01 / FOODFood additives to avoid for children.
Children's relative exposure is higher than adults due to lower body weight and food preferences — a serving of fruit snacks delivers far more Red 40 per kilogram of body weight to a 4-year-old than to an adult.
IngredientTierWhy it matters for kids
Artificial dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1)Candy, cereal, sports drinks, fruit snacks
Avoid
The Southampton study found that mixes of colours like these (Blue 1 wasn’t tested), given with sodium benzoate, increased hyperactive behaviour in children. The EU requires a warning label on six colours, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. The US does not.
Sodium nitrate / sodium nitriteHot dogs, deli meats, bacon, cured sausages
Avoid
Can form nitrosamines — probable carcinogens. Children have higher relative exposure due to body weight.
High-fructose corn syrupSodas, fruit juice drinks, flavoured yogurt
Avoid
Strongly associated with childhood obesity and fatty liver disease. Children's livers are more susceptible to fructose overload.
Aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-KDiet drinks, sugar-free snacks, chewing gum
Caution
Not recommended for children under 2 by most health authorities. May alter gut microbiome composition.
BHA and BHTChips, cereals, preserved snack foods
Caution
Potential endocrine disruptors. Children are more vulnerable during developmental windows.
CarrageenanInfant formula, chocolate milk, yogurt, plant milks
Avoid (infant formula)
EU has banned it in infant formula. Associated with intestinal inflammation in animal studies.
02 / SKINCARESkincare ingredients to avoid for babies & children.
Children's skin is thinner and absorbs more than adult skin — particularly in the first year. The same topical ingredient can deliver a meaningfully higher systemic dose to an infant than to an adult.
IngredientTierWhy it matters for children
Propylparaben, butylparabenLotions, shampoos, wipes, sunscreen
Caution
Banned in the EU in leave-on products for the nappy area of children under 3 (Reg. 1004/2014) and capped elsewhere, as a precaution over weak hormone-like activity. Methyl- and ethylparaben are rated Fair.
Fragrance / parfumMost scented skincare, wipes, shampoos
Avoid
Can hide hundreds of individual chemicals including known sensitisers. Go unscented for babies under 12 months.
Oxybenzone (chemical sunscreen)Many spray and lotion sunscreens
Avoid
Endocrine disruptor. AAP recommends mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide) for children instead.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)Shampoos, body washes, bubble baths
Caution
Strong surfactant that can disrupt the skin barrier. SLES is milder and generally better tolerated.
TalcBaby powder, some pressed powders
Avoid
AAP recommends avoiding talc-based powders for infants entirely due to inhalation risk.
03 / SAFESafe skincare ingredients for children.
These are well-tolerated options backed by paediatric dermatology guidance. When in doubt, fewer ingredients is better — especially for babies under 12 months.
IngredientTierWhy it's safe
Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen)Mineral sunscreens, diaper creams
Beneficial
AAP-recommended. Sits on skin surface rather than absorbing into the bloodstream.
Colloidal oatmealBaby lotions, eczema creams
Beneficial
FDA-approved skin protectant with clinically proven anti-itch and soothing properties.
GlycerinBaby moisturisers, wipes
Beneficial
Gentle humectant with no known concerns. Widely used in paediatric skincare.
Calendula extractBaby skincare
Beneficial
Anti-inflammatory plant extract with a good safety profile for infants.
Aloe vera (fragrance-free)Soothing gels, lotions
Beneficial
Soothing and well-tolerated on children's skin.
04 / VERDICTThe bottom line.
Fragrance-free, dye-free, mineral sunscreen. That covers most of it.
For food: read labels for artificial dyes, nitrites, and HFCS in snacks and processed meats. For skincare: choose fragrance-free, paraben-free, and zinc oxide sunscreen. The bar for infants under 6 months is higher — fewer ingredients means fewer risks.
Always consult your paediatrician or dermatologist for medical decisions about your child's diet or skincare routine.
05 / SOURCESSources.
- McCann et al., The Lancet (2007) — Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton study) — artificial colours with sodium benzoate and hyperactivity.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives — the EU warning label on six food colours (Annex V).
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Sun safety — mineral sunscreens and oxybenzone for children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics — How to choose safer personal care products — talc, fragrance and parabens in children’s products.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014 — the EU limits on parabens in products for children under 3.
- Baker-Smith et al., Pediatrics (2019) — The use of nonnutritive sweeteners in children — sweeteners in children’s diets.
- eCFR — 21 CFR Part 347, skin protectant products — colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant.
