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

Aveeno – Soothing Bath Treatment (100% oatmeal)

Dolphin Organics – Baby Bubble Bath

Just The Goods – Vegan Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts

Uniquely J – Tear-Free Baby Bubble Bath, fragrance-free

With fragrances (essential oils)

100% Pure – Bath Salts

Anarres Natural Health – Bath Salts

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

Rocky Mountain Soap Company – Wellness Bath Salts

Thinkbaby – Bubble Bath

Tips

To moisturize your skin, take a bath with Epsom salt (follow product directions) or baking soda (1/2 cup), then add natural oil (coconut, purified castor, almond or jojoba).

Ingredients to avoid

  • 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