By: Lauren Zajac, MD, MPH, FAAP
Every day, we all use many personal care products such as soaps, lotion, hair products and toothpaste. Some of these products contain chemicals such as
phthalates. These are often added to bind a fragrance or color to the product, for example. However, they may also have unintended health effects, such as interfering with the
hormone system.
Safer options are becoming more available to families. There is more work to be done to make sure all children's products on store shelves are safe. In the meantime, here are some tips for choosing personal care products for your family.
Hand soap and body wash
Avoid "antibacterial soaps" such as those with benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol. Plain soap and water works well to
prevent the spread of germs.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer to kill germs. Be sure to read the directions and store them out of your child's reach.
Choose fragrance-free body washes or bar soaps with a few simple ingredients.
Lotion and body care
Choose fragrance-free lotions, since phthalates are often a component of "fragrance" or "parfum" in these products. If your child has eczema or sensitive skin, here are some additional
tips for skin care and moisturizing. (Also see "Eczema & Sports: Preventing Flare-Ups.")
Products labeled as "antiperspirant" typically contain aluminum and work by blocking sweat glands. Deodorants do not prevent sweating like antiperspirants do, but can help mask odor and soak up moisture. If you want to avoid aluminum, consider a deodorant with ingredients such as baking soda or cornstarch.
Hair care
Avoid chemical-based
straightening treatments that release chemicals like
formaldehyde or sodium hydroxide (lye). They can cause skin irritation and irritate the lungs.
Keep hairspray out of the reach of children, and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Choose shampoos and conditioners that do not contain phthalates or parabens (check the label to be sure).
Diaper products
Use fragrance-free baby wipes or plain water.
To
prevent diaper rash, change diapers frequently, clean skin gently, and use a fragrance-free diaper cream (such as zinc oxide-based products).
Avoid using baby powder. Talc-based baby powder can contain asbestos fibers. Since, talcum powder is not required to have a label showing whether it contains asbestos-like fibers, parents should not use talc-containing products for their infant or child.
Breathing in large amounts of talc (for example, if the powder spilled near baby's face) can lead to a severe lung disease. In addition, asbestos can cause cancer after many years of exposure. Asbestos is not a concern in talc-free powders such as baby powder made with cornstarch. However, there is still a risk of respiratory tract irritation if cornstarch baby powder is inhaled.
Baby powder recall for asbestos concerns
Baby powders with talc (talcum powder) have been recalled recently because the talc in the powder may contain small amounts of
asbestos. Learn more about the recall
here.
Cosmetics
- Be cautious with certain imported cosmetics, which can contain
lead or other
heavy metals. Some examples of potentially hazardous imported
cosmetics are kohl, kajal, surma and sindoor.
- Young children who put their hands in their mouth should not use nail polish. Water-based nail polishes may be a safer option. Nail polish can contain chemicals such as formaldehyde and phthalates.
Oral care products
Use fluoridated
toothpaste without antibacterial ingredients. Toothpaste should be used in small quantities, followed by rinsing and spitting. Adults should supervise children while brushing until they are at least age 6.
Avoid use of topical benzocaine to relieve teething pain in babies.
Safer alternatives include a cold washcloth or massaging the gums with a clean finger.
Store mouthwash out of the reach of children, as some ingredients can be toxic to children if they ingest it. Children should not use mouthwash until age
6 years, when they are able to swish and spit.
Start oral health early to prevent cavities and tooth decay!
Sunscreen
Always use "broad-spectrum"
sunscreen with at least SPF 15 (up to SPF 50) while outdoors during the warm months.
When possible, choose mineral-based products such as zinc oxide sunscreen instead of chemical-based products like oxybenzone.
Lotions are better than sprays. If using a spray sunscreen, spray the sunscreen on your hand first and then apply to your child. This will lower the chance they will breathe in the sunscreen mist.
You can find more information on
sun safety here including tips on applying sunscreen and sun protective clothing.
Children with
nut or seed allergies
Some lotions, body washes, hair products and
massage oils may contain nut-based oils (almond oil, for example). If your child has a nut or seed allergy, it is best to avoid these products.
Be cautious when reading labels, since some nut-based oils do not appear with their common name. For example, peanut oil may appear as
"arachis oil." Talk to your pediatrician or allergist for more information.
One way to make healthier choices
Being aware of ingredients in personal care products is a helpful way to choose products that will work best for your family and for the
environment. While shopping, consider using one of the apps available to help you identify safer product choices.
Talk with your pediatrician
If you have questions about choosing a safer personal care product, talk with your pediatrician. Your regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) have staff who can also talk with parents about concerns over environmental toxins.
More information
About Dr. Zajac
Lauren Zajac, MD, MPH, FAAP, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Environmental Medicine & Public Health and Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Zajac is also a pediatrician with the
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, and the clinical director for
New York State Children's Environmental Health Centers. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Zajac is Chair of the national Council on Environmental Health and Climate Change.
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