Bath products can contain unsavory chemicals: from skin irritants to more serious substances linked to hormone disruption, even cancer. And such chemicals can be especially harmful to children. Here’s how to ensure your kids are using safe products.

Look beyond labels. The FDA doesn’t require safety testing of personal-care product ingredient. A 2007 Environmental Working Group (EWG) study revealed that children are, on average, exposed to 60 chemicals daily via personal care products; 27 of which have never been assessed by the government for safety. Although a few body-care companies such as Burt’s Bees and Aubrey are pushing for better regulation of terms such as “natural,” an EWG study showed that 35 percent of products labeled “natural” contained artificial chemical preservatives and 80 percent of products described as “gentle,” “soothing,” and “hypoallergenic,” contained ingredients linked to allergies and skin irritation.

Go organic. David Steinman, author of Safe Trip to Eden (Thunder Mouth Press, 2007), has tested dozens of children’s bath products for toxicity and discovered that many mainstream brands contained 1,4-Dioxane–a cancer-causing petrochemical. Because it’s a byproduct, 1,4-Dioxane doesn’t appear in the ingredients. Seek out certified organic products that don’t contain chemical compounds with the “eth” suffix (like sodium laureth sulfate), a red flag for 1,4-Dioxane.

Look for fragrance free. Specific ingredients in fragrance formulas are aren’t required to be listed on a product’s label. A study published in Pediatrics in February 2008 reported that babies are exposed to phthalates–a group of chemicals linked to reproductive problems and often appearing in fragrances–through lotions, shampoos, and powders, even when phthalates aren’t listed in the ingredients.

Do your research. To be sure that the products you choose are safe, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database, which analyzes and rates some 25,000 products for safety. Look up a product already on your shelf or scan their top safe picks by product category. The website also offers a Children’s Product Guide, detailing the most common hazards, such as parabens, a hormone disruptor, and DMDM hydantoin, which can break down into formaldehyde, a cancer-causing agent.

Scale down. Rebecca Sutton, an EWG staff scientist with a PhD in environmental chemistry, suggests simply using less of products. “Being more thoughtful about the number of products you use will automatically reduce the number of ingredients your child is exposed to,” says Sutton. “Harsh soaps dry out the skin so you need to use lotion. Try just using a milder soap instead.” And go easy on the amounts: Generally a small dab of body wash should get the job done.

Natural and safe baby body products:

Aromababy Natural Baby Lotion uses organic avocado, evening primrose, safflower, jojoba and rosehip oils to soothe dry, easily irritated skin. For sensitive sniffers, it’s free from synthetic fragrances as well as aromas from essential oils.

Aubrey Organics Natural Baby & Kids Bath Soap washes gently with a blend of organic coconut, vanilla, and almond oils; aloe vera; and extracts of fennel, chamomile and yarrow.

California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick protects from the sun with zinc oxide, one of the safest ingredients available in sunscreens. This PABA-free, nonchemical, fragrance-free sunblock shields against both UVA and UVB rays.

California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash, cleanses with aloe vera. This organic, fragrance-free formula was designed particularly for children with sensitive skin, allergies, and chemical sensitivities.

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soaps, made with coconut, olive, jojoba, and hemp oils. All the company’s soaps are USDA certified organic. The labels suggest 18 uses, from shampoo and body wash to soaking your dentures.

Earth Tribe Kids Botanical Baby Shampoo & Bath Gel, infused with aloe vera, coconut, avocado, and organic lavender oil. The entire line is free of chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and preservatives.

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