Since becoming a parent, you have probably noticed that many products on the shelf are not good for you or your baby.  You are probably aware of products that read “Paraben-Free” on the label. What are parabens, and what does that mean for your baby?

Parabens are a widely used preservative often found in hair and skin care products such as lotions, shampoos, deodorants, toothpastes and even some foods. Additionally, they are found in many products formulated for babies, such as diaper rash creams, shampoos, soaps and lotions.

Parabens are even found in many organic cosmetics! The FDA, which regulates the cosmetics industry, comments that the organic label (a term regulated by the USDA) is a claim about where the ingredients came from and how they were handled, not a safety claim.

Parabens are hazardous to your baby’s health.

Most parabens in these products are synthetic. A paraben is a chemical compound containing an acid molecule bonded to an alcohol molecule. You can recognize these chemicals listed on product labels with names ending in paraben. The most common ones you will see are ethyl-, propyl-, methyl- and butylparaben. The concern relating to the use of these chemical compounds is they are known to mimic estrogen in the body and are referred to as xenoestrogens. Estrogen is a known carcinogen.

Parabens are naturally occurring in plants but, when they are digested, they are broken down and do not create as large a health concern. However, synthetic parabens are applied topically. When absorbed through the skin, they enter the bloodstream 10 times faster, bypassing the possibility of digestion and remaining intact.

Parabens have shown to have adverse effects on reproductive organs and the endocrine system, increasing the risk of certain cancers. Pediatricians have also reported that they are seeing a trend of younger girls entering puberty, and it is believed that synthetic estrogens are the cause. Even though the concentration of parabens in products is usually low, the concern is that their effect is cumulative. More accumulation can occur in a short period of time, especially if you routinely use a variety of paraben-containing products on your baby.

Another worry about synthetic parabens is their tendency to cause skin irritation, allergies and Rosacea, a condition that causes redness and pimples. Babies are already more prone to skin irritations because their skin is delicate. These concerns regarding the negative effects of parabens lead many cautious parents to avoid using products that contain parabens altogether.

The good news is there are paraben-free options for you and your baby. All of Baby Magic’s products are paraben free and made in the U.S.A. Read labels and learn which products are safe to use on your baby. Remember: Just because it says “Organic” or “For Baby” doesn’t mean it’s always good for baby.