When formulating or selecting personal care products for babies and children or even for adults, it's crucial to avoid certain conventional ingredients that may pose health risks or cause irritation to their sensitive skin. Here are some ingredients that should be avoided in baby and kids' personal care products:

1. Parabens

• Why Avoid: Parabens (such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben) are used as preservatives but have been linked to endocrine disruption and may interfere with hormone function, which can be particularly harmful to young children.

2. Phthalates

• Why Avoid: Commonly used in fragrances, phthalates have been associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity. Avoid products labeled with "fragrance" or "parfum," as they often contain hidden phthalates.

3. Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

• Why Avoid: These are harsh detergents that can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. They may also cause eye irritation and scalp issues in young children.

4. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

• Why Avoid: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and many preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea, release small amounts of formaldehyde over time. These can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

5. Artificial Fragrances and Perfumes

• Why Avoid: Artificial fragrances can contain a variety of harmful chemicals, including phthalates and allergens. They may lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions, particularly in babies and children with sensitive skin.

6. Synthetic Dyes

• Why Avoid: Synthetic colorants, often labeled as FD&C or D&C (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40), may cause skin irritation and have been linked to behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity.

7. Mineral Oil and Petrolatum

• Why Avoid: Mineral oil and petrolatum (derived from petroleum) may clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. In addition, some forms of these ingredients may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potentially carcinogenic.

8. Talc

• Why Avoid: Talc has been associated with respiratory issues when inhaled, especially in powders. There is also concern over talc's contamination with asbestos in the past, which is a known carcinogen.

9. Triclosan

• Why Avoid: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that may disrupt hormone function and contribute to antibiotic resistance. It can also cause skin irritation and dryness, which is particularly harmful for babies' delicate skin.

10. Alcohol (Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol)

• Why Avoid: Alcohol-based ingredients can be excessively drying and irritating to children's sensitive skin. Products containing high amounts of alcohol should be avoided, especially in leave-on products like lotions and creams.

11. Phenoxyethanol

• Why Avoid: While phenoxyethanol is often used as a preservative in "natural" or "organic" products, it has been associated with skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in young children. In high concentrations, it may be toxic if ingested.

12. Benzalkonium Chloride

• Why Avoid: This antimicrobial ingredient, often found in wipes and hand sanitizers, can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions with frequent use.

13. Propylene Glycol

• Why Avoid: Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity. It is also a penetration enhancer, which means it can make the skin more vulnerable to absorbing other harmful chemicals.

14. Cocamidopropyl Betaine

• Why Avoid: Although derived from coconut oil, this surfactant can be irritating to sensitive skin, especially when used frequently. It may contain impurities, such as amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine, which are known irritants.

15. Synthetic Sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate)

• Why Avoid: Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate can penetrate the skin and may disrupt hormone function. They are also potential skin allergens. Mineral-based sunscreens, like those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are safer alternatives for babies and children.