Chemicals commonly found in Baby Wipes and Ointments:

Chlorine: Skin or Sense Organ Toxicity Hazards: suspected, Respiratory Toxicity Hazards: suspected, may cause burns to skin and mucosa membrane tissue. (use to whiten fibers)

Alcohol – is found in fragrances, nail products, facial and personal care products. Tends to be drying to the skin and strips away the natural protective mantle, leaving your vulnerable to bacteria and toxins. Many types of alcohol are irritating or even toxic, and can cause brown spots on the skin and premature aging. Isopropyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol and Denatured Alcohol are linked with birth defects, allergies, and have been shown to be occupational hazards for workers who are exposed to these every day, and to build up over time in body tissues and in the environment. Benzyl Alcohol in particular can be a skin irritant, causing burning sensation. Stearyl and cetearyl alcohol are waxes and do not have a harmful effect on the skin, and are used in many safe cosmetics.

Parbens (methyl,ethyl,propyl, & butyl): linked to hormone disruption, increase risk of cancers and reproductive toxicity. (used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth)

Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents.  They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure.  In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant – a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply –it prevents things from drying out.  These chemicals have shown to increase risk of many cancers, and are commonly contaminated with  1,4-Dioxane (used as a thickener and skin conditioner).

Petroleum By Products: linked to various cancers due to impurities of  1,4-Dioxane and Coal Tar (used as the workhorse for cosmetics, provides the base of the product)

Phthalates (DEP,DEHP,dibutyl or diethylhexyl): hormone disruption in both boys and girls, infertility, early puberty for girls. (Used as a binding agent for fragrances so they can be absorbed more easily into the skin)

Cocamidopropyl betaine: skin, lung, and eye irritant, commonly causes contact dermatitis, known immune system toxicant. (Used with petroleum products to make products thicker and foamier)

Methylchloroisothiazolinone:  has been associated with allergic reactions. Known human immune system toxicant, human skin toxicant.  Banned in Canada (widely-used preservative)

Methylisothiazolinon: has been associated with allergic reactions. Lab studies on the brain cells of mammals also suggest that methylisothiazolinone may be neurotoxic. Banned in Canada ( widely-used preservative)

Benzalkonium Chloride: Biocide, associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies, benzalkonium chloride is a sensitizer especially dangerous for people with asthma or skin conditions such as eczema. (preservative and surfactant)

Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS)- Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate(SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)– Found in car washes, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners, and said to be present in over 90% of personal care products including baby wipes. SLS breaks down the skin’s moisture barrier, easily penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to easily penetrate. Combined with other chemicals, SLS can become a “nitrosamine”, a potent class of carcinogen. It can also cause hair loss. SLES is sometimes disguised with the labeling “comes from coconut” or “coconut-derived”.

Lanolin Many baby products contain lanolin, a fatty substance obtained from sheep wool and used as a base for cosmetics.  Experts advise against the use of lanolin unless the company guarantees it is pesticide-free.  In surveys done by the Environmental Protection Agency, much of the commercial lanolin used in baby products was found to contain relatively high concentrations of pesticides such as DDT, lindane, and diazinon.  According to the National Research Council, these chemicals are readily absorbed through the baby’s skin.  Each of them can damage the nervous system, and some of them are cancer-causing.

Formaldehyde-based preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate. These preservatives are found in a number of skin care, hair care and personal care products, pain relievers, baby wipes and in nail polish. They release formaldehyde which is carcinogenic and have been linked to cancer, developmental problems, endocrine disruption, allergies, immune system toxicity and more.

Mineral Oil - is used in many skincare products because it is inexpensive. Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin to keep in moisture. It strips the natural oils from your skin so it actually causes chapping, dryness and premature aging. Mineral oil clogs the pores, and does not allow the skin to breathe or to release toxins. Some people who have a bad case of acne find complete relief simply by switching to a non-mineral oil face cream. Any type of mineral oil derivative can contain PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) which are known to cause cancer. Some say that it also interferes with your body’s ability to absorb the fat soluble vitamins. There are so many healthier alternatives to mineral oil.

Fragrance – as in “synthetic fragrance” – not our natural botanically-derived scents, is considered one of the top 5 allergens in the world.  Many people who are sensitive can actually feel a dizzy, sick sensation or experience headaches when they inhale a product with fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, avoid all products with added fragrance. Phtalates can often be hidden in synthetic fragrance.

