The Ingredient Red Flag List Every New Parent Should Know
Becoming a parent changes everything, including how you read labels.
Whether it's a baby lotion, wipes, shampoo, or massage oil, it’s no longer just about how a product smells or feels. It's about what’s in it and what shouldn’t be.
Many baby care products look great on the outside, but a quick scan of the ingredient list can reveal hidden red flags - additives that may irritate sensitive baby skin or pose longer-term health concerns.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a simple list of ingredients new parents should watch out for so you can shop with confidence and care.
1. Fragrance / Parfum
This single word can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals including potential allergens and hormone disruptors like phthalates.
What to look for instead:
Fragrance-free products or those scented with low-dose, well-tolerated natural ingredients (and only if your baby’s skin allows).
2. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
Used as preservatives, parabens have been linked to hormonal disruptions and are absorbed easily through the skin.
What to look for instead:
Products labeled paraben-free, often preserved with safer alternatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These foaming agents can strip natural oils and cause dryness, irritation, or redness, especially on baby skin.
What to look for instead:
Gentle, coconut-based or sugar-based cleansers like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside.
4. Phthalates
Commonly found in synthetic fragrances, phthalates have been linked to developmental and reproductive concerns.
What to look for instead:
Avoid anything with vague “fragrance” listings, and opt for products that state phthalate-free on the label.
5. Alcohol (Denatured or SD Alcohol)
High concentrations can cause dryness and stinging, especially in wipes or creams used on sensitive areas.
What to look for instead:
Products that use water, aloe vera, or plant-based moisturizers as the base.
6. Mineral Oil / Paraffin / Petrolatum
Derived from petroleum, these occlusive ingredients may clog pores and create a barrier without nourishing the skin.
What to look for instead:
Natural emollients like shea butter, almond oil, coconut oil, or calendula oil.
7. Artificial Colors (CI followed by a number)
Why it's a red flag: These synthetic dyes serve no purpose in skincare and may cause skin sensitivities or allergic reactions.
What to look for instead:
Clean, dye-free formulations, especially in leave-on products like lotions or oils.
At Tots and Bubbles, we’ve done the hard part for you. Every product is free from red-flag ingredients, dermatologically tested, and created with your baby’s sensitive skin in mind.
Our formulations are:
- Fragrance-free or lightly scented with baby-safe essential oils
- Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrolatum and mineral oil
- Made with plant-based, skin-loving ingredients you can recognize
Because transparency shouldn’t be optional, it should be the baseline.
Navigating baby care aisles can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re running on little sleep and big emotions. But with a little label literacy, you’ll know exactly what to avoid and why it matters. The best rule? If you can’t pronounce it and don’t know why it’s there, it’s worth a second look.
Because when it comes to your baby’s skin, every ingredient counts.
