Any Info on Phalate-free Products?

Updated on February 12, 2008
A.B. asks from Homewood, IL
35 answers

Just wondering if anyone knows which products are phalate-free? I saw the news articles regarding baby soaps/shampoos that are being absorbed into their bodies and found in urine tests. SCARY!

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

yeah, i read that same article. it's scaaaaary! for those that want to read it, it was on newsweek: http://www.newsweek.com/id/105588?from=rss

You can find out what personal care products (hair care, skin care, make up, etc) at this site (below). Not all products are listed, but it does have a lot of them. it tells you which ones are safer than others based on their rating system of the ingredients. Green is good, yellow is cautionary, red means you should probably stay away from the products or be aware of the risks that they offer your body.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

This is a spinoff website of the Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org/) which looks at all environmental and health issues. They have info on there specifically about the baby bottles and other such interested/related topics.

3 moms found this helpful
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E.W.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,
I just posted a question like this and it was pulled by the system. Glad you posted too. I found a website called www.cosmeticdatabase.com that rates the safety of products, not just for phthlates, but other toxins as well and it is surprising! I just went and got California Baby at Target. That was rated very well. I was surprised though, that even Arbonne and some others that I thought would be ok (we use Arbonne) had some undesirable chemicals in it. You can click on the ingredients to see what ingredient is questionable and why. I think it basically comes down to this. Almost anything will have something in it that COULD case harm. As moms, we just have to use our best judgement and make informed decisions. Congratulations on your new baby. Check out the website to make informed decisions and try to relax!!
E.

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L.K.

answers from Chicago on

California Baby wash is rated really well in regards to chemicals etc.(At Target)If you go to the skin deep web site it rates everything.In regards to toys , My daughter has a doll from the Chalkboard that is Phalate-free and can be washed in the washing machine.The brand is Correlle.It is her favorite baby and is for 1 and up:)(They have more dolls for older girls too.

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E.L.

answers from Chicago on

The one set of phthalate-free & PVC-free products out there is the Take-N-Toss tupperware/plasticware by The First Years. You've probably seen that stuff at any of the common stores (Babies R Us, Target, Walmart, etc.). It says in small print on the back of the package that it is "phthalate/PVC-free". I love their cups/bowls/plasticware for my toddler. And my twins (who just turned 1 year old) are just starting to use the sippy cups, which, by the way, have no valve in them, which I think is better because the liquid pours out more easily like a cup rather than like a bottle. They are inexpensive, & when the products get worn out, you can recycle them & buy new ones. They do make a couple of things (like toys) that don't specifically say "phthalate/PVC-free" on them, so I'm not sure about those. But for the most part, The First Years makes "better" plastic things.

I also want to mention that for your soon-to-be-infant, I'm assuming you'll be using at least SOME bottles. If you like the plastic bottles, avoid the clear/hard polycarbonate plastic ones (Avent, Dr. Browns, etc...). These are "bad" plastics that contain Bisphenol-A. I believe a better brand is Gerber Tints (slightly softer, less-clear, and colored bottles). There are others, too, I'm sure. The latest is one called Born Free, which is a new kind of supposedly better plastic - it looks clear/hard, just like Avent bottles. I've seen them at Whole Foods. ... Because we had twins and were ALWAYS washing bottles, We actually switched to the Playtex inserts system (you use this insert into a hollow tube - the insert looks like a giant "bottle condom"!). When the bottle is done, all you have to wash is the nipple/ring. We then put the inserts in the recycling bin. Those inserts have no Bisphenol-A.

I should mention, though, that from what I've been reading (on ewg.org)-- which bottle you use is probably less important than the unfortunate fact that the cans that baby formulas come in are lined w/Bisphenol-A. So babies are exposed to this chemical if they get any formula, but it is much more significant if you use the already-liquid kind. (The powdered kind gets diluted w/water & therefore dilutes the BPA).

As for shampoos/soaps, I'm not sure yet. I'm starting to research that stuff myself right now. I found a good website after reading an article in Cookie Magazine about this topic: Try www.ewg.org (environmental working group)... through their "health/toxics" link, there is a section on Personal Care Products ... or you can go the link directly at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/

Those sites have info on lots of chemicals. It could make you crazy trying to avoid EVERY chemical, though, so be careful you don't drive yourself nuts! Also, I try to remind myself that although many products contain certain theoretically harmful chemicals, often these chemicals are tested at high concentrations in a lab. This may have no correlation with what they actually do in humans when you use a given product containing that chemical.

One more thing. I found this website recently, too - It covers the subject of hazards found in children's toys. It is www.healthytoys.org ... I haven't read through too much of it yet, but it looks like a helpful site!

Hope this info helps!

