Becoming a parent is an exciting and happy experience, and the safety and health of newborns is extremely important. When parents use skin care products designed specifically for baby’s skin, they assume and expect these products to be safe and gentle. Upon close inspection, some baby care products contain potentially harmful ingredients and may actually irritate the skin. One such ingredient found in baby products are parabens. Most parents have never heard of this chemical and may find themselves asking what are parabens? 

Parabens are chemicals that can be found in many products. Cosmetic companies use this chemical in shampoos, make-up, toothpaste, moisturizers, and even some food products. Therefore, for parents wondering what are parabens, and what are they used for, the answer is that this chemical is primarily used as a preservative, and helps to extend the shelf life of some products, including baby care products. It is also used for its bactericidal and fungicidal benefits. This means that it kills the bacteria that may grow in some products. It is best to use all natural baby products that are free of chemicals. 

In addition to answering what are parabens, it should be noted that the potential problem with parabens is that a study in 2004 found this chemical in some breast tumors. It did not however examine if parabens are responsible for causing breast or other forms of cancer. Parabens may act like estrogen in the body, and estrogen is the hormone linked to breast cancers. This preservative is easy to detect, as it will be found in the ingredients listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Every parent should research the topic what are parabens, to make an informed decision about the types of baby care products used on their infants skin. It is important to note that the FDA does not regulate the use of ingredients in cosmetics, so this means that cosmetic companies may use any ingredient in their products. 

Infant skin is delicate and sensitive and baby care products should cater to the needs of the newborns skin. Babies are prone to diaper rashes, skin irritations, and some even suffer from eczema, so natural baby creams should be free of harsh chemicals and other potential irritants. Natural baby care products should contain ingredients like oatmeal, which is known to soothe skin conditions like eczema, and whole milk powder known to calm, soothe and moisturize baby’s skin. Therefore, for parents who want to know what are parabens, they should know that they are preservatives used to prolong shelf life and kill bacteria, but the safety of this chemical is still in question. 

All natural baby creams and baby care products are best for your baby’s delicate skin. As parents, we want to ensure that everything we put on our children’s skin and in their bodies is safe, preservative free, chemical free, and free of carcinogens. Switching to natural baby products has many benefits. Natural baby skin care products are used to treat diaper rash, eczema, and to keep baby’s skin soft and healthy.