosan in Consumer Products.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Science, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), publishes research on chemicals in personal care products. See their page on this issue.
HealthyChildren.org is associated with The American Academy of Pediatrics and has useful, well-documented information about environmental toxins and how they impact our children. Visit their Tips for families page on How to Choose Safer Personal Care Products.
Scientific Studies
Bibliometric Analysis: The Effects of Triclosan on Human Health. Papavasilopoulos, RK. and Kang, S. Toxics, 2022.10, 523.
Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products. Dodson, R., Nishioka, M., et al, Environmental Health Perspectives, 2012, 120, 7.