Organic Baby Wash - Why Organic Is Better Than Generic And Natural

Organic Baby Wash – When it comes to skincare, it is crucial that we take note of what you are massaging on your baby’s skin and hair. After all, you don’t want to put anything harmful on the outside of your baby’s skin or anything that could be toxic through absorption. How do you know if your baby shampoo or body wash may contain harmful chemicals as part of their ingredients? Parent must understand labeling. The use of organic or natural shampoo and body wash is essential. Exposing your baby’s sensitive skin to chemical laden products may trigger irritation and rashes.

The more knowledgeable we become, the more questions we ask. Why choose an organic baby body wash over natural and generic products? What do the labels organic, natural, and generic actually mean? Are these genuinely non-toxic baby washes? Finally, why choose organic over the two other categories?

Organic Baby Wash
What Makes A Body Wash Organic
What Are The Ingredients Or Requirements Of Organic Baby Wash
What Makes A Body Wash Natural
What Makes A Shampoo Organic
Why Organic Body Wash And Organic Baby Shampoo Matters

LEARN – The Real Difference Between NSF Organic And USDA Organic

Most people assume that shampoo body wash that has organic or natural on its label is safe to use for babycare products, but this is not always so. A wash and shampoo that has been labeled as certified organic means that the product has undergone a thorough screening of its ingredients to ensure that there are no synthetic herbicides, pesticides, parabens or other harmful ingredients. Certified organic ingredients must meet consistent and uniform standards.

However, you may come across a baby wash shampoo that claims that it has all-natural or natural ingredients. But, legal regulations are few. In fact, some products have ingredients that are plant-derived but may still highly processed, posing a threat to the skin.

Sometimes baby products that are marketed as natural because they include ingredients that are healthy such as chamomile, coconut oil, beeswax, aloe vera, and essential oils. But, their amounts may not be enough to be healthful. Generic products, on the other hand, may also contain chemicals that may be harsh on the delicate skin especially on your baby.

Organic Baby Wash – What Makes A Body Wash Organic?

What does the term organic baby wash mean? In the U.S., organic products are either classified as such by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or the NSF (National Science Foundation.) The latter oversees personal care products ^[1] . The goal of the NSF International is to help protect the world’s food, water, environment, and consumer products through the establishment of a wide variety of public health standards and certification programs.

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF)

The NSF organic standard is parallel to those of the USDA organic standard but are more focused on the specific requirements of personal care product formulations.

The NSF Organic certification mirrors the USDA Organic Certification in most aspects.

However, the NSF “made with” designation differs from the USDA in that some ingredients and processes are allowed in the NSF that are banned under the USDA guidelines.

Some synthetic preservatives and biodegradable surfactants are necessary for the formulation of these products.

Specifically, during the manufacturing process saponification converts fats or oils into soap by combining them with sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye).

Because personal care products, such as soap, vastly differ from food and are not edible, the synthetic preservatives and biodegradable surfactants are allowed.

What Are The Ingredients Or Requirements Of Organic Baby Wash?

“100 Percent Organic” Or “Organic”

These products must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients, not including salt or water. The remaining percent must be organically grown when possible. Otherwise, the remaining ingredients must be a non-agricultural substance that is on the NSF Organic approved ingredient list. These products are allowed to display the NSF organic seal. These products are deemed 100% organic and meet the regulations and criteria of the USDA organic certification.

“Contains Organic Ingredients”

These products contain between 70% – 95% organic ingredients. The organic ingredients conform to USDA guidelines, and the product is certified organic through Quality Assurance International (QAI). The products display the “Contains Organic Ingredients” on the front panel along with the NSF organic seal.

What Makes A Body Wash Natural?

What about a natural baby wash? The term “natural” is an umbrella term. Although the products may be plant-derived, there is no legal definition of what the term “natural” means. Some manufacturers use the term “natural” to denote products made without the use of synthetic fragrances, dyes, or oils. But the meaning of the term varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Manufacturers also may deem a product “natural” if the ingredients come from plants. But, the percentage of plant ingredients is not regulated. Or, products labeled as a natural baby wash, may avoid using harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients such as parabens phthalates. However, concentrations are not regulated.

What Are The Ingredients or Requirements?

Regarding the term “natural” the USDA only has rules for poultry, eggs, and meat. However, the Federal Trade Commission, when enforcing truth-in-advertising laws, charged 5 companies for promoting their products as “all natural” or “100% natural” when the product contained synthetic ingredients.

If you are going to look at the ingredients or requirements associated with natural baby wash, you’ll most likely see natural moisturizers along with essential vitamins, such as vitamin B, and minerals too. These ingredients are typically plant-derived Other types of body wash such as lauryl glucoside, sodium chloride, coco-glucoside, and others.

What Makes A Body Wash Generic?

What about generic body wash? What’s so different about it and natural and organic baby wash? Generic brand products are marketed to be comparable to their respective name brand equivalents. Some of these products may advertise as being tear free and good for your hair, but the manufacturers can use any chemicals they want.

What Are The Ingredients Or Requirements?

