What’s really in baby wash & shampoo?
There are many conventional baby washes that tout themselves on being “all-natural,” tear-free solutions, the ingredients list all kinds of substances I cannot even pronounce. Check out this list of some controversial ingredients you can find in the leading brands:- PEG-80, which is potentially toxic to organs
- Sulfates, which can irritate skin, is potentially toxic to organs and could even lead to endocrine disruption or cancer
- tetrasodium EDTA, may cause some eye toxicity
- quaternium-15, may irritate skin allergies
- orange 4, may potentially be toxic to humans
I'm guilty of buying tear free shampoo's when my children were little. I had no idea that there could be toxic ingredients contained in those products. I guess you can say I was a bit naïve of the products that were on the market in the 90's. As a young mom why would I think that these products could be harmful for my baby? after all why would companies be allowed to sell products that contained toxic ingredients? I assumed everything being sold on store shelves were 100% safe-WRONG!
Now, My children are young adults and I'm so happy that they are conscientious of the products they use. I'm happy that I started on this adventure of soap making and creating my own natural, healthy skincare products and continuing to research good healthy Ingredients and learn what the unhealthy ingredients are.
So what is it that makes baby soap tear free? If tear-free doesn't contain numbing agents (as urban legend suggest) then why doesn't it sting those sensitive eyes?
Adult and baby shampoos contain Surfactant(short for "surface active agents"). Its really all about the few in chemical formula. Baby shampoos use detergents with long chain surfactants, such as sodium trideceth sulfate or nonionic polymers that are less harsh than normal detergents, and they use only small amounts of these cleansers in their shampoos.
Ditch the sketchy Chemicals!
So, why not think about making your own baby wash or shampoo? or find a local soap maker who makes chemical-free baby soap. I'm going add some simple baby soap DIY that I have found on pinterest.
Moisturizing Baby Wash1/2 Cup Castile Soap (I like Dr Bronner's Baby Mild)
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, or Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Vitamin E Oil or Aloe Vera Gel (or just more of the oil used above)
Optional: 8-10 Drops Essential Oil (I like Lavender)
Mix all ingredients in a large glass measuring cup, and pour into a bottle. Give it a shake before each use to make sure ingredients are well mixed, and apply straight to skin or on a wash cloth.
Simple Baby Shampoo
1 Part Dr Bronner's Baby Mild Castile Soap
1 Part Water
Optional: Essential Oil to add scent
Mix ingredients, store in a bottle (I use a squirt bottle), shake before using, massage into scalp, try to avoid eyes (not completely tear proof), and rinse well. Keep in mind that your child's hair does not need to be shampooed every day.
Conditioner or Clarifying Rinse, if needed
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Cup Filtered Water
Mix ingredients, store in an old shampoo bottle, give it a shake before using, pour over hair, let sit for a minute, and then rinse again with water. Vinegar smell will fade as hair dries. Keep out of eyes; NOT tear proof. I use this rinse every few weeks, as I find that castile soap can sometimes leave a bit of a build up after a while. If your child has longer hair, you may want to use it every time you wash his or her hair, as it makes for a fantastic detangler.
Baby Lotion
Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jobaba or Olive Oil
Really, you can use any kind of natural oil that has been cleared for skin use. I prefer Coconut Oil because of its antibacterial properties and it's great smell. Remember, a little goes a long way--use too much and your baby is going to be slick for a little bit!
So what is it that makes baby soap tear free? If tear-free doesn't contain numbing agents (as urban legend suggest) then why doesn't it sting those sensitive eyes?
Adult and baby shampoos contain Surfactant(short for "surface active agents"). Its really all about the few in chemical formula. Baby shampoos use detergents with long chain surfactants, such as sodium trideceth sulfate or nonionic polymers that are less harsh than normal detergents, and they use only small amounts of these cleansers in their shampoos.
Ditch the sketchy Chemicals!
So, why not think about making your own baby wash or shampoo? or find a local soap maker who makes chemical-free baby soap. I'm going add some simple baby soap DIY that I have found on pinterest.
Moisturizing Baby Wash1/2 Cup Castile Soap (I like Dr Bronner's Baby Mild)
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, or Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Vitamin E Oil or Aloe Vera Gel (or just more of the oil used above)
Optional: 8-10 Drops Essential Oil (I like Lavender)
Mix all ingredients in a large glass measuring cup, and pour into a bottle. Give it a shake before each use to make sure ingredients are well mixed, and apply straight to skin or on a wash cloth.
Simple Baby Shampoo
1 Part Dr Bronner's Baby Mild Castile Soap
1 Part Water
Optional: Essential Oil to add scent
Mix ingredients, store in a bottle (I use a squirt bottle), shake before using, massage into scalp, try to avoid eyes (not completely tear proof), and rinse well. Keep in mind that your child's hair does not need to be shampooed every day.
Conditioner or Clarifying Rinse, if needed
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Cup Filtered Water
Mix ingredients, store in an old shampoo bottle, give it a shake before using, pour over hair, let sit for a minute, and then rinse again with water. Vinegar smell will fade as hair dries. Keep out of eyes; NOT tear proof. I use this rinse every few weeks, as I find that castile soap can sometimes leave a bit of a build up after a while. If your child has longer hair, you may want to use it every time you wash his or her hair, as it makes for a fantastic detangler.
Baby Lotion
Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jobaba or Olive Oil
Really, you can use any kind of natural oil that has been cleared for skin use. I prefer Coconut Oil because of its antibacterial properties and it's great smell. Remember, a little goes a long way--use too much and your baby is going to be slick for a little bit!
HAVE A STELLAR WEEK!
lesley
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