Why we only use naturally sourced ingredients in our products at Itchy Baby Co.

Itchy Baby Co. believes that all people should have an ability to take a proactive approach to their health and their children’s. Globally, people are returning to the natural care ingredients and practices that once were trusted by their mothers and grandmothers, seeking to combine the more natural approach with the healthcare system that surrounds them.

Itchy Baby Co. specialises in developing naturally sourced products that have the best of both worlds. On the one hand, we are using quality naturally-sourced ingredients and on the other, we use modern scientific discipline to ensure reliable product quality, effect and safety.

What does “natural” mean? Why Itchy Baby Co. talks about “naturally sourced”?

Natural means that the ingredient is exactly as it is found in nature. For instance, an apple is natural. You may take a simple production step and the ingredient is still considered “natural”. Leaning on the apple example from before, we can say that apple juice (without any additives) can be considered a natural ingredient. However, if you take a step further by extracting a key ingredient out of the apple juice, you now have a “naturally-sourced ingredient”.

One problem with most natural ingredients is that they might not be potent enough. They can attract bacteria and moulds, or do not have a long shelf life. Itchy Baby Co. designs products to be as close to the natural state as possible, while ensuring products are effective, lasts for a minimum of 2 years, and that prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. We use both “natural” and “naturally-sourced” ingredients, but do not use synthetic/artificial (man-made) ingredients. Hence, our promise to our consumers to provide 100% naturally sourced products.

Artificial synthetic ingredients used in other skincare products

Added chemicals are commonly used in lots of other skincare products in the market as stabalisers. These help the products last longer in shelf life, however, can be harmful to the skin and might be doing quite the opposite of what the bottle says it would. Many added chemicals in skincare have been linked to serious health concerns such as cancer, hormonal imbalances (endocrine disruptors), and respiratory issues - just to name a few.

Some common artificial ingredients:

• Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens - Used to extend shelf life of products. We call them inhibitors of microbial growth as they have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic, which means they mimic and interfere with the natural hormones produced by the body. Parabens have been found in high concentrations in breast cancer tissues. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.
• Petrolatum - A mineral oil jelly which provides false moisturisation to the skin. It drains the vitamins and minerals from your body, promotes sun damage, and encourages with dry, chapped skin conditions. Why do you think you keep having to buy lip balms? Your lips only feel moisturised when it is on but goes back chapped/dry without it... so it's not really doing its job of providing softer lips is it?
• Synthetic Fragrances - One product can have as many as 200 ingredients to obtain a scent. There is no way to know what the chemicals are since labels are usually limited. Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, coughing, vomiting, skin irritation - the list goes on.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Have caused eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, flaky scalp, etc. Why is this nasty chemical still widely used in laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos, bubble baths, and pretty much every sudsing product. 
• Diethanolamine - Known to be toxic to the immune system, an irritant to skin and may form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Think of the variety of different products you use on your skin on a daily basis, from morning to evening skincare routine. Now, think of the different artificial ingredients there are in each product... that's A LOT. Are these ingredients even combining well together or are they causing a negative reaction together?

Added chemicals are technically a shortcut to an easier formulation of skincare, this is why there are plenty of cheap products on the market. Buy cheap, get cheap quality. Make sure to read about the ingredients in future products you buy to ensure you and your family have happy healthy skin!

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from Julia and the Itchy Baby Co. team x.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.