For years parents have been unknowingly using harmful chemicals on their children’s skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ is very delicate between the ages of 0-14. This list has been put together by the Environmental Working Group on choosing safer cosmetics for kids.

Know what you are buying

Get all the facts

Research a product before you buy it. Read reviews and pay special attention to allergic reactions that have been reported. The EWR has a great database of over 70,000 products with ratings for their ingredients.

Ingredients to watch for in kids products

Five worrisome ingredients found in skincare products for kids

Parabens

Hormone-disrupting preservatives

• Avoid ingredients that include; Propyl, butyl, iso-propyl and iso-butyl

Isothiazolinones

Preservatives that produces skin rashes

• Avoid ingredients that include; methylisothiazolinone or methylisochlorothiazlinone

Formaldehyde Releasers

Preservative that can cause skin sensitization and allergies

• Avoid ingredients that include; DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Fragrance

Fragrance; this term is misleading because it does not disclose the exact name of all the fragrances.

Retinyl Palmitate/ other Topical Retinoids

A form of vitamin A normally used in sunscreens, lotions and lip products. Ironically, when exposed to the sun can break down and damage the skin.

• Avoid ingredients that include; retinyl acetate.

Keep it simple for babies

Protect your baby’s skin from toxic chemicals

Avoid wipes that contain these irritating ingredients

Parabens, methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and fragrance

Choose Zinc- based diaper creams

Avoid creams that contain BHA and boric acid

Avoid scented products

Fragrances can contain ingredients that cause irritation or an allergic reaction on the skin

Skip the baby powder

The tiny airborne particles can damage a babies lungs, causing respiratory complications

Soothe dry skin with a food grade massage oil other than lotions

Try almond or coconut oil. Avoid Olive oil if it is not organic

Treat cradle cap by washing with a gentle shampoo

See a doctor for additional advice

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun

The natural melanin has not formed to protect their skin from ultraviolet rays. If sun exposure is unavoidable, cover their skin with protective clothing, a hat and find shade when possible.

Get a good sunscreen

Look for active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with SPF 15-50. Apply 15mins prior to sun exposure and reapply if sweating or coming in contact with water.

Ignore market claims

The Food and Drug Administration does not approve or regulate labels so it is best to do your research on a company before buying from them.