Busy moms and dads beware! Think twice before you use baby wipe products to cleanse your baby's bottom, face or hands.
For these products may contain preservatives, among other ingredients, that may do harm to the sensitive skin of babies.
In a study on 44 models of baby wipe products, the Consumer Council has drawn the attention of parents to recent overseas research which warned that the presence of the preservative MIT (methylisothiazolinone) in baby wipe products may potentially lead to severe rash for some babies and young children.
Among the 44 models, 9 were found to contain the preservative MIT, according to the study which examined the ingredients on the product labels or information provided by the suppliers.
The EU cosmetics association has recommended discontinuing the use of the preservative MIT in leave-on skin cosmetics and personal care products because of concern over the risk of allergic reaction such as rash.
Invariably, baby wipe products are found to contain preservatives of one type or another to protect the products against contamination by micro-organisms or bacteria.
Paraben is another type of preservatives of concern found in baby wipe products. Some forms of paraben may pose a higher risk of influencing the body's hormone level. The EU has recently introduced regulation prohibiting the use of some paraben in cosmetics including baby wipe products.
In the study, 11 of the models were found with paraben preservatives. Parents are advised to refrain from the use of baby wipes containing certain paraben preservatives, namely, isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl- and pentyl-paraben.
Further, due to immature development and possibly damaged skin in the nappy area, the choice of leave-on products (including baby wipes) intended for use on the nappy area of infants and young children that contain propylparaben and butylparaben is not recommended.
The study also found 18 of the baby wipe models to contain phenoxyethanol which is another preservative commonly used in personal care products.
The safety in the current use of phenoxyethanol at its permissible maximum concentration to babies and young children is now under review in the EU. Parents should cease using phenoxyethanol-containing baby wipe if there is wound on the baby's nappy area.
Besides these 3 types of most commonly used preservatives, there exist other preservatives available for use in the manufacture of cosmetics products including baby wipes.
In addition to the preservative ingredients, the study also looked at the presence of the other common allergens such as fragrances, fragrance allergens and lanolin in baby wipe products.
If rash develops on the face, buttock and other areas after using a baby wipe, and if the adverse reaction resolves after stop using the product, it is probable that the skin reaction is due to the use of the baby wipe.
Understandably, baby wipes are so very convenient, particularly to the busy moms, and hygienic in appearance.
Given the concerns over preservatives and other allergen ingredients, consumers may consider the alternative of a dermatologist recommendation: use plain water with cotton wool for daily cleansing of baby's bottom; baby wipe product is only suggested in situation where water cannot be obtained.
That saves a lot of money too! On average the 44 baby wipe models covered in the study cost from 18 cents to as much as $1.92 per piece.
Some tips for parents to take heed:
- Read label with product ingredients before purchase to avoid choosing products with known sensitizers, e.g. isothiazolinone preservatives, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, etc.
- Check expiry information and use products as instructed. Products without ingredient information are not suggested to be used near eyes, mouth or for oral cleansing.
- After use of baby wipes, rinse with water to help reduce chemicals left on skin.
- Baby wipes are not the only product to contain ingredients that may cause sensitization. Parents should also beware of the other leave-on cosmetics products for use on babies and young children, particularly products to be applied on perianal and genital area.
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- 2014.09.15