Personal Care & Hygiene Products
This lesson provides a comprehensive guide to personal care products for children—from diapers to sunscreen—with specific ingredient guidance and safer alternatives.
Why Skin Absorption Matters for Children
Children's skin is fundamentally different from adult skin:
Thinner Epidermal Barrier
Infant skin is 40-60% thinner than adult skin. The stratum corneum (outer protective layer) has fewer cell layers and less developed lipid barriers. This means greater permeability to chemicals.
Higher Surface-to-Volume Ratio
A baby has approximately 3 times more skin surface area per unit of body weight compared to an adult. Same concentration of chemical on skin = higher dose for the child.
Immature Metabolism
Children's livers and kidneys process chemicals less efficiently. Once absorbed, chemicals remain in the body longer.
Diaper Area
Skin under a diaper is often compromised by moisture, friction, and ammonia from urine. This damaged skin barrier increases absorption. Products applied to the diaper area are absorbed more readily.
Ingredients to Avoid
Fragrances and Parfum
Why to avoid: Undisclosed mixture; often contains phthalates and synthetic musks with endocrine-disrupting properties.
On labels: "Fragrance," "parfum," "perfume"
Instead look for: "Fragrance-free" (not "unscented," which may contain fragrance to mask odor)
Parabens
Why to avoid: Preservatives with estrogenic activity; detected in breast tumors (though causation not proven).
On labels: Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben
Instead look for: Products preserved with phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, or vitamin E (though phenoxyethanol has its own concerns at high concentrations)
Phthalates
Why to avoid: Associated with lower IQ, reproductive effects, asthma.
On labels: Usually hidden in "fragrance"; sometimes listed as DBP, DEHP, DEP
Instead look for: "Phthalate-free" claims; fragrance-free products
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)
Why to avoid: Harsh surfactants that strip natural oils; may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (carcinogen).
On labels: Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate
Instead look for: Sodium cocoyl isethionate, decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside (gentler surfactants)
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
Why to avoid: Chemical UV filters with endocrine-disrupting properties; absorbed systemically.
On labels: Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate)
Instead look for: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide (mineral filters that sit on skin)
Talc
Why to avoid: Potential contamination with asbestos; respiratory hazard when inhaled.
On labels: Talc, talcum powder
Instead look for: Cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or skip powder entirely
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasers
Why to avoid: Known carcinogen; causes skin sensitization.
On labels: Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, bronopol
Instead look for: Phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate
Safer Products by Category
Diapers
Concerns with conventional diapers: Fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleaching (dioxin residue), SAP gel (sodium polyacrylate).
Better options:
- Fragrance-free disposables (Pampers Pure, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Andy Pandy)
- Chlorine-free disposables (Honest Company, Bamboo Nature)
- Cloth diapers (eliminates chemical concerns; washing method matters)
Diaper Cream
Avoid: Fragrances, parabens, BHA/BHT, petroleum-based products
Better options:
- Zinc oxide-based: Badger Baby Balm, Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
- Simple barrier: Coconut oil, shea butter
Baby Wash and Shampoo
Avoid: SLS/SLES, fragrance, parabens, 1,4-dioxane (not listed—look for ethoxylated ingredients ending in "-eth")
Better options:
- Castile soap (Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented)
- Purpose-made: California Baby Super Sensitive, Pipette Baby Wash
Baby Lotion
Avoid: Fragrance, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, dimethicone
Better options:
- Simple oils: Coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil
- Products: Tubby Todd All Over Ointment, Burt's Bees Baby Fragrance Free
Sunscreen
Avoid: Oxybenzone, octinoxate, retinyl palmitate, spray sunscreens (inhalation risk)
Better options:
- Zinc oxide-based: Badger, ThinkBaby, Babo Botanicals
- Look for at least 20% zinc oxide for adequate protection
- Apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours
Toothpaste (Infant/Toddler)
Avoid: Fluoride (for children under 2 or who cannot spit), SLS, artificial sweeteners, artificial dyes
Better options:
- Training toothpaste: Radius Organic Coconut Banana, Hello Oral Care Training
- For older children who spit: Low-fluoride options or fluoride-free
Wipes
Avoid: Fragrance, phenoxyethanol at high concentrations, methylisothiazolinone (MI)
Better options:
- Water Wipes (99.9% water)
- Honest Company Wipes (fragrance-free version)
- Best option: Wet washcloth
DIY Options
For parents who want maximum control:
Simple Body Wash
Mix 1 cup liquid castile soap with 1/4 cup honey and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Store in a pump bottle.
Basic Baby Lotion
Mix 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted) with 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil. Can add vitamin E. Store in a jar.
Diaper Balm
Mix equal parts coconut oil and shea butter. Add 2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder per cup of mixture. Apply as barrier.
Baby Powder Alternative
Mix equal parts arrowroot powder and cornstarch. Can add dried chamomile or lavender (optional).
The Simplification Approach
The safest approach is often the simplest:
- Bath time: Water is usually sufficient; use gentle soap only when needed
- Moisturizer: A single pure oil (coconut, sunflower) works well
- Diaper area: Keep dry; use zinc oxide paste for irritation
- Sunscreen: Cover up and seek shade first; sunscreen for remaining exposed areas
Fewer products means fewer opportunities for harmful exposures.
References
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Harley KG, et al. Reducing phthalate, paraben, and phenol exposure from personal care products in adolescent girls. Environ Health Perspect. 2016;124(10):1600-1607. PMID: 26947464
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Matta MK, et al. Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients. JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091. PMID: 31058986
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Stamatas GN, et al. Infant skin physiology and development during the first years of life: a review of recent findings. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011;33(1):17-24. PMID: 20807257
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Environmental Working Group. EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. ewg.org/skindeep