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Switch to natural baby shampoo

All Practically Green: 367 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 14 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Switch to natural baby shampoo" green?

Washing your baby’s hair seems like a safe enough thing to do. But not all shampoos are created equal. Like most conventional cosmetics, shampoo 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 shampoos vary brand to brand, they tend to contain multiple controversial petroleum-derived ingredients as well as synthetic fragrance. The Environmental Working Group deems fragrance a high hazard due to its links to allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system. Some baby shampoos—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.

A unique-to-shampoo concern is the chemicals that create lather. Some are natural and biodegradable, others synthetic. They’re usually irritants. Label reading is a must; 1,4-dioxane, the carcinogenic contaminant produced during the manufacture of one of the most common sudsing agents, SLES, won’t be listed as technically it’s not an ingredient. You can try to avoid it by not using products containing ingredients with “eth” in them (i.e. laureth or polyethylene).

How to: Switch to natural baby shampoo

Look up your current baby shampoo 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.

  • California Baby Calming Shampoo & Wash
    • (3 Ratings)

    Rated highly by EWG's Skin Deep database, California Baby® says this natural vegetable glucoside cleanser is sulfate free, non-stripping and extremely biodegradable, making washing a tear-free, non-drying and effortless affair.

  • Nurture My Body Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
    • (1 Rating)

    Rated extremely highly by EWG's Skin Deep database, Nurture My Body says this delicate shampoo and cleanser is made with certified organic ingredients, not tested on animals, phthalate-free, Vegan safe, packaged with eco-friendly materials and handmade in the USA.