Baby & kids care – INCI ingredient analysis

Products for babies and children cover the same functions as adult cosmetics, from cleansing and moisturising to oral care and sun protection, but are designed and labelled for younger users. Packs usually state the age from which the product is suitable, and many emphasise simple formulas, mild surfactants and fragrance-free options.

Washes and shampoos often rely on mild surfactants such as COCO-GLUCOSIDE, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM COCOAMPHOACETATE or COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE. Creams and balms for the nappy area frequently contain ZINC OXIDE, PANTHENOL, LANOLIN or PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM. Baby oils are usually based on PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM or plant oils, and children's toothpastes declare fluoride sources such as SODIUM FLUORIDE.

EU rules require the safety assessment to give specific consideration to products intended for children under three. Several Annex III and Annex V entries restrict use in this age group, for example SALICYLIC ACID, and talc-based powders for children under three must warn to keep powder away from the nose and mouth. Toothpastes carry fluoride labelling and, depending on content, child-use warnings.