Let’s Chat Ingredients: Protecting Our Families from Hidden Dangers

As moms, one of the most important things we do is nurture and protect our children. From the food we place on the table to the products we use on their skin, every choice matters. But here’s the hard truth—so many everyday items, even the ones marketed to families and babies, contain ingredients that can be harmful.

This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about awareness. God entrusted us with these precious lives, and part of our role is to steward their health with wisdom. Today, let’s chat about some common ingredients you’ll often find in food, skincare, cleaning products, and even baby items—and why they matter.

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Ingredients to Watch Out For

1. Formaldehyde

Used in some baby shampoos, lotions, and furniture finishes. It’s a known carcinogen that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and long-term health concerns.

2. Polysorbate 80

An emulsifier found in vaccines, cosmetics, and processed foods. It may increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and has been linked to developmental concerns in animal studies.

3. Sucralose (Splenda)

An artificial sweetener found in drinks, yogurts, and “sugar-free” snacks. It can alter gut microbiome balance and has been shown to affect insulin response. For kids, gut health is everything—it’s the foundation of immunity and development.

4. Aluminum Hydroxide

Used as an additive in vaccines, antacids, and cosmetics. Concerns exist around its link to neurotoxicity and accumulation in the brain, especially in developing children.

5. Artificial Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.)

Found in candies, cereals, and drinks. Linked to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and allergic reactions. Many countries restrict them—but not the U.S.

6. 2-Phenoxyethanol

A preservative in lotions, wipes, and creams. It can cause skin and lung irritation, and the FDA has issued warnings about its use in infant products.

7. Gums (Xanthan, Guar, etc.)

Used as thickeners in “health” foods and baby formulas. They can cause digestive upset, bloating, and discomfort in sensitive guts.

8. Ethanol (Alcohol)

Present in hand sanitizers, mouthwashes, and medicines. Children absorb it more quickly than adults, and it can be toxic in even small amounts.

9. “Fragrance” or “Parfum”

This one sounds harmless, but it’s a cocktail of hidden chemicals, often including phthalates. Linked to hormone disruption, allergies, and asthma.

10. Polyethyleneimine Ethoxylate (PEI)

A surfactant sometimes used in cleaners and personal care products. Known as an irritant and environmentally toxic.

11. Phthalates

Common in plastics, toys, and perfumes. Strongly linked to endocrine disruption, fertility issues, and developmental delays. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable since they put everything in their mouths.

12. Parabens

Preservatives in shampoos, lotions, and makeup. They mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormone balance.

13. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

A preservative in processed foods and cosmetics. Classified as a possible human carcinogen.

14. BPA (Bisphenol-A)

Found in plastic bottles, food cans, and receipts. BPA disrupts hormones and is especially harmful for brain development in children.

15. Glyphosate

The active ingredient in Roundup, widely sprayed on crops. Linked to gut issues, cancer, and neurological problems. Residues are found in many processed foods.

16. Chlorine

Used in water treatment and cleaning products. Can irritate skin, lungs, and disrupt thyroid function.

17. Petroleum

In baby oils, lotions, and lip balms. It clogs pores and can contain carcinogenic contaminants.

18. Talc

Found in baby powders and cosmetics. Linked to ovarian cancer and lung issues.

19. Artificial Flavors

Chemically created flavors with little to no regulation. They can trigger allergic reactions and affect brain chemistry in children.

20. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

While research is ongoing, many GMOs are sprayed with high levels of herbicides like glyphosate. This adds another layer of toxin exposure.

21. Endocrine Disruptors (Catch-All)

This includes many of the above (like phthalates, parabens, BPA). They interfere with hormone systems, impacting growth, development, and even fertility.

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What Can We Do as Moms?

It’s overwhelming at first—but small swaps add up:

Read ingredient labels carefully.

Choose products with simple, recognizable ingredients.

Look for certifications like “organic,” “fragrance-free,” and “BPA-free.”

Use natural alternatives—vinegar and baking soda clean beautifully, and coconut oil works as a moisturizer.

Support companies that value transparency and clean ingredients.


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A Final Word of Encouragement

We can’t live in a bubble or avoid every single toxin—but we can make intentional choices that reduce our families’ exposure. God doesn’t call us to perfection, but to stewardship. Each swap you make is a step toward giving your babies and kids a healthier, safer future.

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

Let’s raise this next generation strong, healthy, and thriving.