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Safe Shampoos for Kids

Although children's hair tends to be naturally healthy, we want to promote healthy hair by avoiding shampoos that have a high chemical content. According to the Baby Center website, a complex combination of fragrances and preservatives can be found in many children's shampoos. The website concedes that skin irritations are thus a common reaction to such shampoos, and the unsavory chemicals in them are linked to hormone disruption and even cancer.

  1. Non-Toxic Shampoos

    • The Delicious Living magazine website recommends using the Earth Tribe Kids Botanical Baby Shampoo and Bath Gel. According to the website, this shampoo contains a blend of coconut, aloe vera, organic lavender oils and avocado. Moreover, it is free from preservatives, dyes, fragrances and chemicals. The website also recommends the California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash, which contains aloe vera. This shampoo was designed for children with allergies, sensitive skin and chemical sensitivities, and is organic and fragrance free.

    Chemicals to Avoid

    • According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, DMDM hydantoin is an allergen and irritant present in many children's shampoos. The website also concedes that fragrance labels are often allergens that may contain hormone-disrupting or neurotoxic chemicals and that PEG compounds and ceteareth are petrochemicals which may contain cancer-causing toxins. Shampoos free from such chemicals, according to this website, include Aubrey Organics Mosqueta Rose Hip Seed Oil, Carol's Daughter Hair Oil, Organic Blessings Little Angel Shampoo/Body Wash, California Baby Shampoo and Bodywash Calming and California Baby Shampoo and Bodywash Super Sensitive.

    Labels

    • According to the Delicious Living magazine website, the FDA does not call for safety testing of the ingredients in personal care products. Consequently, marketing companies are able to use marketing claims without being required to prove them. The website also concedes that an Environmental Working Group study released in 2007 found that 80 percent of products labeled as "hypoallergenic," "soothing" and "gentle" were comprised of artificial chemicals linked to skin irritation and allergies. Such labels should be read with caution.

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