SLES is a foaming agent that is used to achieve the rich lather experience in haircare products. It is an irritant however that can damage eyes, cause skin ir- ritation and shortness of breath. Natural products rely on gentler surfactants, often derived from coconuts, that have a larger molecule size than SLS/SLES and therefore do not cause skin irritation. Essential Care (2) are an award-winning organic range that includes a Baby Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash which is ever so slightly Lavender-scented and leaves babies skin and hair feeling super soft.
Soaps
Regular soap can host a whole array of undesir- able chemicals, including aforementioned mineral oils, phthalates and SLS/SLES, along with Parabens (which have been linked to skin irritation, disrup- tion of endocrine function and cancer) and a group of -ethanolamines – TEA, DEA and MEA – which according to the Environmental Working Group are some of the most toxic ingredients to be found in soaps and are irritants to the lungs and eyes, caus- ing severe inflammation. Melvita (3) has a Gentle Cleansing Milk for use on skin with is a mild alterna- tive to traditional mainstream soaps.
Dummies, Soothers and Toys In recent years there has been concern over the inclusion of Phthalates, BPA and PVC in soothers for babies. BPA has been linked to dangerous develop- mental, neural and reproductive health effects in in- fants and children and PVC contains Phthalates. The brand Hevea (4) offer a range of soothers, teethers and toys made from 100% natural rubber which are not only healthy for baby but the planet too as they are sustainably produced.
Oral Care
An array of harmful ingredients can be found in mainstream toothpastes including Fluoride, Triclosan, SLS, Propylene Glycol and DEA which between them are toxic, carcinogenic, and hormone disruptors. The traditional mint flavour of toothpaste is not always desired by infants and this can make teeth brushing time an ordeal. J ¯ASÖN Natural Care (5) offer an organic strawberry & banana flavour Earth’s Best Baby Toddler Toothpaste and a Kids Only Orange Toothpaste which contain no nasties and delicious flavours that encourage good dental hygiene habits from a young age.
Teen Skin Teenage skin can be tricky; acne and oil imbalance from fluctuating hormones and diet being common problems. Many mainstream cleansers that are ad- vertised to tackle these issues contain alcohol which strips the skin of its essential oil, leaving dry and irri- tated patches behind. JooMo (6) offer two cleansers - both 100% natural- one for boys and one for girls, especially designed for teen and hormonal skin.
Reference –
www.ewg.org
Rebecca Goodyear is a natural beauty, health and wellbeing expert and writes a blog dedicated to these topics at
www.biteablebeauty.com. She is a PR and Marketeer working with top brands in the natural products industry who lives, eats, sleeps and breathes her passion.
(3) Melvita
www.melvita.com
(2) Essential Care
www.essential-care.co.uk
(4) Hevea
www.heveababy.com
(5) J ¯ASÖN Natural Care
www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk
(6) JooMo
www.joomo.coop
WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDES.CO.UK 59
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