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Switch to natural baby soap

Why This is Green

Washing your kid seems like a simple, safe enough thing to do. Soap has been around for millennia. But not all soaps are created equal. Like most conventional cosmetics, baby soaps can contain a number of synthetic chemicals that have been linked to everything from cancers to hormone disruption to birth defects to skin or eye irritation. Because babies have thin skin, developing systems, and are generally more vulnerable than adults, being careful about what you use on them is crucial.

While soap formulations vary brand to brand, they tend contain multiple controversial petroleum-derived ingredients. They can also contain beef fat (tallow) from factory-farmed animals, dyes, antibacterial agents, and harsh chemical foaming agents. Perfumed soaps often contain synthetic fragrance, which the Environmental Working Group deems a high hazard due to its links to allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system.

Some baby soaps—conventional and natural—contain lavender oil, which may spur breast growth in boys. Others can contain unrefined nut oils—of concern if your child is allergic. Label reading is a must. Natural products are a better bet, though essential oils can be harsh on delicate skin.

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How To

If your current baby soap doesn’t have natural or organic certification, look it up on the on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database or the GoodGuide. If it scores poorly, replace it with one that scores better and contains natural, organic, or biodynamic ingredients.

Not available in your local store? Check natural product stores and online.