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

Burts bees has baby products...baby wash/shampoo and lotion that is phalate free. I use the wash/shampoo all the time on my 2 year old and 11 week old. It smells great and leaves skin feeling soft! Great product!

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A.G.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,
I have always been very picky about the bath products I use with the kids. I've used California Baby and Earths Best products in the past... but don't have any of the bottles to double check if they are phthalate free.

I'm using Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Body wash right now... and the bottle says:
"Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate Free (what I always looked for), Paraben Free and Phthalate Free! It smells great and it's really easy to find. Both Meijer and Target carry it.

Good luck!!!
A.

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C.K.

answers from Chicago on

Yes the articles were scary as that was how they were intended. However if you research the actual studies and not the news articles, you will find it a lot less scary. The results were actually inconclusive, with regards to how much is really absorbed, or used and what the actual effects were, or can be on children. The articles have been shunned by the scientists who did the study because they caused panic where none was necessary due to the need for further testing. These baby soaps lotions etc... have been used for years and years and years, with very little side effects. If you are still nervous then the doctors say that the only way to avoid phalates is not to use any soaps or lotions, however studies have shown that this can also lead to skin allergies once soaps are introduced due to a lack of immunity.

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.!
Congratulations on your little one to arrive soon. I have twin girls and now a 5 month old boy.
I don't know if you heard of the company Arbonne International, but it is a health and wellness company that carries a full baby line (baby wash& shampoos, lotions, herbal diaper rash, baby oil, and natural water resistant sunscreen) and skin care lines for the entire family including vitamins AND they do not contain phalates. I've been using the products for over 7 years now and absolutley love them! I have samples of the baby products if you are interested and can connect you with the company so you can order at discount online or toll free if this interests you. You can e-mail me at ____@____.com
Hope this is helpful.

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K.H.

answers from Chicago on

A. - Shaklee products are phthalate free - they have a baby shampoo and creamy baby oil that is astounding, along with every day soaps, hand lotions and shampoo. I wrote about the harms of phthalate's here :

http://tinyurl.com/2w3m9f

Mother Earth aka K. Hanrahan
wellness educator/ consultant / blog author

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A.N.

answers from Chicago on

Hi, A.!

Some phthalate-free products that I know of are Earth Mama Angel Baby (www.earthmamaangelbaby.com), Burt's Bees and California Baby. I personally love the Earth Mama Angel Baby line, but it is pricey. The other ones I mentioned you can find at Target.

A great website to check out is www.cosmeticdatabase.com. Here you can see how different products rate. There is a purple search box at the top of the page, that is where you'd type in what you're looking into. I found this site very helpful.

I hope this information helps!
A.

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J.A.

answers from Chicago on

Nature's Baby Organics found at Whole Foods. I use the lavender/chamomille
Arbonne ABC line as well....
Hope this helps

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K.

answers from Peoria on

I'm writing to ask Cortney to provide references for her statements
1) The articles have been shunned by the scientists who did the study because they caused panic where none was necessary due to the need for further testing.
and
2)studies have shown that this can also lead to skin allergies once soaps are introduced due to a lack of immunity

Thanks, I would like to read more!

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T.V.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.-as far as all natural beneficial products for baby there are plenty to choose from. I use miracle2products and arbonne. In my opinion they are the best and i have been organic for 6 years now-so I have tried just about everything. If you want the contacts for the people that do this please let me know or you can go right to the website and order-you just need a code. If you want to go to the store-seventh generation and avalon are good. Diapers.com has them available too but also beware-you want natural diapers and wipes as well-the conventional ones are very toxic to baby!! I am a mother of four and had my own daycare for 8 years and when i made the switch the results were amazing!! Good luck! Let me know if you need any further info.

T. V.

Design your style, design your purse/diaper bag. Animal free and environmentally friendly materials as seen on the Emmy Awards and Rachael Ray. www.bspurses.com/tvanschoyck

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F.P.

answers from Chicago on

A really great resource to look up personal product safety is EWG's SkinDeep. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

What we have found is that pretty much anything sold at a mass merchant (Target, grocery store, Wal-Mart) isn't safe. Baby Magic, Johnsons & Johnsons, Huggies, all store labels all contain bad stuff. Pthalates aren't the only baddie to look out for, you also want to avoid parabens. Parabens are chemical preservatives which act as endocrine disruptors.

We use Burt's Bees baby wash or California Baby Shampoo/Body wash and California Baby lotion and diaper cream. I would look up anything you want to buy on SkinDeep before purchasing. It's so confusing what is safe, isn't it? SkinDeep really helps. Good luck!

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

A.,

Looks like you got lots of responses to this one. But, I'll add my two cents....Shaklee offers Phalate free products.

