This post contains affiliated links. Please read my disclosure page.
How are ingredients different between these two baby shampoo and body wash?
Baby’s skin is more vulnerable and susceptible to damage or irritation compared to adult’s skin. Therefore, I feel whatever I put directly onto baby’s skin should be carefully selected. Although shampoo and body wash can be washed away, the chemicals can affect baby’s skin when they are in direct contact with the skin. Also, there may be chemical residues left on baby’s skin after bath. Thus, I want to avoid any toxic ingredients that can touch my baby’s skin.
Baby shampoo can be soap-based or soap-free. For the soap-free shampoo, synthetic surfactants are used. Soap-free shampoo is supposedly tear-free. However, tear-free shampoo often contains a formaldehyde-releasing chemical called 1,4-dioxane. On the other hand, soap-based shampoo will irritate the eyes and will not be tear-free. However, it won’t contain toxic chemicals such as 1,4-dioxane so it is a better choice. Tear-free is not a good thing! None of the organic baby shampoos I recommended in my previous post, ‘Best Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash Guide‘ is tear-free.
So what toxic ingredients are in baby shampoo & body wash? Baby shampoo & body wash use sulfactants to foam and cleanse, preservatives to have a long shelf life and fragrances to make it smell nice. These sulfactants, preservatives and fragrances are often toxic chemicals. So what are these toxic chemicals to avoid? Let’s take a look.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 3, Contamination concerns on ethylene oxide – rated at 10 and 1,4-dioxane rated at 8)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a sulfactant, foaming agent which makes products like toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel or dishsoap foam and cleanse. It can be listed as sodium salt sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt, monododecyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate, aquarex me or aquarex methyl. It comes from coconuts, however, the chemical is anything but natural. During manufacturing process, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Ethylene oxide and is a known human carcinogen and 1,4 dioxane is a possible human carcinogen. Also when sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is mixed with triethanolamine (or T.E.A) during processing, NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine) is formed. NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine) is nitrosamine, a known carcinogen. There are about 16000 studies talking about toxicity of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can cause organ toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, irritation of the skin and eyes, possible mutations and cancer. (Read Deadly and Dangerous Shampoos, Toothpastes, and Detergents.)
Parabens (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 1 – 7 DEPENDING ON WHICH PARABEN )
Parabens are used as preservatives in many cosmetic products to stop the growth of fungus and bacteria. They can be absorbed through skin. They mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone function. They have been detected in breast cancer tissues so there is a concern that they may be linked to breast cancer. They can be listed as ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, and isobutylparaben. (read Parabens.)
FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING CHEMICALS
Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical, known to cause cancer, damage central nervous system or reproductive health. It can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by the skin or by ingestion. (read Medical Management Guidelines For Folmaldehyde.) It can be used as a preservative in some foods and in products, such as medicines or and cosmetics. Sometimes, a product will not contain formaldehyde as an ingredient but will contain formaldehyde releasing chemicals. Often cosmetics, soaps, baby wipes, lotions, shampoos, cleaning products and sunscreens will contain formaldehyde releasing chemicals as preservatives. Therefore, unless you know what these chemicals are, you won’t know these products release formaldehyde. (read What Is Formaldehyde?)
Formaldehyde releasing preservatives
- Benzylhemiformal
- Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Glyoxal
- 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (or DMDM hydantoin)
- Methenamine
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
- Quaternium-15
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Polyoxymethylene Urea
QUATERNIUM-15 (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 8)
Quaternium-15 is used as a preservative. It is a formaldehyde releasing chemical. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and also a known human skin sensitizer toxicant or allergen. In addition, there are high concerns of Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs).
DMDM HYDANTOIN (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 7)
DMDM hydantoin is an antimicrobial agent. It is a formaldehyde releasing chemical. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and also known human immune toxicant and allergen. In addition, there is high concerns of Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs).
