Parabens: Widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic industry (including baby wipes). An estimated 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products contain parabens. Many studies have implicated their connection with cancer. They are believed to have hormone-disrupting qualities -- mimicking estrogen -- and that may interfere with the body's endocrine system.
(SLS) Sodium laurel/ Lauryl Sulfate: Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)-- Found in car washes, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners... and said to be present in over 90% of personal care products including baby wipes! SLS breaks down the skin's moisture barrier, easily penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to easily penetrate. Combined with other chemicals, SLS becomes a "nitrosamine", a potent class of carcinogen. It can also cause hair loss. SLES is sometimes disguised with the labeling "comes from coconut" or "coconut-derived".
Phthalates: Phthalates are being used less and less but it is still possible to see this in some products, such as baby wipes. Phthalates are often contained in synthetic fragrances and can act as a hormone disruptor, harming the endocrine system, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood, and can cause birth defects.
Lanolin: Many baby products contain lanolin, a fatty substance obtained from sheep wool and used as a base for cosmetics. Experts advise against the use of lanolin unless the company guarantees it is pesticide-free. In surveys done by the Environmental Protection Agency, much of the commercial lanolin used in baby products was found to contain relatively high concentrations of pesticides such as DDT, lindane, and diazinon. According to the National Research Council, these chemicals are readily absorbed through the baby's skin. Each of them can damage the nervous system, and some of them are cancer-causing.
(PEG) Polygethylene Glycols: Polyethylene glycols should not be used on damaged skin due to concerns over kidney toxicity. These chemicals are also prone to ethylene oxide contamination. Ethylene oxide is associated with cancer of the blood and lymph systems. PEGs are generally found in cleaning products and very often, in baby wipes.
Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum: Petroleum products that coat the skin like plastic, clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins, which in turn accumulate and can lead to dermatologic issues. Suspected cause of cancer. It is believed to also disrupt normal hormonal activity. When there's an oil spill in the ocean, don't they rush to clean it up -- fast? Why put it on your skin?
Fragrance: Fragrance means synthetic fragrance and synthetic fragrances can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and headaches. If baby is suffering from eczema, synthetic ingredients can also aggravate the issue.
Bum Boosa™ has voluntarily signed their Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and by doing so we have pledged to not only make our products safe, but to provide transparency to consumers about our products. More than 1,000 other companies have also signed this pact. Website: safecosmetics.org |