Answers:


Q: Is it really worth worrying about what ingredients are in your baby wipes and other baby products?

A: Yes!. We support the reduction of harsh chemicals and preservatives in skin care. It is not only better for you and your family, but it is healthier for the earth. Whatever you put on skin is likely to be absorbed into the blood stream with the potential to cause damage over time. Whatever is thrown into the landfill or flushed down your toilet has the potential to accumulate and contaminate water supplies and oceans which can then become concentrated in the food chain.

Manufacturers have taken the easy way out for years by using cheap ingredients to turn a bigger profit and harsh preservatives to ensure a product’s shelf life throughout an increasingly growing supply chain. There is good news though: Consumers like you have been educating themselves and voting for safer and higher quality products with their dollars. The more consumers show their concern by buying safer and more natural products, the more common it will become to see ingredients lists with safer ingredients.

In our case, KindyNews Eco Baby Shop began after communicating with Moms who found a need in the market for safer baby products. When we set out to create them, we insisted that they be made with certain gentler ingredients.  We are fortunate to have found and work with suppliers that listened to our concerns and helped us create our vision.

Navigating the enormous terrain of chemical names is not easy for the average person.  Furthermore, just because you have trouble pronouncing an ingredient, does not mean it is dangerous. A Washington-based organization called Skin Deephas made it easy to calculate your risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances through the personal care products you use for yourself or your baby. Their rating system offers a means of quantifying the risks posed. KindyNews has voluntarily signed their Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and in doing so we have pledged to not only make our products safe, but to provide transparency to consumers. We also submitted laboratory testing results that show that our baby wipes do not contain dioxane 1, 4, formaldehyde, chlorine, or BPAs (bisphenol a). Check them out at: www.safecosmetics.org

Click here to read about some common ingredients you may see in skin care products that may be cause for concern. We recommend avoiding them and we choose never use them in our products, as we believe that there are many safe and natural alternatives. We also recommend that when we consider laboratory studies to always ask how a study was performed (did they use high quantities? Was it performed on an animal? In a petrie dish? Who was funding the study? How many studies have there been and what did they conclude?.

Q: What does “renewable and sustainable” mean?

A. Renewability refers to a plant that has a short regeneration period to full maturation, usually in stark contrast to the material they are replacing. Sustainability refers to resources being replenished at a fast enough rate at which they can be used for consumption. Bamboo is a quintessential renewable and sustainable plant due to the fact that it grows back so quickly and naturally. Furthermore, it is a regenerating plant, which means it does not have to be replanted. This saves on petrol-guzzling tractors.

Q: Is your packaging biodegradable and/or recyclable?

A: Unfortunately the packaging for the baby wipes is not currently biodegradable. In an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible.

Q: Are your baby wipes flushable?

A: Most people are not aware, but there are currently no federal regulations regarding this marketing claim.  In the US, the INDA, the Association for Non Woven Fabrics Industry offers guidelines to determine flushability, but it seems that even the experts are conflicted as to whether any company should be advertising wet wipes as flushable. We have a strong opinion about flushability – We do not encourage anyone to flush anything that doesn’t start to break down like toilet paper in the bowl. Read our detailed opinion and research by clicking the link below.

More Flushability Info: Click Here

Q: Are your baby wipes and bathroom tissue a bio-based material?

A. Yes, these products are made from bio-based bamboo material. So far, we have certified our bamboo baby wipes in the USDA Bioprefered program. We will eventually complete the certification process for our bathroom tissue, as well. The USDA defines bio-based products as those whose main ingredients are from renewable plant, animal, marine, or forestry materials.  Get more info at  www.biopreferred.gov

Q: Are KindyNews Bamboo Wipes compostable?

A: Composting turns degradable materials into useable compost-humus-like material that enriches the soil and returns nutrients to the earth. KindyNews Bamboo Wipes have early on been deemed as compostable in industrial or municipal facilities as opposed to home composting units that do not generate high enough temperature to safely break down human waste. These claims were based on our independent results and by our customers who use well managed facilities with high temperatures.  However, the FTC recently set requirements for compostability certification testing that is a financial burden for many small business like ours. We will keep you updated on our progress with our certification tests. In the meantime, we cannot make claims that they are compostable at industrial or municipal facilities.


Q: Do you test on animals?

A: We have never, nor will we ever test on animals. Furthermore, all of our suppliers must provide documentation stating to the same.  We are certified by Leaping Bunny which is a program providing the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.

Q: How do I find out where KindyNews Bamboo products trees are being planted?

