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Kids - Shampoo.

 

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Shampoos contain a vast array of chemicals, some of which you may want to consider avoiding.

Why do you care?

  • Children are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals due to their smaller size; this results in a higher dose compared to an adult.
  • Children's body systems are also in a critical stage of development and exposure to toxins have shown to have lifelong health consequences.
  • A child's liver (most important organ for removing toxins) is not fully mature and therefore may not be capable of removing toxins at the same rate as an adult's liver.1
  • Even many "gentle" baby shampoos, can irritate skin and eyes. Shampoo is made up of one or two surfactants (you know the bubble makers) and water. Other ingredients include additives that create the proper pH level, detanglers, thickeners, preservatives, and/or scents.
  • The use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in children's products is particularly worrying. Even if the product does not get in the child's eyes, measurable concentrations may be found in their eyes.2
  • Is there a sham on baby shampoo? Take a look at the Cancer-causing Chemical Found in Children's Bath Products by the Breast Cancer Fund which reports on a hidden cancer-causing petrochemical found in dozens of children’s bath products.

The Know How

  • Avoid shampoos with SLS and SLES. Look for those that contain the mildest surfactants ocamidopropyl betaine or cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, causing less eye or skin irritation.
  • Healthy Child Healthy World lists a whole whack of ingredients that you should avoid and reasons why when purchasing shampoo and other personal care products for your kids. A few are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, DEA, TEA, MEA, 1,4-dioxane or Polyethylene glycol (PEG).
  • Check out the Guide to Less Toxic Products to see what children shampoos they recommend.
  • Check out our Wash Out e-bulletin for more on shampoos.

Know and Tell

Take a look at the Wash Out e-Bulletin.


1 Safer for Your Baby: A Guide to Living Better with Fewer Chemicals
2 Natural-health-information-centre.com

 

Last Updated: 2007-07-23