When there is a chemically based product that performs well, there is almost always a natural alternative available. Large companies prefer to manufacture quickly, cheaply and in large volumes, making natural skin care ingredients difficult to use. But for a small business like me, it’s easy to substitute harmful chemical ingredients with natural ingredients which will do just as good a job, but without endangering your baby.
Look on the label of any high-street product, and you’re bound to spot ingredients such as:
- SLS: Sodium laureth sulfate, to give it its full title, can dry out skin and aggravate conditions like eczema. It is a powerful detergent, and because a baby’s skin has a thinner epidermis than adults, they are more sensitive these types of soaps. You may also see this ingredient listed as sodium dodecyl sulfate, lauryl sodium sulfate, sodium n-dodecyl sulfate or lauryl sulfate sodium salt.
- Parabens: Parabens are a type of preservative, which stops mould and bacteria growing in toiletries. They act on our bodies, and those of our babies, like the female hormone oestrogen, which has been linked to increased risk of cancer. They may be listed in products as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben or isopropylparaben.
- Synthetic fragrances: Many of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals. These include benzene, aldehydes, phthalates and many other toxins which are linked to cancers, nervous system disorders, allergies and birth defects. They can be absorbed into the bloodstream directly through the skin, and sometimes even ‘fragrance free’ products have hidden synthetic fragrances contained within them, to mask unpleasant chemical smells.
- Propylene glycol: Worryingly, the purpose of this chemical is to open the pores and allow other chemicals into the body. Worse than that, it’s a chemical commonly used in antifreeze and to de-ice aeroplanes. You’ll also find it in a lot of baby wipes and other products. It’s a potential carcinogen, known to cause allergies and damage to kidneys and liver. Look out for it listed as polyethylene glycol, PEG, PPG, PG or propane-1,2-diol.
You can be assured that we will only use only natural ingredients or naturally derived ingredients, which will be gentle of the skin.
Until next time, Tania xx
