In 2009, the Environmental Working Group found that more than 60% of children’s bath products contained formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen (source: Guide to Less Toxic Products).
Healthy alternatives
Fragrance-free
Brand name | Product description |
Aveeno | Soothing Bath Treatment (100% oatmeal) |
Dolphin Organics | Baby Bubble Bath |
Uniquely J | Tear-Free Baby Bubble Bath, fragrance-free |
With fragrances (essential oils)
Brand name | Product description |
Babo Botanicals | Calming Shampoo Bubble Bath and Wash |
Baby Mantra | 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Shampoo & Wash |
Druide | Foaming Bath |
Everyone | Kids 3-in-1 Soap Unscented |
Qet Botanicals | Blooming Tea Bath |
Thinkbaby | Bubble Bath |
Ingredients to avoid in products you choose
- Benzyl alcohol: irritant to eyes and upper respiratory tract, neurotoxic
- Ceteareth: possible carcinogen (by release of 1,4-dioxane)
- Dyes (coal tar): carcinogen, skin sensitizer, photosensitizer
- Dicoumarol: toxic to the immune system
- DMDM hydantoin: possible carcinogen (by formaldehyde release), skin irritant, skin sensitizer
- Parabens: endocrine disruptors
- Synthetic fragrances: allergens
- PEG (polyethyleneglycol): possible carcinogen (by release of 1,4-dioxane and sodium lauryl sulfate), irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract
- Quaternium-15: possible carcinogen (by formaldehyde release)
- Sodium lauryl sulfate: irritant, may cause contact dermatitis