Learn about the health risks associated with these 5 harmful chemicals and how to avoid them by choosing safe and natural alternatives.
Did you know that babies may be exposed to over 25 dangerous chemicals a day through conventional baby products? Exposure to these toxic ingredients are linked to a staggering number of health issues like allergies and respiratory problems. Babies are especially vulnerable as their skin is ten times thinner than an adult’s and are less resistant to allergens. Reduce your baby’s exposure to these harmful chemicals by simply checking the label to avoid these five toxic ingredients.
#1: Fragrance
Also labelled as: parfum
Fragrance is commonly added to baby products to make them smell great, but it is one of the leading causes of allergy and irritation in babies. A single fragrance is created from a cocktail of more than 100 chemicals, so the next time you’re reaching for a lavender-scented baby product, think about the numerous synthetic chemicals that you are applying onto your baby’s skin. Fragrance can also be lurking in everyday household products such as aroma essences for air purifiers or dishwashing liquid.
#2: Mineral Oil
Also labelled as: petroleum, paraffin, liquid paraffin
While mineral oil may sound naturally moisturizing, it is a cheap petroleum by-product used in diaper creams, baby wipes and baby oil due to its lubricating nature. However, mineral oil tends to coat the skin and inhibits the pores from breathing.
#3: Parabens
Also labelled as: ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben
Parabens are widely used as preservatives to extend a product’s shelf life, but it is also a neurotoxin that disrupts hormone function in the body. Babies are especially susceptible due to their developing endocrine system, and prolonged exposure to parabens may cause developmental issues associated with learning and memory.
#4: Phenoxyethanol
This ingredient often claims to be the ‘natural’ alternative to paraben and is commonly found in baby wipes or a hidden fragrance ingredient but is known to trigger skin irritation in babies. Manufacturers also tend to use the word ‘natural’ loosely, as products need to contain only 1% of natural ingredients to be labelled natural, even if the remaining 99% is derived from synthetic chemicals. When buying baby products, it is safer to buy products labelled with world-recognised organic certifications such as Ecocert Cosmos which guarantees 95% of ingredients are naturally derived and a high percentage of these ingredients are organic.
#5: Chlorine
Chlorine is commonly used as a bleach to whiten disposable baby diapers and contains small traces of a toxic chemical called dioxins which has the potential to interfere with the development of your baby’s immune and organ systems. While manufacturers claim that only trace amounts of dioxins are present in diapers, this chemical does not break down easily and can stay in the body for a long time.
Choosing the Best for Your Baby and Your Family
Avoid exposing your baby’s delicate skin to all these nasty ingredients with Offspring’s Baby Essential range of diapers, baby wipes and baby essentials that contain up to 95% organic ingredients and are certified toxic-free. This Australian brand is committed to creating the safest, most natural and nurturing products for the whole family.
To eliminate any exposure to harmful dioxins in chlorine, Offspring’s Featherlite Ultra-Thin diaper is formulated to be chlorine-free to protect your baby’s sensitive bottom.
For a fabulously fashionable alternative, Offspring features an award-winning Fashion Diaper range with skin-safe designer prints. Choose from a variety of exclusive designs to let your little ones go pants-free!
Wipe away messes and worries with Offspring’s hypoallergenic plant-based baby wipes for soft and gentle cleansing. These wipes are 100% biodegradable and are kind to both your baby’s skin and Mother Nature.
To keep your little ones clean and comfortable, their baby essentials range features a series of all-natural bath and skincare suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin.
This versatile brand also features a baby-safe household series with a plant-based formulation for a cleaner and greener home.
Offspring’s Promise – Certified Beyond Certainty
The Offspring Baby Essential range is one of the few baby care brands to receive certified organic accreditation by Ecocert Cosmos, which guarantees their products are formulated with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients with the rest consisting of Ecocert-approved ingredients. Offspring’s range of family-friendly and earth-conscious products are manufactured in Australia and each product has received two or more of these 9 accreditations.
Offspring’s range of diapers and wipes also carry the Dermatest seal, which certifies that their products do not lead to toxic-irritative tolerance reaction in patch testing carried out in accordance with international guidelines and is free from skin allergens and reactor and has been specially formulated to be suitable for your baby’s delicate skin.
Discover the Offspring baby essential range here.
