Baby Cleanser Alert: Study Exposes Unexpected Allergens Despite 'Hypoallergenic' Claims

Despite being marketed as gentle and safe for delicate baby skin, a recent study published in the journal Pediatric Dermatology found that most top-selling baby cleansers contain at least one potential allergen. The research, conducted by a team from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, highlights the need for parents to be vigilant when selecting products for their infants, especially those with sensitive skin or a history of atopic dermatitis.

The study, authored by Sasan D. Noveir, Jayden Galamgam, and Carol E. Cheng, analyzed the 50 best-selling baby cleansers listed on Amazon as of April 11, 2023. Despite claims of being "hypoallergenic" or "allergy-tested," these products often contained multiple allergens, with the study finding no significant difference in allergen content in products with these labels compared to those without them.

Researchers identified common allergens like cocamidopropyl betaine, fragrance, and sodium benzoate in 94% of the cleansers reviewed, with an average of 2.9 allergens per product. At the same time, they discovered a surprising trend: the more marketing claims a product had, the more potential allergens it tended to contain.

However, the study did find some marketing claims to be reliable indicators of fewer allergens. Products with the "National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance" or labeled as "synthetic fragrance-free" were more likely to have fewer allergens. These findings suggest that while many marketing claims do not correlate with allergen content, some certifications can help consumers identify safer options.

The affordability of these products is another concern, as the study noted a negative correlation between the cost of a cleanser and the number of allergens. This suggests that families seeking cost-effective options might face a challenging trade-off between price and gentleness.

Overall, the research team's findings, which are detailed in their article, "Prevalence of potential contact allergens in best-selling baby cleansers," underscore the importance of carefully inspecting ingredient lists. They advise parents and clinicians to consider cleansers with endorsements from the National Eczema Association or other reputable organizations to ensure they choose the safest options for their young children.

For a full understanding of the allergens prevalent in best-selling baby cleansers and the reliability of marketing claims, interested readers can access the original study published in Pediatric Dermatology, and acknowledge the supporting data from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The article on the investigation into baby cleansers has been built with the help of Buoy Health.