Do baby hygiene products contain chemicals of emerging concern?

What's actually in it

Baby hygiene products like body wash, shampoo, lotion, diaper cream, and wipes contain a mix of preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, and emollients. Some of these ingredients are well-studied, but many fall into the category of "chemicals of emerging concern" (CECs). These are chemicals that scientists are only now beginning to understand, and they may not be adequately regulated.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Hazard Mater used advanced chemical screening to identify all the chemicals present in popular baby hygiene products, including those not listed on the label. The researchers found multiple chemicals of emerging concern that hadn't been flagged by standard safety testing.

The study highlighted that babies absorb more chemicals per pound of body weight than adults. Their skin is thinner, more permeable, and covers a larger area relative to their size. Products applied to a baby's skin are absorbed more efficiently than the same products on an adult.

Some of the detected chemicals were endocrine disruptors, skin sensitizers, and potential allergens. The products were marketed as "gentle" or "for sensitive skin," but their actual chemical profiles told a different story.

Fewer products means less exposure. Babies don't need a separate wash, shampoo, lotion, and cream for every occasion. Simplifying your baby's routine to one or two products with short, recognizable ingredient lists is the safest approach.