Always bear in mind that the more chemicals there are in a product, the more harmful it may be for baby. As a general rule of thumb, avoid buying products that contain fragrances, colouring, alcohol, deodorant, and dye - all of which can cause skin irritation.
How to chose the right product that caters the best to your baby's sensitive skin? It's thus important to have an understanding of the drug facts label which provides consumers with the basic knowledge of the following: active ingredient(s), purpose, uses, warning, and directions.
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When buying off-the-counter (OTC) medications, you should always read product labels carefully.
Remember:
1. Never purchase a product whose seal has been broken or tampered with.
2. Always check the expiry date.
3. Never administer a drug to your newborn without proper advice from your doctor or a pharmacist.
4. Improper usage of drugs can cause adverse side effects. Always follow manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Quick Guide for Choosing Baby Skin Friendly Products
Here's a quick guide in helping you understand common drug and toiletry labels so you know exactly what to look out for when purchasing off-the-shelf products:
Alcohol free implies that the product does not contain any alcohol. However, this term is loosely used, especially in personal care products, and consumers should double check the ingredient list.
Active ingredient refers to a component in the product that is directly responsible for the treatment of what the product is intended for.
Allergy tested refers to a manufacturer's claim that the product has been tested for skin reaction. According to the FDA, manufacturers are not required to perform any tests or provide supporting evidence to demonstrate that products labelled "allergy tested" were actually tested by a doctor and produced fewer allergic reactions than other products. The FDA also states that nearly all cosmetics are likely to cause an allergic reaction in certain sensitive people. (Source: FDA)
Broad spectrum is a term widely used on sunscreen products and implies that the product offers protection against UVA and UVB.
Clinically proven is a claim made by a manufacturer that the product has undergone clinical studies or laboratory support to determine the effectiveness of the product.
Dermatologist tested product is a manufacturer's claim that the product has been tested by a dermatologist and has demonstrated no skin reaction. According to the FDA, manufacturers are not required to perform any tests or provide supporting evidence to demonstrate that products labeled "dermatologist tested" were actually tested by a doctor and produced fewer allergic reactions than other products. The FDA also states that nearly all cosmetics are likely to cause an allergic reaction in certain sensitive people. (Source: FDA)
Dye-free means free from artificial colouring.
Fragrance-free or unscented are interchangeable cosmetic terms that refer to the absence of any discernible smell.
Generic drug is the equivalent of a brand name original drug (e.g. Panadol) that provides similar characteristics, biochemical content, and performance as the brand name drug. A generic drug is usually cheaper than a brand name drug.
Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with "normal" skin, may be led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic cosmetics. The term "hypoallergenic" may have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers on a retail basis, but dermatologists say it has very little meaning. (Source: FDA)
Natural ingredients simply refer to ingredients extracted from natural sources like plants and vegetables. A product may be termed "natural" as long as one of its ingredients is attained through the above method.
Organic means that the product has to be produced solely on organic materials (free from synthetic manipulation) and contain at least 75% of organic ingredients. An organic product should be certified by a regulatory body.
Synthetic colouring indicates the presence of a manmade colouring agent. Always choose products with natural colouring, such as beta carotene which give rise to a natural yellow-orange colour.
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