How makeup on babies can trigger allergies and disrupt hormones

India Today

4 days ago

Dabbing perfume on a baby, painting their tiny nails with polish containing formaldehyde or dusting blush onto their cheeks for a photoshoot, might sound like innocent acts in the age of social media, but such practices are actually far from safe.From kajal applied to eyelids to mehendi drawn on tiny hands, cosmetic use on babies and toddlers is increasingly common. In fact, you type 'child makeup influencers' and you're bound to get dozens of Instagram Reels showcasing young girls doing the multi-step skincare routine or picking up a large eyeshadow kit and applying loads of glitter dust on their eyelids and cheeks.advertisementWhat does science say when it comes to applying cosmetic products? Infant skin is fundamentally different from adult skin, it's thinner, more permeable, and still in development. This makes it more susceptible to irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health risks, including hormonal disruption.
Newborns have the same number of skin layers as adults, but those layers are up to 30% thinner. This means chemicals from cosmetics can more easily pass through the skin and into deeper tissues or the bloodstream.According to Adam Taylor, an expert in anatomy at Lancaster University, baby skin also contains more water and less sebum, the natural oil that acts as a protective barrier. This increases vulnerability to dryness and irritation, especially when exposed to products not specifically designed for infant skin, he wrote in The Conversation recently.New Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj cautioned, 'You cannot use kajal, it needs to be very genuine and authentic. Many over-the-counter products may contain harmful additives or chemicals not suitable for a baby's delicate eyes and skin," advising against casual use of traditional or cosmetic formulations on babies.Some skincare ingredients are likely to harm health by disrupting hormones or causing allergies. Alkylphenols, triclosan, and BPA can affect hormone activity, while cyclosiloxanes may build up in the body. Ethanolamines can form potentially harmful compounds, and parabens mimic estrogen. Phthalates are linked to reproductive issues, especially in children, and benzophenone in sunscreens may trigger allergic reactions and hormonal changes.Adding to the issue is the increasing presence of children's makeup and body products in the market. These include everything from body glitter and face paint to lipstick, nail polish, hair gel, and perfume.A 2023 study published in Environmental Research and Public Health by Columbia University researchers highlights this growing trend and the accompanying risks. These items are often designed with bright colours and cartoon characters to appeal to children, and marketed through social media platforms that even young users frequent.Cosmetics can contain multiple allergens, including fragrance compounds, lanolin (wool alcohol), preservatives, and hair dye chemicals. Even products labelled 'natural' or 'herbal' are not automatically safe. In fact, allergic contact dermatitis is a well-documented reaction to many of these substances.advertisementColumbia researchers found that most children in the US use makeup and body products that may contain carcinogenic and other toxic chemicals. Many cosmetic products for children contain heavy metals and other toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer, neurodevelopmental harm, and other serious and irreversible health effects.The bottom line is that the skin of infants and toddlers is not equipped to handle cosmetic products meant for adults—or even for older children. As the wellness industry continues to push boundaries, experts urge parents to prioritise safety and long-term health over short-term aesthetics or trends.- Ends