With more studies showing the toxic effects of common ingredients in toiletries, more parents are turning to organic and natural products. This becomes an especially greater concern when it comes to caring for the delicate skin and hair of our babies and young children.

Here are some of the commonly-known chemical baddies.

• Parabens (Ethylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, etc)

A widely-used preservative that easily penetrates the skin, a neurotoxin and skin irritant, a hormone disruptor linked to breast cancer, interferes male reproductive function

• Sulfates (Sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate)

Foaming agents and like parabens, are found in nearly all toiletries, dries out skin, possible carcinogen.

• Propylene glycol

Sometimes listed as PEG or PPG, enhances skin absorption of products, is known to cause skin irritation, liver abnormalities and kidney damage

See also: Common newborn baby skin problems

The range of organic and natural products is exploding in the retail market, with new ones seemingly added everyday. So how do you figure out which one is best? To help you cut through the array of choices, here are 6 toxin-free options to consider.

Original Sprout Hair & Body Babywash

What it is

• 100% vegan, with gentle pH of 6 to 7
• Formulated to help heal cradle cap, eczema, heat and diaper rashes, and other common baby skin conditions

Note: Products contain an ingredient that adds fragrance which may be an issue specifically for babies with extremely sensitive skin.

What we like

• Cleans well, and while it doesn’t strip skin, dryer skins might need a little bit of lotioning
• Miracle Detangler and Deep Conditioner available for longer hair that needs extra smoothing

Where to find it

• Watsons, Kiddy Palace, Motherswork
• Pupsik Studio and Agape Babies ($25 for 354ml)

See also: Cute braided hair style for girls

Silly Kow Organic Shampoo & Body Wash Vanilla Tangerine

What it is

• 100% vegan, with no synthetic or animal-derived ingredients
• Contains shea butter, aloe and calendula to soothe and enrich skin
• Artificial fragrance-free, but scented with essential oils
• Also available in Lavender Chamomile scent

What we like

• Smells yummy, and the scent lingers long after the bath is over
• Cleans reasonably well, definitely leaves skin nice and soft
• There are also Organic Conditioners in matching flavours that truly soften hair, plus a fragrance-free Face and Body Moisturizer

Where to find it

• Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Ng Teng Fong Hospital pharmacies
• EMED Retail store, Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-05, Beauty World Centre, Singapore 588177
• Online at emedsg.com ($23 for 236ml) or Lazada

Human Nature Kids Natural Shampoo & Body Wash & Natural Baby Wash

What it is

• Natural Baby Wash, best for babies below age one: contains lavender, rosemary and chamomile, and coconut-derived ingredients
• Kids Natural Shampoo & Body Wash: has coco nectar, avocado oil and aloe vera- come in three different flavors for bathtime fun

What we like

• Good value for money
• Natural Baby Wash has an enjoyable natural scent from the plant extracts
• A tear-free, basic cleanser that gets the job done
• Gentle enough on skin, though the most sensitive skin would need some lotion to mitigate dryness

Where to find it

• Vitakids (Forum, Paragon, Westgate, Velocity@Novena Square, Marina Square), Balanced Living, 1010 Mother and Child (City Square Mall), MJ’s Faith (Lucky Plaza)
• Online at Redmart, Human Nature ($9.90 for 200ml)

Shea Moisture Baby Extra-Mild Wash & Shampoo

What it is

• A comparatively short list of ingredients, which means it’s free of not only parabens and sulfates but other potentially harmful or irritating substances
• Formulated with organic aloe, organic shea butter and cocoa butter to moisturize and soften

What we like

• Mild, and leaves the skin, and hair, soft – no need for conditioner
• Very affordable, and one bottle lasts a long time
• Truly scent-free

Where to find it

• Online at iHerb ($11.20 for 384ml)

California Baby Therapeutic Relief Eczema Shampoo & Body Wash

What it is

• Low foaming
• Specially formulated with organic plant extracts for skin with eczema which is extra sensitive and prone to extreme dryness
• Contains calendula, aloe and jojoba seed oil, with oat extract that is certified gluten-free

What we like

• Fragrance-free but it’s natural ingredients gives a mild scent that feels calming and reassuring
• A little goes a long way – best to squirt into a wash towel or scrubbing sponge to help distribute it all over the body
• Really does clean well without stripping the skin, perfect for eczema-prone skin

Where to find it

• Online at Pupsik Studio, Redmart and Agape Babies ($25.90 for 251ml)

Love Organics PhytoBody Wash

What it is

• Although it’s labeled a body wash, it also works as a shampoo (and even a shaving gel for Daddy!)
• PH-balanced, sulphate free, with chamomile, aloe vera, calendula and moringa protein, among other beneficial ingredients
• Made with olive leaf extract, one of the most potent antioxidants in the world, an antibacterial and effective wound healer

What we like

• While not strictly for children, it’s safe, gentle and suitable even for a small child
• Really leaves the skin feeling soft, moisturized and nourished
• The scent from the botanical ingredients is heavenly – feels and smells like a lavish spa treatment for your child (or yourself)!

Where to find it

• At Eat Organic, Megafash (Suntec, Marina Square), Naiise (Suntec, Cathay, i12 Katong, Westgate), Four Seasons Organic & Specialty (Great World City, Parkway Parade)
• Online at Pupsik Studio and Love Organics ($29 for 250ml)

Love Organics has an upcoming line for babies and children in 2017.

By Sara Rognstad.

Do you know of any other organic shampoo or body soap just for babies? Share them with us in the comments below!

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