We all know that the largest organ of our body is our skin, which serves as a barrier to protect against allergens and pollution while maintaining internal hydration.

Skin cleansing, one of the basic steps in a skincare routine, involves removing impurities stuck in the pores, including irritants such as infectious microbial species and potential allergens.

There are fewer things more delicate than a newborn’s skin, and it is wise to know that what you apply to it enters your child’s bloodstream. Thus, knowing the ingredients in your child’s personal and skin care products is vital.

As mentioned in our previous skincare guide, an infant’s skin is highly permeable and more easily irritable as they adapt to the new environment outside of their shield that is their mother’s womb.

Through skin cleansing, there are hygiene benefits because washing with water alone is insufficient to remove unwanted surfactants from your newborn’s skin.

Therefore, using the right organic baby skincare products that are natural and high-quality can help strengthen their skin barrier and protect them from falling sick easily.

Here are some of our noteworthy tips for choosing the most suitable gentle baby cleanser for your newborn:

1. Choose Mild yet Effective Baby Cleanser

When shopping for skincare and toiletries, it is often tough to grasp how something mild can be effective. The general assumption is that when something is “mild”, it is watered-down, diluted or not effective.

But that’s not true! Mild does not have anything to do with efficacy. It only means that there are no harsh chemicals used that may disrupt our endocrine (hormone) system.

As an infant’s skin is slightly acidic, you should avoid alkaline washes as they will strip away the natural oils secreted through their pores. Instead, opt for a product with a neutral pH value between 4 to 7, such as amino acids.

The Buds Cherished Organics Precious Newborn Head to Toe Cleanser is a plant-based amino acid and sugar-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and grime off the skin in the gentlest way possible.

It is also high in mineral content as we use Maris Sal (sea salt from the Dead Sea) to remineralise your newborn’s tender skin.

2. Look for 'Soap-Free' and 'Hypoallergenic' Labels

We know what you’re thinking. How can a body wash be soap-free? Everyone assumes that bubbles from our soap clean the dirt away. So, we would lather up as many bubbles as possible whenever we jumped into the shower, thinking that it meant we would be cleaner.

These bubbles or foam are due to a chemical called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which you may have heard numerous times already.

They are commonly used in industrial cleaners such as floor cleaners. Imagine bathing your baby with cleansers containing this skin irritant as an ingredient!

Furthermore, look out for hypoallergenic labels as they denote that a certain product is non-toxic and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Keeping your eyes peeled for these keywords will assist you in finding an authentic organic product that can be safe and trusted.

3. Avoid the Nasties

Shockingly, baby toiletries that should be the safest contain harmful and often carcinogenic ingredients. Familiarise yourselves with ingredients such as SLS, SLES, parabens, DEA, TEA, mineral oils, triclosan, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers and avoid products that contain them.

We urge parents to look for non-toxic and preferably natural ingredients. For example, plant oils have chemical structures that are closer in nature to our skin. They will reduce the long-term harm as they are time-tested remedies.

All the ranges in Buds Organics are free from parabens, phthalates, silicon and other harmful and radical elements. We only use ingredients from Organic Farming as they use no synthetic chemicals such as pesticides and insecticides to repel or kill the pests that feed on the plants.

4. Say No to Dyes, Alcohol and Artificial Fragrance

The presence of dyes and alcohol can cause rashes, redness, trigger eczema flare-ups and lead to respiratory illnesses. Opt out of artificial colouring and alcohol-based substances, and these will not only be a greener choice but a healthier one too.

As for fragrances, it is not necessary to purchase unscented products. However, when a product bears such claims, does it give you the added assurance of the product’s safety? Most chemicals and even plant extracts have a scent.

It is not always a pleasant scent, but there’s still something your olfaction sense can pick up. So, if a product claims to be unscented, has something been added to mask the scent? If so, what has been added and is it safe?

Alternatively, look for natural scents such as organic essential oils and plant extracts. For example, our Buds Everyday Organics Infant range uses Spanish Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas) to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and give a calming and natural fragrance.

5. Ensure the Best Organic Quality

What does a product’s ingredient list mean to you? The accurate and professional approach to ensuring customers have a consistent ingredient name to check is to follow the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system. All ingredients used must be stated in their scientific name.

For example, Jojoba Oil should be listed as ‘Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil’. Buds Organics has an extensive but well-documented list of ingredients labelled on each product, which may seem compact but assures all parents that your baby will be well taken care of.

Another method would be to check for certification because it sets them apart from genuinely organic baby toiletries. Buds Organics has chosen to be ECOCERT certified because of its stringent regulations and audit processes, which we believe will bring out the best organic baby skincare products to all parents.

6. The Power of Prebiotics

Eczema can be caused by genetics, allergens and/or environmental factors. It can be extremely distressing to babies because they are unable to scratch it when it turns itchy. Hence a gentle baby cleanser is paramount to keeping your newborn’s sensitive skin moisturised and clean without irritating it.

Look for active ingredients like prebiotics (Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide) that build up the epidermis. If possible, use a plant amino acid and sugar-derived cleanser like our Buds Super Soothing Hydrating Cleanser.

7. Head-to-Toe Cleansers

Head-to-toe cleansers are perfect for an infant’s use as they are typically formulated to be mild. Babies do not require multiple personal care products with specific functions as their skin has not fully developed. Besides being safe and mild, it is also convenient as a multi-purpose product.

Buds Cherished Organics Happy Baby Head to Toe Cleanser and Buds Everyday Organics Infant Head to Toe Cleanser are our acclaimed baby washes that are ultra-mild and gentle on the skin.

The Buds Cherished Organics Range is even more special as this range of cleansers has pushed the boundaries and tested the self-preserving nature of certain combinations of plant actives. They are proudly preservative-free but do not compromise on the product’s efficacy or shelf-life.

Cherished, precious and treasured, just like each of our children.

In Essence

We at Buds Organics believe organic to be a healthier and more environmentally friendly choice. The absence of synthetic chemicals can only be a good thing.

As newborns come into the harsh world, they require time and loving care in their early years as they slowly develop their defence mechanisms and immunity. Until then, you would want to do your utmost to protect your baby.

By going organic, not only will we leave a better planet for our children, but we can be healthier too! For more information about Buds Organics, visit our website at Buds Organics – Certified Organic Baby, Kids & Mother Skincare.