FRAGRANCE (PERFUME OR PARFUM) (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 8)
Fragrance mixes often contain many synthetic chemicals including phthalates. Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors interfere with our endocrine system and can cause lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis, and some cancers. However, fragrance can be listed as just ‘fragrance’ and phthalates don’t have to be listed on the baby lotion as an ingredient. Manufacturers do not have to disclose fragrance or perfume (or parfum) ingredients since ingredients can be considered as a trade secret. Therefore, as a consumer, you don’t know what synthetic chemicals have been added to fragrance mixes. Phthalate is just one ingredient that is commonly used for fragrance. The phthalate commonly used in fragrance products is diethyl phthalate.
One thing you should know about scents is that ‘Fragrance-free’ doesn’t mean the product doesn’t have a smell. It just means fragrance wasn’t used in the product but it may have been scented with other additives such as essential oils or fruit/flower distillate waters. ‘Fragrance-free’ won’t have tons of chemicals including phthalates so it is a good thing. However, if you are allergic to fragrance, it is possible that you can get allergy reactions to essential oils as well. Therefore, if you have an allergy, keep in mind that there may be other scent added to the product when you see ‘fragrance-free’. On the other hand, ‘unscented’ doesn’t mean toxic chemicals are not used and it is safe. Usually unscented products use fragrance agents to mask other smells. Typically, these masking fragrance agents are made of phthalates. Therefore, if you are choosing between the two, ‘fragrance-free’ will be the one that you want.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG) (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 3 -Contamination concerns on ethylene oxide – rated at 10 and 1,4-dioxane rated at 8)
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) are used as thickeners, softeners, moisture-carriers and penetration enhancers in many personal care products including shampoo. They are petroleum-based. During manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and and 1,4-dioxane is a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide is also classified as a developmental toxicant. 1,4-dioxane can be removed from the product during manufacturing process. However, manufacturers may not go through that process and consumers can not know whether removing has been done or not. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) are especially toxic to people who have damaged skin. As an ingredient, it is listed as PEG, usually followed by a number. (read The Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and their contaminants or Dangers of PEG Compounds in Cosmetics.)
1,4-DIOXANE (EWG’S SKIN DEEP SCORE: 8)
1,4-dioxane is not an ingredient. It is formed when ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other chemicals. Ethylene oxide is added to other chemicals to make the chemical less harsh on the skin. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), PEG compounds (PEGs), chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth, oleth, laureth, myreth can be contaminated by 1,4 dioxane. Therefore, when you see Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), PEG compounds (PEGs), chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth, oleth, laureth, myreth in baby shampoo & body wash’s ingredient list, there is a high chance that the chemical is contaminated by 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane is a possible human carcinogen and known human respiratory toxicant. There is also high concerns of organ system toxicity.
Examples of Baby Shampoo & Body Wash Ingredients
EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY BODY WASH AND SHAMPOO
Organic Baby Shampoo And Wash -Earth Mama Angel Baby Body Wash And Shampoo
Earth Mama Angel Baby Body Wash And Shampoo is made from natural or organic ingredients and has no synthetic fragrance, antibacterial chemicals, phthalates, parabens or harsh sulfates. It’s vegan and also gluten-free. This shampoo has natural smell from organic vanilla and sweet orange essential oil.
Ingredients: Organic Potassium cocoate, Organic Potassium olivate, Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe) leaf juice, Vanilla planifolia (organic vanilla) fruit extract, Citrus sinensis (organic sweet orange), Kosher Vegetable glycerin, Potassium citrate, Butyrospermun parkii (organic shea) butter, Calendula officinalis (organic calendula) flower extract
Toxic Ingredients In This Shampoo and Body Wash: None. All of this lotion’s ingredients are rated ‘1’ by EWG’s Skin Deep.
Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo is a soap-free shampoo that uses tear-free formula. It has several toxic ingredients.
Ingredients: Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, *Citric Acid, Acrylates, C10 30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, *Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Toxic Ingredients In This Shampoo and Body Wash:
- Fragrance (EWG’s Skin Deep Score: 8)
Fragrance mixes often contain many synthetic chemicals including phthalates. Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors interfere with our endocrine system and can cause lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis, and some cancers. However, fragrance can be listed as just ‘fragrance’ and phthalates don’t have to be listed on the baby lotion as an ingredient. Manufacturers do not have to disclose fragrance or perfume (or parfum) ingredients since ingredients can be considered as a trade secret. Therefore, as a consumer, you don’t know what synthetic chemicals have been added to fragrance mixes. Phthalate is just one ingredient that is commonly used for fragrance. Fragrance can have hundreds of different chemicals mixed in.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine (EWG’s Skin Deep Score: 4, High contamination concern of Nitrosamines which has EWG score of 6)
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant. It is found in many baby ‘tear-free’ shampoos and soaps. It is made by mixing coconut oil with dimethylaminopropylamine. Dimethylaminopropylamine causes allergy, irritates the mucous membranes or causes skin irritation. There is also high contamination concerns of Nitrosamines. Nitrosamines has EWG score of 6. Nitrosamines are possible human carcinogen and there is a strong evidence of cancer.)
- Sodium Hydroxide (EWG’s Skin Deep Score: 3 or 4, depending on usage)
Sodium Hydroxide can cause severe burns in all tissues that it comes in contact with. It can also hydrolyze protein in eyes when in contact with them which can lead to severe eye damage. Children are more vulnerable to this chemical. (Toxic Substance Portal – Sodium Hydroxide)
If you are looking for an organic baby shampoo and body wash, please read my next post, ‘Best Organic Baby Shampoo And Body Wash Guide.‘
The internet can certainly be bombarded with useless content however that’s certainly not the situation here. That is one of the decent ones. It’s actually given me a few ideas for my new blog
Thank you! 😀
This was a very very veryyyyy informative piece! It just baffles me how industries can use such harmful things in their products especially with baby’s!! I feel so disappointed that I didn’t know all of this information with my first born but knowledge is power and I’m certainly going to start using better products with her and my kid to come! You should really be a spokesperson in my country to talk about these things to just bring awareness of the dangers we put ourselves and our kids in!!
Thank you, Kenneth! I am glad to hear that this post was informative! 🙂
how about isca guard peg
Hi Sindhu,
Iscaguard Peg is a synergistic blend of Phenoxyethanol and Triethylene glycol. It is a paraben-free preservative. High doses of phenoxyethanol can cause skin and lung irritation. It can also damage kidneys, nervous system, and liver, and repeated, long-term exposure can cause organ damage according to an article in Wellness Today. Low percentage of phenoxyethanol used in cosmetic products should be safe. However, phenoxyethanol is toxic when applied to the lips or around the mouth. Therefore, FDA placed a warning on a nipple cream that contained phenoxyethanol. Triethylene glycol is considered non-hazardous. However, it shouldn’t be used on damaged skin. Hope this helps!
Hello there.
Excellent article & very informative! I wanted to ask you since I’m shopping for a baby shampoo myself, what is your take on Aloe Vera Leaf Extract in baby products? EWG and International Agency for Research on Cancer has recently listed it as a possible carcinogenic.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6349368/#:~:text=Recently%2C%20Aloe%20vera%20whole%20leaf%20extract%20has%20been%20classified%20by,biloba%20extract%20and%20kava%20extract.
Thank you!
Hi Mikaela,
Thank you!
The study found that non-decolorized, whole-leaf aloe extract could cause cancer when it was ingested by rats. Non-decolorized, whole-leaf aloe vera extract come from whole aloe leaves. The outer part of the aloe vera leaf (in the cells that line the inside surface of the peel of the aloe leaf, not the gel inside the leaf) contains aloin which can cause a cancer. During decolorization process, aloin is removed. Most skin products use aloe gel and do not contain aloin. The study mentions that the polysaccharide material derived from the inner gel is noncytotoxic (not toxic to cells) as evaluated by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Using a product containing aloe vera gel on the skin should be safe. Aloe vera whole leaf extract or aloe latex when taken orally, on the other hand, could cause a concern and they are likely unsafe in high doses.
Aloe gel can soothe and hydrate skin. However, some people can be allergic to aloe gel and excessive use can cause some issues. Hope this helps!
That was really a great info.Great work mam i have a small doubt could you please compare these three products ingredients and can you explain me like above explaination . These are the products iam using for my baby. I was a bit worried .
TEDIBAR baby soap:
Ingredients
Syndet base CU 0033
Maltodextrin
Sodium cocosulphate
Cetearyl Alcohol / Ceto Stearyl alcohol
Disodium Lauryl sulfosuccinate
Potassium lauryl sulphate
Aqua/Water/Purified water/Eau
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Polyquaternium
Fragrance/Perfume/Parfum
Glycerin
Sodium Chloride
Potassium chloride
Phosphoric acid
Octyldodecanol
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Disodium Etidronate
CI 26100
Hi Vamshi,
Just by reading quickly through the ingredients of Tedibar baby soap, most of the ingredients seems to be okay although I have to look at them further to be sure. However, it contains fragrance/ perfume/parfum. I would not use any products that contain fragrance because fragrance is rated hazardous. Also, Cl 26100 is D&C Red 17 which is a synthetic color additive. Some D&C color additives are banned or have restrictions when they are used in products. Although D&C Red 17 is permitted to use in drugs and cosmetics with some restrictions, it may be best to avoid D&C color additives in general especially for products for baby and young children. Hope this helps!
SEBAMED BABY SOAP
Triticum vulgare starch, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, stearic acid, palmitic acid, cetearyl alcohol, aqua, talc, lactic acid, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, panthenol, insulin, lecithin, glycerine, magnesium aspartate, alanine, lysine, leucine, tartaric acid, parfum, ci 77891.
Hi Vamshi,
This soap has some ingredients that I don’t like such as talc and parfum which are rated hazardous by EWG.
Here s a link to Sebamed bar soap at EWG. I am not sure if it is the same soap. However, you can see some of the same ingredients there and see each chemical ratings. Hope this helps!
Thank you for your Quick reply . Really loved the way your are explaing things to us. Keep it up . Please kindly tell me the ingredients of other soaps Dermadew and tedibar soap. Please Please mam iam awaiting for your reply. Thank you
What are the ingredients for Dermadew soap?
Key Ingredients : Palm & Coconut Oil Soap Noodles,Olive Extract,Aloe Vera Extract, Shea Butter, Kokum Butter, Glycerine, Wheat Protien, Milk Protien , Almond Protien, Almond oil & Turmeric oil.
Other Ingredients : Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Aqua, Perfume, Olive Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Shea Butter, Kokum Butter, Glycerine, Wheat Protein, Milk Protein, Almond Protein, Almond Oil, Turmeric Oil, Sodium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Etidronate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene.
Hi Vamshi,
Most ingredients seem to be okay. However, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) can cause cancer in animals and it is a possible human carcinogen. It may also be an endocrine disruptor. Perfume (fragrance) is made of tons of different chemicals which can contain hormone disruptors, allergens, neurotoxins, asthma triggers & carcinogens. Its ingredients are considered proprietary information so the all of its ingredients do not have to be disclosed and ingredients can be listed under ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’. Hope this helps!
One more doubt please be patience with my doubts actually when i go through EWG website i came to know some of the ingredients score was 2,3,4 like that but u had explained us that in aveeno shampoo
Sodium Benzoate + Citric Acid (Sodium Benzoate – EWG score: 3 + Citric Acid – EWG score: 2 = Benzene – EWG score 10)
But as an ordinary person i will jus look for seperate ingredients and feel that sodium benzonate EWG score was 3 so its ok for baby. But how to know the way u explained us that SB + Citric acid is a hazardous chemical.
Hi Vamshi,
The presence of sodium benzoate and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can create benzene which is a carcinogen. Looking into further about this, it seems that specifically sodium benzoate with ascorbic acid may be a concern, not with citric acid. Also, benzene would form under certain conditions depending on pH of the products, amount, light and heat exposure. Therefore, benzene may or may not be present depending on a product.
I mentioned it in my post as a precaution. However, I feel that sodium benzoate and citric acid combination may not be a concern. Sorry for the confusion and hope this helps!
Fragrance is added to disposable diapers (you know that strong baby powder-ish smell when you open a new package?), baby powder, baby wash and shampoo, lotions, and many other baby products. Check the labels carefully before you buy.