We are all exposed to toxins in some form on a daily basis, but just how much depends on the foods we eat, the furniture we sit on, and the personal care products we decide to put on our bodies, etc. The degree to which we potentially put our children’s health at risk is dependent on the products we decide to bring into our home and expose to them every day. It can be overwhelming at first to think of how much we are potentially putting ourselves and our babies at risk. Because of this, it's important to consider choosing a safer, organic diaper cream.
Many baby care products such as diaper cream can contain an abundance of unsafe chemicals and toxins known to be harmful. Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies and very absorbent, to which we often generously apply various unhealthy creams. Applying these known toxins to our children's tiny bodies repetitively can have lasting effects. We are often told by these companies that their products are deemed safe and do not contain high levels of these known carcinogens, so we need not worry. However, they forget to mention the cumulative exposure of all the different ingredients that our children come in contact with.
When I became pregnant with my daughter a few years ago, I began to dig a little deeper into what was lurking in the different baby products and I was shocked at what I found. I came to realize things are not always what they seem, and that many companies try to mask or hide various ingredients. I now vote with my dollar and do not support companies who do not seem to care about the health and safety of my children. The best advice I can give is to read labels and research the companies and products you bring into your home and apply to your babies.
While looking for diaper creams for your precious babies, you can begin by consulting the Environmental Working Group Skin: Deep Database. It is not perfect, but is a good start to research different products. Their mission is to provide information about different personal care products and rates them from 0-9. The lower the number- the safer the product by their standards overall. They provide this information, so we can all make healthier choices and enjoy a cleaner environment.
5 Toxins to avoid in Diaper Cream
- BHA [EWG score 9] is a synthetic antioxidants used as preservative in products and a known endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen.
- Fragrance [EWG score 8] commonly represents synthetic chemicals that have been added to products to make them smell appealing. Typically fragrances are associated with allergies, and organ system toxicity.
- Boric acid and sodium borate [EWG score 8] is used as an antimicrobial agent linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity.
- Petrolatum [EWG score 4] is mineral oil jelly i.e. petroleum jelly and is used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin. It is a carcinogen and linked to organ system toxicity.
- Parabens- propyl, methyl, ethyl etc [EWG score 7] are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. They easily penetrate the skin and can mimic estrogen, and can act as a potential hormone system disruptor.
Do you have a favorite diaper cream? What ingredients are in your diaper cream?
Learn more about Earth Mama Angel Baby and how they truly care about the health and safety of our children by watching the video below.