Organic Baby Blog – News & Tips on Organic Parenting

Study On Baby Skin Care Products Raises Concern

April 12th, 2008 by

Baby skin care products, lotions, and shampoos may be exposing infants to chemicals links with reproducing problems, according to a recent study by Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, from the University of Washington.

These chemicals, phthalates, are commonly used in all sorts of cosmetics. Even though many countries (including California) have restricted their use. The chemical is intended to help with fragrances and or make plastics flexible. In the study, babies where were exposed to traditional lotions and baby pwoders were found to have high levels of the chemical in their urine.

Studies with animals suggest the phthalates can cause birth defects and some environmentalists believe they can cause reproductive problems in girls and boys in early puberty.

However, there has not been enough studies on humans for any solid evidence. The study by Dr. Sheela does not show direct proof that infants who have elevated levels of phthalates are caused any harm.

But when are chemicals ever good for us? I believe there is a huge need for for the beauty industry (and the organic products industry) to get its act together and start studying the long term effects of the ingredients used in their products before selling it.

Dr. Sheela stated “The bottom line is that these chemicals likely do exist in products that we’re commonly using on our children and they potentially could cause health effects.”

But are these chemicals used in natural and organic baby products? I plan on contacting several produces of organic baby skin care manufactuerers to find out if these chemicals are used in their manufacturing process.  To be updated again soon.

Tags: baby, skin care