Blessings,
J.

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M.L.

answers from Rockford on

Hi A. B
What products were you specifically looking for that are phatalate free? If it is cosmetics that you are looking for, have a look at the Nicole Miller Line with Melaleuca.

M. L

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H.S.

answers from Rockford on

Member Perkâ„¢
Arbonne International:

Phthalate Free Baby Care Products

Free Sample of our ABC Baby Care. Valentine's Day Special: Free gift for first 10 moms to call! ###-###-####

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M.R.

answers from Phoenix on

We us Aubrey or Weleda products. They can be found at whole food, although we find them cheaper on amazon. Good Luck There are tons of products out there!

M.

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C.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,
I know that Arbonne Int. products do not have any phlates. Their products are all botanically based. Email me for more info or check out their website www.healthyoptions.myarbonne.com They have an entire baby line that is fabulous and other products. You can also get everything at wholesale prices!
C.

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D.W.

answers from Chicago on

California Baby has wonderful products available at Target or for a great discount on-line at Lucky Vitamin.com

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T.S.

answers from Chicago on

Yes, Shaklee does offer Phalate free products, in fact all of Shaklee's products are all natural. I have a Shaklee Business and I am passionate about Children's Health. Please let me know if I can help you and your family.
www.shaklee.net/gethealthygogreen or contact me at
____@____.com

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C.J.

answers from Chicago on

Born Free is a brand name - you can buy some at Whole Foods

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E.N.

answers from Chicago on

I use Burt's Bee shampoo/wash. It says right on the bottle Phthalate Free. Congrats on the new baby!

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S.B.

answers from Nashville on

Arbonne International's products are phthalate free and fabulous for your little one (and you). The baby line consists of a wash, oil, lotion, diaper rash cream (that you'll love too) and a sunscreen. Buy them all and Arbonne will give you a free product for yourself or buy them separately - it's up to you. Visit www.Arbonne.com and enter my ID 16179171 to purchase and have the products delivered to your door in just a few days. Write back if you have any other questions.

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M.E.

answers from Chicago on

Try the website cosmeticsdatabase.com. It contains detailed product information for skin care products, shampoos, fragrances, baby products, etc. It also ranks the products by safety level according to the item's ingredients.

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D.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

Arbonne products are phalate-free! I discovered these products because like you I was very concerned about phalates as both my husband and I have had cancer and we have an 11 year old daughter. It was a huge wake-up call for me to start researching and reading all my labels not only for what we put into, but what we put onto our bodies. I was thrilled to find Arbonne shared the same philosophy as I do as their products are botanically based, pure, safe and beneficial. As a mom it feels great to know I'm using products for my family (especially our daughter) that don't create illness...there's so much we can do to avoid illness and protect our immune system. They have a wonderful baby line that I share with my nieces, nephews, and all my friends who have babies. I love sharing the products and this find and would be happy to send you some samples and info. I believe in this line so much that I do this part time from home (I'm a stay at home mom and have a cancer foundation too, which is supported by my Arbonne business)...it goes hand in hand with my foundation work.

All my best!
D. Maggos
____@____.com
www.arbonne.com

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S.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A....
I HAVE HAD LUCK W/ TRADER jOE'S AND WHOLE FOODS....BOTH OF THEM HAVE ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT I USE ON MY LITTLE ONES.

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R.G.

answers from Chicago on

California baby is phalate free and you can buy them at Target. Arbonne also uses all natural products. Hope that helps.

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R.N.

answers from Chicago on

I've been pleased with Burt's Bees Baby & Nature's Gate Organics

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R.C.

answers from Chicago on

I know of a great company that manufactures kids/babies soaps, lotions, and shampoos that are 100% natural, very economical to use and are free of phalates. Contact me at ____@____.com for more information.

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L.H.

answers from Chicago on

actualy im really not sure but you might want to try shaklee products shaklee.com

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A.A.

answers from Chicago on

I believe that Heritage Health Foods (by you) carries these products. You may want to call and ask.

California Baby is phalate-free, for sure and that is what we use here.

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B.D.

answers from Chicago on

I am a Shaklee Rep. and there products are phalate-free and free of all un-natural ingredients. Shaklee only uses products that come from nature. I hane been using there products for about eight years now and I love them. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 month old. They are the only products that I will use with them. Please feel free to check out my website shaklee.net/donahuewellness

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T.B.

answers from Peoria on

Hi A.!
Congratulations on your new little one. I saw the same news article and was relieved that we shop with a store that does not use ANY harmful ingredients or toxins in ANY of their products, including their baby line. I would be happy to get you more information about how you can shop there too, if you are interested.

www.livetotalwellness.com/T.
____@____.com

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