Tag Archives: EWG

Natural Skincare, Products

Johnson & Johnson

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Johnson & Johnson announced this week that they will be removing harmful chemicals from their personal care products, thanks to the Environmental Working Group.

“Our advocacy for safe cosmetics paid off big time today.

Together with our partners in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, we convinced Johnson & Johnson—one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world— to agree to phase out chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems from its baby AND adult products in 57 countries around the world.

J&J’s announcement today includes all of the company’s brands and products, including Aveeno, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear and, of course, the iconic Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. The commitment builds on the company’s November 2011 pledge to remove two chemicals linked to cancer from baby products sold worldwide.”

Most parents don’t even realize the shampoo they use to tenderly wash their baby’s hair contains at least two chemicals that cause cancer- formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane. Neither toxin is listed on the back of the shampoos or lotions because neither is technically an ingredient.

Why not?

Formaldehyde is released over time by the preservatives that do appear on labels and 1,4 dioxane is created during a process used to make the other ingredients gentler on the skin. Potential cancer for softer skin? Not a great trade-off, in my opinion.

This is GREAT news and a huge step forward in the battle against toxic chemicals in our environment. Except that the new formulas will not be available until 2015.

Until then opt for one of the many baby care products already on the market made by companies committed to the health of its consumers. Anything by Earth Mama, Angel Baby or Weleda gets my vote.

Here are some other tips for choosing the right products:

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy

Best sun screen for babies and children

Safe bug spray

Look Mama, no scar

Test your products in the Skin Deep database

Websites

Sign the Petition to Make Chemicals Kid-Safe

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“EWG tested the umbilical cord blood of 10 newborn babies and found nearly 300 chemicals, including BPA, fire retardants, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides that were banned more than 30 years ago.”

The Environmental Working Group is asking for signatures for a petition to make chemicals for consumer products kid-safe.  Click here to sign it!  “The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act would require that all chemicals be proven safe for children before they can be sold. But lawmakers in Washington need to know that you want them to reform our broken toxics law.”  They are delivering it to congress on March 15 and hope to have 75,000 signatures.

Breastfeeding, Nutrition

Rocket Fuel for Babies?

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Breast milk is the best nourishment for your baby, however there are babies that must be given formula. Conventional formula contains an ingredient which is also found in rocket fuel. Click here to read more about this dangerous additive and what you can do to help. It’s up to us to speak up, make changes and take care of our children! We are responsible for our child’s health, not the government (FDA). One of the best things you can do for your child’s health is to read labels. Don’t feed your children toxic chemicals, hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, artificial colors or preservatives. It’s easier than it seems, just make it a mindset. Or try this: don’t feed your children anything that comes in a package! You can do it!

Natural Skincare

Use Your Baby’s Lotion!

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It is really important to use natural, organic, plant based skin care products while you’re pregnant, because your skin is drinking in everything you put on it and passing it to your unborn baby.  To check the safety of your products go to the Cosmetic Database and find out if they contain any chemicals that cause birth defects or cancer, or disrupt hormones.  It’s such an eye-opening search!

Of course when your baby is born, you’ll only want to use the purest products available to put on his new skin which is 5 times more sensitive than an adult’s.  And remember- he’s absorbing everything you use!  Most, if not all, conventional products contain toxic substances not safe for a baby’s precious new system-see previous post.  It’s still important for you to use non-toxic soaps, bodywashes and lotions that won’t irritate her skin, or her strong sense of smell.   My solution?  Use your baby’s products on yourself!  It takes the guesswork out of whether or not it is safe for baby, saves time at the store (and space in your bathroom!), and your skin will love you for it.