These scarily toxic common ingredients in BABY wipes will make you think twice about using them
The chemicals have been linked to skin allergies and irritation in young children and adults
WHEN it comes to your children, there's nothing more important than keeping them happy and healthy.
But scarily, you may be exposing them to nasty chemicals from a young age, simply by using baby wipes.
Several of the ingredients used to control wetness, prevent bacteria and make bottoms smell more pleasant can actually have an impact on the health of our little ones.
While many products are deemed to contain safe levels of the chemicals, long-term exposure to very small amounts of them and potential contamination by other toxins could be damaging.
Next time you're buying baby wipes, you'd be wise to look out for some of these potential baddies on the ingredients lists.
Phenoxyethanol
This chemical is a preservative used in various cosmetics and personal care products.
While it’s safe to use on the skin at levels up to one per cent, phenoxyethanol should never be ingested.
In May 2008 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a in relation to a nipple cream product as nursing infants were being exposed to the chemical as food.
The EU has also banned its use in products for use around the mouth and on lips.
While parents can make sure the wipes never come into contact with their baby’s mouth, it’s difficult to stop a little one licking and sucking their skin where residue may remain.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Used as a deodorant agent and to condition the skin, have found ethylhexylglycerin to be a skin irritant, even at low concentrations.
While it started out as a vegetable oil, it’s gone through several chemical processes to become what it is, making the label ‘natural preservative’ null and void.
Babies with sensitive skin who come into contact with it may experience a form of dermatitis and eye irritation.
Benzyl Alcohol
This product is a natural ingredient, with many plants, teas and essential oils containing it as a component.
But in most personal care products you’re unlikely to find the natural version, with many manufacturers saving pennies by making the synthetic version, mixing benzyl chloride with sodium hydroxide.
Problem is, benzyl chloride is very irritating to the skin and can be particularly dangerous to very young children.
A 1998 study found benzyl alcohol “can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin”.
The Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) on benzyl alcohol also notes that it is a skin irritant, with prolonged exposure causing contact dermatisis, redness and pain, as well as an eye irritant.
It also warns it may be toxic to the liver and central nervous system.
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Parabens
The paraben family of preservatives has been linked to allergic reactions, rashes, an increased risk of cancer and hormonal problems, including infertility.
Look out for varieties of the chemical such as methlyparaben, propylparaben, butlylparaben and ethylparaben.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) claims: “Parabens mimic oestrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.”
Thankfully they’re currently being phased out of baby products sold in the EU.
Polysorbate 20
While Polysorbate 20 is generally fine in its original form, in personal care products like baby wipes it’s often treated with ethylene oxide.
The problem with any ingredient which comes into contact with ethylene oxide is that it can then become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous by-product.
This chemical is a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin and has also been linked with skin allergies.
Such is the concern about this contaminant that a class-action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey, USA against manufacturers of children’s bath and personal-care products because defendants made, distributed, marketed or sold products containing formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.
Using wipes containing polysorbate 20 several times a day means exposure to the chemical adds up.
This is particularly concerning for young children who are more sensitive to skin irritation.
Glycol
This product is often used as a solvent for preservatives and other materials.
Glycols such as Propylene, Butylene, Pentylene, Hexylene, and Caprylyl Glycol are potentially irritating and harmful to the skin.
Tocopheryl acetate
According to , while you're not likely to encounter high doses of tocopheryl acetate when using skin care products, there is a danger of allergic reaction to this this ingredient.
Side effects may include swelling, redness, burning, itching, and stinging when the product is applied.
Sodium Benzoate
While this preservative isn’t believed to cause eczema, studies have shown it to irritate eczema-prone skin in a small proportion of adults, meaning sensitive infants’ skin may well react more severely.
The only genuinely natural, irritant-free baby wipes on the market are Water Wipes.
Though they are costlier than other products, they are the best choice for babies with eczema and sensitive skin.
It's worth noting that most high street baby wipe brands are independently proven to be safe to use and are approved by the British Skin Foundation.
But for a totally natural, chemical-free wipe, you can't beat a flannel and water.