The EASIEST Homemade Baby Oil To Keep Your Little One Soft and Safe

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Homemade Moisturizing Oil Recipe to Replace Store-bought Baby Oils and Lotions

A safe and effective recipe that I choose for my daughter daily that avoids Phthalates, Formaldehyde releasers, Parabens, Fragrance and Sulfates (SLS).

Ingredients To Avoid In Popular Baby Care Products

1. Phthalates
These industrial chemicals are used to soften PVC type plastic and act as a solvent in cosmetics. Recent concerns have arisen regarding prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with decreased IQ, behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, and lower ratings regarding social communication. Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, which can cause reproductive problems and have been correlated to allergies, asthma, and even cancer. Although the FDA reports that phthalates are presently of minimal concern at exposure levels in common products, it seems best to avoid this industrial solvent given the increasing number of studies linking it to health concerns. 

Be particularly on the lookout for the following common members of the phthalate family:

• DBP (dibutylphthalate)
• DMP (dimethylphthalate)
• DEP (diethylphthalate)
• DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate)

Be aware that by law, companies are not yet required to fully disclose if phthalates are present in your products. It is best to try and by unscented, fragrance-free products as they are less likely to utilize phthalates. 


2. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde releasers
Formaldehyde, and thereby formaldehyde releasers, are used in products to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Formaldehyde is a member of the family of industrial disinfectants and is colorless, odorless, and highly irritating to those with sensitive skin. Formaldehyde is a potential carcinogen according to the NIH National Cancer Institute.

Formaldehyde releasers may go by the following names (including, but no limited to):

• DMDM hydantoin
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15

3. Parabens
Parabens are used as a preservative to extend shelf life of cosmetics and, although allowed in the United States, are actually banned in Europe. Of particular concern are long-chained parabens such as:

• Propylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Isobutylparaben.  

These parabens are believed to act as endocrine disruptors and have even been linked to impaired fertility in women in a recent Harvard School of Public Health publication. 
​
4. Fragrance
Fragrance is a garbage term that could be hiding any number of true ingredients. Fragrance is an umbrella term and companies are not legally required to list each chemical individually on their labeling, which is frightening.

In a 2011 report regarding synthetic fragrances, it was stated that "scented consumer goods showed the products emitted more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some that are classified as toxic or hazardous by federal laws.1 Even products advertised as “green,” “natural,” or “organic” emitted as many hazardous chemicals as standard ones".

Be advised and shop fragrance free whenever possible.

5. Sulfates
I included sulfates in this list because they are ubiquitous in the personal care product industry. Further, their most common side effect is skin irritation which is a problem when it comes to babies. Given the fragile nature of baby skin, sulfates are likely best avoided at all costs for your little one. Two common sulfates to be on the lookout for are:

• sodium lauryl sulfate
• sodium laureth sulfate

How To Make Homemade Baby Oil

With all of the above in mind, below is a simple solution that I use with my daughter every day that avoids the health and toxicity concerns listed above.

Homemade Baby Oil Instructions

1. Add Organic Hemp Seed Oil to a small dropper bottle
2. Add 3-5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

That's it!

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