There are not requirements regulating the ingredients in generic wash or shampoo. You may see irritating or toxic ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, tetrasodium, cocamidopropyl betaine, distearate, artificial fragrance, and sorbitan laurate. Unfortunately, the ingredients listed in generic body wash can be dangerous to your little one’s sensitive skin because of their toxicity levels and the fact that your child may absorb some of them through the skin.

What Makes A Shampoo Organic?

What about organic baby shampoo? For baby shampoo to be certified organic, it must follow the guidelines set by the NSF. The NSF or National Science Foundation oversees personal care products. Parents can be assured that these products do not contain any harsh ingredients. The product has undergone thorough testing and that it meets the requirements according to the NSF guidelines. Most likely you will see an essential oil, extracts, and even vitamins and minerals in the label. Parents should look for the NSF seal.

What Are The Ingredients Or Requirements?

If a baby shampoo is deemed organic, it should have the NSF seal. MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash includes organic aloe barbadensis (aloe vera), organic calendula officinalis (calendula), sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and comfrey oil. These ingredients are gentle on the skin, and they will keep your baby happy during bath time because the shampoo doesn’t sting. You should look for a tear-free shampoo as well to minimize fussiness during a bath.

What Makes A Shampoo Natural?

Natural baby shampoo usually contains some organic ingredients with derivatives. Just like baby wash, there is no formal legal definition of the term “natural” when it comes to shampoo. Natural baby shampoo should be able to cleanse your baby’s hair and scalp without any irritation as it sustains the natural oils. Usually, only a small amount of oil is needed during bath time since these products are usually concentrated.

What Are The Ingredients Or Requirements?

Check if there are lanolin, propylene glycol, irritating emulsifiers, alcohol, harsh foaming agents, PABA-sunscreen, and even synthetic fragrances. These are not considered natural ingredients and should be avoided.
The bottom line is that you should forget the marketing claims and read the back label.

What Makes A Shampoo Generic?

Although generics try to mimic their branded counterparts, often they contain harsh chemicals that can cause scalp irritation. These products are full of chemicals that have not undergone testing by the NSF.

What Are The Ingredients Or Requirements?

There are no requirements for manufacturers to use the word “generic.” In truth, you’ll only know the ingredients of what you’re putting on your baby’s hair if you understand the chemicals listed on the ingredient list. As babies have sensitive skin, you can easily cause scalp irritation. The irritation may not be easy to see as hair may conceal it. Some generic shampoos use sodium lauryl sulfate to help the hair obtain a great lather. However, this ingredient causes irritation. So, you must take care not to get it in your infant’s eyes or mouth.

What To Consider Before Buying Baby Shampoo And Body Wash

The most important thing you should consider when purchasing baby body wash and shampoo are the ingredients. Because many people do not understand the composition of chemicals listed in skin care labels, perhaps the best way to find the healthiest product for your baby is to check its certifications. These certifications have rules that have been determined by NSF International.

MADE OF manufacturers don’t stop at NSF Organic certification. A number of other organizations also certifies them.

EWG Verified
NSF Organic Standard
Leaping Bunny
USDA Biopreferred [11]

Furthermore, MADE OF products contain no GMO’s, ar Soy free, Bacteria free, Nuts free, Bleach-free, and Fungi free. MADE OF products are also vegan and gluten free. [12]

MADE OF manufacturers have gone one step further. The amount of transparency that MADE OF utilizes is unprecedented. For each product, you can see what it is composed of entirely. You can also view actual reports if you are worried about the presence of heavy metals.

Why Organic Body Wash And Organic Baby Shampoo Matters

In addition to ensuring your baby is not absorbing anything toxic, natural and organic shampoos and body wash can help treat some conditions your baby may develop.

Cradle Cap

Parents should consider organic baby shampoo when they must treat conditions such as cradle cap. You want to ensure that you’re using only organic baby shampoo so that only healthy ingredients are possibly being absorbed in your infant’s skin.

Sensitive Scalp

Babies have a sensitive scalp and may develop red or itchy at times. Choose a shampoo that only has only organic ingredients in them to lessen the chance of irritation.

Eczema

If your baby has eczema, you will need to be careful in your choice of shampoo and body wash. Products containing harsh chemicals can exacerbate their condition. Babies who have eczema may find that a certified organic shampoo and wash helps provide relief because the ingredients are soothing to the skin

Dry scalp

A dry scalp may happen from time to time especially when your little one is not getting enough nutrients to moisturize their hair and scalp. This means that your baby needs a shampoo that can moisturize their scalp and prevent itchiness. You will find that your baby’s hair strands are softer especially when you choose a shampoo that has nourishing effects.

Organic is the term used to refer to products that are made from all-natural ingredients and meet strict guidelines to prevent harsh and irritating chemicals.

As for the natural baby wash and shampoo, these are the ones that may contain plant-derived ingredients such as extracts from plants and fruits. Although there are natural ingredients present, you need to keep in mind that some are processed, and may cause irritation on your baby’s skin as well.

Generic products mimic their brand counterparts but undergo no regulation process.

Foaming baby wash can be a fun experience for both baby and their parent.

Organic Baby Wash Resources:
[1] National Sanitation Foundation; About us.

Organic Baby Wash – Why Organic Is Better Than Generic And Natural

Stacey LoPinto

Organic Baby Wash – What Makes A Body Wash Organic?

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF)