Ingredients to avoid in baby products

Babies and young children are not small adults. Their skin is thinner, more permeable, and absorbs chemicals more readily. Their organs are still developing, their detoxification systems are immature, and their body weight is low — meaning even small exposures can result in proportionally high doses. This makes ingredient safety in baby products critically important.

Fragrance (Parfum) is one of the biggest concerns. As covered in our fragrance transparency guide, this single word can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are known sensitisers or suspected endocrine disruptors. For babies, always choose genuinely fragrance-free products — not ‘unscented,’ which may still contain masking fragrances.

Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) are preservatives with well-documented oestrogenic activity. While the EU permits them at restricted concentrations, it has banned five parabens outright and prohibits all parabens in leave-on products designed for the nappy area of children under three. If a product is going anywhere near a nappy area, check for parabens carefully.

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative widely used as a ‘paraben alternative.’ The French health agency (ANSM) recommended in 2012 that it should not be used in products for children under three, citing potential liver toxicity. The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) later concluded it was safe at 1% concentration, but some parents prefer to avoid it as a precaution.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents found in shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths. While not endocrine disruptors, they are known skin irritants. Baby skin is more susceptible to irritation, and conditions like eczema can be triggered or worsened by these surfactants. Look for gentler alternatives like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are potent preservatives that became notorious for causing a wave of contact allergies across Europe. The EU banned MI in leave-on products in 2016 and sharply restricted it in rinse-off products. Despite this, some products still contain it — always check the label, especially for wet wipes.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols) are emulsifiers and penetration enhancers identified by numbers like PEG-40 or PEG-100. The concern isn’t just the PEG itself but potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) and ethylene oxide from the manufacturing process. Products can be contaminated without these impurities appearing on the label.

Practical tips for parents: stick to products with short, recognisable ingredient lists. Look for certifications like COSMOS Organic or Ecocert, which ban many of the chemicals listed above. Fewer products is better — babies don’t need separate shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and oil. A simple organic oil (like sunflower or coconut) and a gentle wash is often enough. And use EDScan to quickly check any product before buying.