Paraben are a common form of chemical preservative that are used in foods, cosmetics and skin care products. They are added to give them a longer shelf life by preventing the growth of microbes on these products. Paraben are widely used preservative since they are affordable, effective and rapidly excreted from the body. When used in baby products such as shampoos, moisturizers, cosmetics and even toys, can potentially harm them.
Should you worry about Paraben in your baby care products?
Parabens are used since they stop the growth of mould and bacteria that could spoil a product. Using baby care products with paraben tend to get absorbed in your baby’s skin since it is thinner than adult skin. Some can potentially cause allergic reaction, developmental disorders and dysfunctional immune system in new born.
Chemicals such as Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers, which means they are used to make plastics, to make them more durable and flexible. Not only added to skin care products, they are also added in toys and food packaging to mask unpleasant and natural odours of the product.
As per environment journals, the substances called phthalates and parabens are widely used in a myriad of baby care products, for holding moisture and as preservatives, respectively.
What’s the way forward?
As conscious parents, it is important to understand your baby’s tender skin. A baby’s skin absorbs and loses moisture much easier and faster than an adult’s because it is nearly 30% thinner than an adult’s skin. Clearly implies that it is more likely to absorb the chemicals applied on their body.
The answer lies in choosing natural and chemical-free products for your babies. Millennial parents are environmentally conscious and choose superior baby products that are toxin-free, artificial additive and fragrance-free, certified by world-class bodies.
How to know if baby products contain Paraben?
Before buying baby products, it is recommended that you check product label for common paraben. Some of the common paraben to look out for include:
• Methyl
• Propyl
• Phthalates
• Butyl
• Ethyl
• Isobutyl
• Isopropyl
Consider brands that use “Paraben-free” or “free from chemicals” labels. They are gentle, effective and free from harmful irritants, to be safely used on baby bodies.
