Welcoming a newborn into your family brings immeasurable joy — and a wave of new responsibilities. As parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of your little one becomes a top priority. One crucial aspect of this care is choosing the right baby products, particularly when it comes to baby wash ingredients, so you know which baby bath products to avoid. 

In this guide, we'll explore the top ingredients to avoid in newborn baby products, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices for your precious one.

Understanding the Fragile Nature of Newborn Skin 

Before diving into specific ingredients, let's talk about the fragile nature of a baby’s skin. A newborn's skin is considerably thinner than an adult's, making it more vulnerable to dirt and chemicals in baby products. The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is paper-thin, and the skin's barrier function, which protects against irritants and moisture loss, is not yet fully developed. Given these characteristics, learning about each ingredient used and which ingredients to avoid in your baby products is imperative.

What to Avoid in Your Baby’s Products

Knowing everything that goes into your baby’s bath products can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. At arau.baby, we’ve compiled a list of the most common ingredients to avoid in baby products so you can choose the best option for your little one and their skin. 

Harsh Chemicals 

Chemicals in baby bath products are common as they’re used to help cleanse the skin and break down dirt or oils. While some chemicals are safe and gentle for your baby, there are also harsh chemicals you want to avoid when selecting your baby’s bath products. Here are some of the harmful ones to watch out for.

• Sulfates (SLS/SLES): While sulfates are used to remove oil and dirt from surfaces, they’re better suited to actual cleaning products than baby care items. Sulfates can be highly irritating to your little one’s skin.  
• Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben): Parabens help extend the shelf life of personal care items, but they can lead to minor skin irritation,  hormone and fertility issues, and long-term weight issues for your child.
• Phthalates: Often added to artificial fragrances, phthalates can cause hormone disruptions and physical development issues. 
• Formaldehyde donors (e.g., Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin): Formaldehyde donors are used as an antibacterial element; however, formaldehyde is a carcinogen, which can lead to cancer. It can also cause allergic reactions and severe respiratory irritation, so it’s an important ingredient to avoid in baby products.  
• Bronopol: This ingredient can irritate your baby’s skin and even lead to allergies. Additionally, bronopol contains formaldehyde, which we already know is toxic in baby products. 
• 1,4-Dioxane: Dioxane is another solvent used in baby bath products like shampoo and body wash, but the ingredient can cause skin irritation for your baby. 1,4-Dioxane is also a carcinogen — and harmful to the environment —  making it a toxic chemical in baby products.  
• Ethanolamines: Ethanolamines help create the foaming action in baby bath products. However, these chemicals have been shown to cause skin irritation, allergies, and, in some cases, issues with organ systems.

Fragrances and Artificial Scents 

Fragrances are added to baby care products because they smell enjoyable. However, harsh fragrances aren’t necessary for your baby. Consider a fragrance-free or lightly scented body soap instead, which is better for your baby’s delicate skin. 

Here are fragrance ingredients to avoid in your baby’s products. 

• Synthetic fragrances (“Fragrance” or “Parfum”): These ingredients are known to cause allergic reactions in babies, and they can cause additional skin irritations.  
• Artificial colorants (FD&C or D&C followed by a number): These are toxic chemicals in baby products that cause skin irritation and allergies. However, artificial colorants have certain toxins that allow other chemical ingredients to be absorbed into your baby’s skin faster, which can cause more severe issues. 

Alcohol

Alcohols are often used in personal care products due to their antibacterial properties. While the antibacterial element can be helpful, alcohols are not suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin. 

• Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat: Alcohols are extremely drying, which can irritate your little one’s skin and even lead to cracking and bleeding if the skin dries out too much. 

Petrochemicals

These are ingredients meant to help moisturize the skin. However, if you find an item with these chemicals, it’s a baby bath product you want to avoid. 

• Mineral oil: Many think mineral oil, or products derived from mineral oils, are safe for a baby’s skin due to its moisturizing properties. Unfortunately, these oils can’t be absorbed by your little one’s skin, meaning they just sit on the surface and lead to clogged pores or “baby acne.” 
• Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): These chemicals in baby products help cleanse the skin. However, PEGs contain carcinogenic ingredients, which can potentially lead to cancer in your little one. 

Endocrine Disruptors 

Endocrine disruptors are important ingredients to avoid in your baby products. This is because they can disrupt hormone function and restrict physical, emotional, and behavioral development. 

• Bisphenol A (BPA): This is a microplastic that can increase the risk of early puberty, behavioral problems, and, potentially, cancer. 
• Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient, but it harms your baby’s endocrine system and can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Safer Alternatives for Gentle Care 

At arau.baby, we go beyond avoiding harmful ingredients by incorporating safe, plant-based alternatives. Our baby wash is crafted with care, utilizing ingredients that nurture and protect, ensuring a gentle cleansing experience for your newborn.

• Plant-based cleansers: Plant-based cleansers effectively cleanse without harshness, offering your baby a gentle yet thorough wash. Our baby wash embraces the power of Mother Earth’s cleansers, providing a natural and caring touch to your baby's skin.
• Aloe barbadensis leaf extract: Aloe leaf extract is renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it the ideal choice for delicate and sensitive skin. The mix of aloe and lavender extracts in our nourishing bath products is well-known for helping your little ones fall fast asleep after a pre-nap cleanup!
• The Magic of Shiso: The shiso herb — also known as perilla leaf — is used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. We use shiso in our natural soap bases, as it helps to remove impurities and excess oils without stripping away the ones that keep your newborn’s skin hydrated and healthy.

Choosing the Best for Your Little One 

In the early days of parenthood, every decision matters, especially when caring for your baby's skin. arau.baby is your trusted partner in your parenting journey, offering baby products crafted with the utmost care and attention. By avoiding harmful chemicals in baby products and prioritizing safe, plant-based alternatives, we can ensure your newborn's skin receives the nurturing it deserves.