When it comes to children's cosmetics, the main requirement is its safety. “The skin of a child, and especially a baby, is thinner, more prone to irritation and is characterized by an imperfect hydrolipid mantle,” says Marina Vereshchetina, Weleda's expert cosmetologist. "It is important that the formulas of the products are simple and understandable: the fewer ingredients, the lower the risk of intolerance to any of them." The marks of independent organizations that research formulas for safety can help with the choice. “One of them is the German Association for Allergy and Asthmatics, DAAB,” Vereshchetina gives an example. "So, at Weleda, their icon marks the line with the marshmallow."
FORBID THEM!
Doctors remind: an individual allergic reaction is possible to any ingredient, both natural and synthesized in the laboratory. What components should you watch out for? Of course, you will not find absolutely dangerous substances in certified products - both adults and children undergo strict control. “That’s why you shouldn’t buy cosmetics from a soap maker on the Internet or go to an oriental bazaar,” Vereshchetina notes. However, some components are formally allowed, but there are controversial opinions regarding them. “For example, phthalates act on the endocrine system, while formaldehyde can cause irritation and is carcinogenic,” says Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenerologist and medical expert at La Roche-Posay.
You should also pay close attention to the "paraben-free" label. “The composition may include preservatives that replace them, such as methylisothiazolinone, which has a high allergenic potential,” notes Elena Piskareva, an expert in the field of conformity assessment of perfumery and cosmetic products of Mustela. “A good alternative is preservatives identical to natural ones that are found in nature (in berries, spices, willow bark),” adds Anastasia Malenkina, head of Natura Siberica's development department. "These are substances such as benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid and others."
STRENGTHENED MEASURES
Some substances are excluded precisely from children's cosmetics, which undergo a more stringent safety test. “These include, for example, boric acid and tetraborates,” says Elena Piskareva. "Therefore, for a child, you need to choose baby cosmetics or special products for the whole family." The latter are also suitable for adults with sensitive skin. “The needs are similar: you need to gently cleanse, protect and maintain the hydrolipid balance,” notes Vereshchetina. "So in the case of atopic dermatitis or neurodermatitis, baby remedies may be a good option." Another idea for reactive skin owners from the arsenal of the younger generation is sunscreens. “As a rule, they do not contain perfumery fragrances,” notes Alexander Prokofiev. Cleansing oils and gels can also be common to the whole family. They are distinguished by physiological pH, mild soap base and delicate aroma. But you should not use baby shampoos - they are not suitable for adult hair. The same is true for children's face products, devoid of silicones and innovative anti-aging ingredients.
