As more and more studies are released on the harmfulness of certain ingredients found in personal care products, Mums are turning to natural baby toiletry products as a way of avoiding the potential hazards of chemical based products.

Natural ingredients are made up of the same things as you or your littles one’s body. Because of this, our bodies recognise these ingredients as nutrition and readily accept them on and through our skin. Everything we put on our babies skin has the potential to be absorbed into their body, so carefully selecting what bathtime and skin care products you use on them is as important as choosing what you feed them.

Unfortunately, regulation around the EU can be sketchy when it comes to the classification of ingredients in cosmetic products and isn’t as robust as similar regulation of the food industry for example. As such, to be extra careful, looking out for brands that have been certified to either a natural or organic standard by a third party organisation can give you that extra sense of security that what you are putting on your baby’s skin is not harmful. In particular, look out for certifications from Ecocert, Soil association amongst others. Earth Friendly Baby for example is certified by Ecocert.

There is a huge selection of natural ingredients that go into natural baby toiletries and each one has its own effect on the body. Here are some of the most widely used ingredients and their associated benefits.

Lavender is commonly known for its calming reputation, but less commonly known for its gentle antiseptic qualities. Especially when delicately blended with chamomile which has been recognised to help soothe mild cases of eczema and other skin irritations.

Shea butter is derived from the nut of the African Karite tree and is often blended with natural oils in moisturising products. Shea butter is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera is often added to natural baby toiletries for its soothing capabilities.

Natural derived oils such as sunflower, sweet almond and jojoba seed oil are often used as moisturisers. Each of these oils nourishes dry skin without the potential nasty side effects of chemical or petroleum based moisturisers.

For every chemical derived baby product out there, there is a natural or organic alternative. Earth Friendly Baby for example is a natural and organic baby bathtime and skincare range that is made from a unique blend of over 28 botanicals to be over 99% natural.