Why Paraben-free and Sulfate-free Shampoos Are Better For Your Baby

When it comes to your child, parents will always be keen to choose from the finest products you can offer them to help ensure their wellbeing. This includes choosing the safest baby care products to use on your baby’s skin and hair. Knowing more about the ingredients used in baby care products can help you make an informed decision in choosing the right products for your baby.

Baby care products usually contain non-ionic active ingredients mostly because they are milder than ionic ingredients and are therefore delicate on the skin and eyes and do not cause irritation.¹

Products such as baby shampoo are subject to heavy safety testing to ensure that they are safe to use and free of allergy-causing components and harsh chemicals that would lead to any discomfort for your baby. However, some of the ingredients used in baby products may cause undesirable side effects as a result of long-term exposure to them, such as parabens and phosphates. We will shed light on some important points regarding these two ingredients to give you an idea of why it is best to use Paraben-free and Sulfate-free Shampoo for your baby. 

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are a family of chemicals that are used in many shelf-products to preserve them from microbes (bacteria, fungi...) and extend their shelf life. It is a derivative of para hydroxybenzoic acid, which is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables.²

Why should you choose Paraben-free shampoo for your child?

There are some serious health concerns associated with long exposure to products that contain parabens like shampoos, creams and so on; these concerns include: 

1. Irritation:

Parabens can cause allergic reactions in some people, which include symptoms of redness, itchiness, and others.

2. Endocrine disruption:

​​Parabens can mimic Estrogen, the reproductive hormone in females, and therefore are considered an endocrine disruptor.³

3. Cancer:

Daily application, in particular, is likely to increase the concentration of parabens in the body and, in conjunction with other chemicals, may contribute to the development of some forms of cancer such as malignant melanoma and breast cancer in women, as well as reducing sperm production in men³.

What is Sulfate?

Sulfates are a type of chemical called surfactants and are commonly used in personal care and cleaning products because they are disinfecting agents that combine easily with water.

What products include Sulfate? 

• Shampoo

• Bath bombs

• Dish detergent

• Liquid soap

• Laundry detergent

• Toothpaste

Why is it better to use a Sulfate-free shampoo for your baby?

1. Sulfate is an irritating substance to the skin, especially when applied in certain concentrations for a long period of time. Sulfate causes skin irritation for some people and its intensity varies from one person to another. The intensity of irritation caused by sulfate is related to how sensitive the skin is, how concentrated the sulfate is in the product and the duration of its application.

2. Sulfate-free shampoo preserves the scalp's natural oils and leaves the hair moist and soft. Sulfate may easily irritate your baby's soft and sensitive skin. Besides, using products that contain sulfate, such as shampoo, near the eyes increase the likelihood of the body absorbing this substance.

3. Choose the right shampoo for your baby that is both paraben and sulfate-free to keep your baby safe, healthy and happy; choose Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.

References:

•  https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/safety-basics/

•  https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/parabens

•  https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/parabens/