Are "clean" products safe for children? An analysis of contact allergens in "clean" children's products from a popular retailer

Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Jul-Aug;41(4):651-653. doi: 10.1111/pde.15633. Epub 2024 Apr 27.

Abstract

Background: Considering consumer trends toward the use of "clean" personal care products and increasing recognition of childhood allergic contact dermatitis, we sought to characterize the allergen profile of such children's products.

Methods: Ingredients of baby washes/shampoos, bubble baths, and moisturizers identified using the "Clean Baby" filter on Target®'s online marketplace were analyzed for relevant pediatric contact allergens.

Results: Product compositions declared fragrance in 82% of products, Compositae in 46%, cocamidopropyl betaine in 45%, glucosides in 37%, propylene glycol in 12%, lanolin in 1%, and no allergens in 9%-methylisothiazolinone and formaldehyde were not found.

Conclusion: Children are greatly impacted by atopic dermatitis and skin barrier dysfunction, which underscores a need for greater public awareness of sensitizing and irritating ingredients, particularly regarding pediatric personal care products.

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; atopic dermatitis; fragrance; pediatric; surfactant.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens* / adverse effects
  • Allergens* / analysis
  • Child
  • Consumer Product Safety
  • Cosmetics / adverse effects
  • Cosmetics / chemistry
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Propylene Glycol / adverse effects
  • Propylene Glycol / analysis

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Cosmetics
  • Propylene Glycol