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.
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.
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.
Parabens
The paraben family of preservatives has been linked to allergic reactions, rashes, an increased risk of cancer and hormonal problems, including infertility.
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.