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 |
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products
– 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