A: Currently KindyNews plants trees for each individual package of baby wipes, each individual diaper rash ointment, and for every 4 rolls of bathroom tissue sold. Our trees are being planted annually in a variety of locations where deforestation has had a major impact. We feel that regions that have suffered tremendous losses due to deforestation are the best place to start. To date we have planted over 47,000 trees in Brazil, Ghana, Burundi and Haiti. We have chosen to plant in these countries for two reasons: rainforest depletion is as high as 90% due to things like widespread logging in the past and overgrazing. And in Burundi, where 57% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, we are planting Moringa, “the miracle tree” which boasts twice the calcium as milk and four times as much Vitamin A as in carrots.

If you would like to plant trees in other regions around the globe, please visit Trees for the Future to learn about their many programs.

Q: Will bamboo production put Panda bears at more risk?

A: NO. The species’ of plant used for processing fiber is a different variety than the ones Pandas consume. Its Latin name is Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens, but is commonly known as Moso bamboo. Deforestation, agricultural encroachment and road-building remain the biggest threats to Panda habitat.

Q: Why did you choose bamboo for your products?

A: Because it’s the best, environmentally-preferable solution for disposable products! We invite you to read our Bamboo page for detailed information about bamboo. Below are the highlights of why we chose it for our products:

• Regenerated cellulose fiber made from bamboo is a bio-based material;
• Bamboo is the fastest growing grass on the planet and can shoot up a yard or more a day making it an endurable natural resource. Bamboo is ready for harvesting in 2-4 years (as opposed to 30+ years for trees);
• Bamboo does not require replanting after harvesting because of its vast root network;
• Bamboo crops do not require significant amounts of water, in fact, rain water is usually sufficient for growth;
• Bamboo generates 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees;
• Replacing disposables with bamboo material can have a major effect on the rate of deforestation of hardwood forests;
• Regenerated-cellulose fiber from bamboo is very soft.

Q: Why do you import your bathroom tissue from China?

A: When we launched the KindyNews EcoBaby Shop, with our first product (bamboo baby liners) there were no Australian suppliers actually willing to supply us with the low quantity we were able to purchase, so we started in China. It is our goal to eventually have our liners manufactured in the Australia. Until then, our products are supplied by a highly reputable manufacturer that complies with environmental standards and fair labour practices in China. 

Q: Do you have other ideas for bamboo products?

A: Yes, we do!  We are constantly researching the possibilities of additional products. Since our goal is to only make the very best, most natural products, we will  continue to develop our product line conscientiously. To learn about upcoming products, sign up for our email newsletter.

Q: Are the baby wipes and liners quality-controlled?

A: Our baby wipes and liners are made at FDA certified facilities where quality control is strictly maintained.  We have also had our baby wipes and bathroom tissue tested at an independent laboratory to demonstrate the absence of formaldehyde, dioxane 1, 4, chlorine, and Bisphenol A’s.

Q: What does KindyNews do to be a “green business”?

A: We try to make as many aspects of our company as environmentally-friendly as possible. Below are some of the ways that we have incorporated these ideals into our business model:

• We plant trees with Trees for the Future for every individual item sold to help stop and reverse deforestation;
• We offset 35 tons of carbon emissions annually by purchasing carbon credits through CarbonFund.org;
• Two out of three of our manufacturing facilities are operating on 100% renewable energy;
• We ship in recycled and/or reclaimed boxes whenever possible;
  
• We reclaim paper and other office supplies to keep them out of the landfill;
• We use environmentally-conscious office practices and supplies;
• We maintain paper-free records as much as possible;
• We carpool whenever possible;
• We operate as much of the business as possible from home offices to reduce travel;
• We make efforts to reclaim our packaging for alternative reuse;
• We aim to educate consumers about environmentally-responsible options and choices;
  
• Because of our efforts to protect the environment, we are very proud to have been certified as a B Corp. Please learn about B Corps  http://bcorporation.net/

          This is just a sample of some of our efforts. We are always open to new ideas on how we can improve.

Q: Does KindyNews EcoBaby Shop want me to review the products?

A: If you are interested in reviewing Bum Boosa® products on your blog or website or other venue, please complete the information form on the Contact Us tab. Unfortunately we are unable to honour all requests for product reviews. To improve the chances of approval, please show that you have a minimum of 1,000 active followers, are very active (and have a solid following) on social media sites, and are willing to link back to our site. Thank you for your interest in our products!


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