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Baths. Oh behold a bath for a weary parent to soak in on a cold and rainy winters day.... bliss! Kids seem to prefer the more fun kind that involves splashing, toys and squealing however. My daughter had plenty of healing baths the first few years of her life, but they weren't bubble baths and as she got older I couldn't find anything natural enough that I felt confident in. Then we moved to a house with only a shower so she had foot baths and plastic tub baths which was adequate but not optimal, so when we built our home with two rainwater tanks, we made sure to install a bath. Now she's older, our girl would like to have more bubble baths. We're no longer in active gut healing mode but we are still mindful of the impact of cumulative toxins. Anything we put on our skin also gets absorbed into our bloodstream (research shows up to 60 percent) and our skin is our largest organ after all, so we need to be paying attention and taking the time to read and understand labels to ensure we're making an informed decision. I'm not entirely sure of the laws in New Zealand but American websites state that a skincare product can be labelled natural if it contains just 1% naturally derived ingredients which I find really interesting. No fun cartoon character is worth exposing kids to potentially harmful effects given some ingredients appear to have some big question marks, especially if these children have impaired detoxification channels or are dealing with health challenges. Keeping all this mind, off I trotted to the local supermarket to see what was on offer. I can't say I was hugely impressed, although not surprised either. I found the long ingredient lists quite challenging so I took some photos and did a little research to try and understand them better.
This is my take based on basic information and opinions freely available online regarding some of those ingredients I found in the supermarket - it's not a definitive list by any means. My assumption is that all ingredients have been determined "safe" although some still may have question marks. To do your own research, I'd suggest using the EWG database: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): A surfectant often linked to the carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane, the liver struggles to metabolise SLES meaning residual amounts often reside in our organs. Also linked to hormone imbalances, in children it has been linked to eye irritation and poor eye development. A detergent that helps to make bubbles.
Sodium Chloride: Otherwise known as table salt.
Coco/Decyl Glucoside: An ultra-mild cleansing agent that is thought to be environmentally friendly and easily biodegradable.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A surfactant associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Also helps to make bubbles.
Myristamide DIPA/Cocomide DEA: Emulsifier and foaming base. Derived from coconuts. Can trigger allergic reactions in the skin and lungs when used in high concentrations. Even the FDA has raised concerns after a 1998 study condemning their use.
Fragrance/Parfum: Makes it smell *nice*. A synthetic scent that can contribute to skin irritations and possibly even eczema.
Citric Acid: Helps to adjust pH - an alkalinising agent.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone: inhibits bacaterial growth but has also been linked to lung toxicity, allergic reactions and possible neurotoxicity.
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate: An emulsifier. Some seem to think this one is particularly nasty when it comes to allergies, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity issues.
Benzyl Alcohol: A natural ingredient but can also be made in the lab, with concerns around contact allergies and potential dangers with young children.
I already buy many of my household products from iherb so I began investigating there and that's where I found this baby....
INTRODUCING THE AROMASAURUS DETOX AROMATHERAPY BUBBLE BATH FOR CHILDREN!
Contains organic herbs, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.
No Animal Testing. No Artificial Colors. No Synthetic Fragrance.
The ingredients are:
Sodium borate aka borax. A natural substance, mined like salt is, it is also an alkalinising agent. I use it as a shampoo replacement and face scrub and it's becoming known as a natural remedy for a number of health conditions. Boron is a trace mineral and key component of borax, and a necessary nutrient for our bodies, especially when it comes to proper hormone function and a proper calcium/magnesium balance. Can be toxic in very large amounts (as salt can be) so caution around quantities is important.
Sodium bicarbonate. Also known as baking soda. Replenishes electrolytes, helps to soften water, aid in skin healing - it is known for being cleansing, smoothing and neutralising.
Sodium sesquicarbonate. A little stronger than baking soda.
Sodium bicarbonate. Also known as baking soda. Replenishes electrolytes, helps to soften water, aid in skin healing - it is known for being smoothing and neutralising. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. A great alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, this is derived from coconut oil and is a milder, gentler cleanser.
Vegetable Glycerine.
Sunflower and Jojoba Oils.
Essential Oils. Incredibly powerful natural compounds, these are used in small amounts so that they are suitable for most children over 2 years of age.
Organic herbal extract of green tea, dandelion root and burdock with Vitamin E.
As you can see, two cap fulls gave a great amount of bubbles which lasted a long time! I'm super impressed with this product and because of that, I wanted to share our find with you all especially those whose children would love a bubble bath but mum or dad have been *depriving* them because they wanted something they felt was truly as natural as it could be.
Suggestions for Bubble Bath Usage for Kids
I would limit bubble baths to no more than once or twice a week max. In fact, I don't suggest children bathe daily anyway unless absolutely necessary, so if you give them three baths a week (kinda every second day) just make one of them a bubbly one. We don't want to wash away their natural oil/sebum - it plays an important role in a number of ways.
I suggest not giving your infant or toddler a bubble bath and reserve them from the age of 2 onwards, understanding that anything that contains cleansing/emulsifying etc agents can irritate some children's skin. Some may energize and others may be relaxing, so adjust bathing times depending on how your child goes with them. If your child is prone to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) you may want to hold off those bubble baths.
In moderation and using your observation skills, bubble baths can be a fun part of your children's bathtime experience! If you do give this bubble bath a go, please let me know what you - and your kids - think!
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