🚫 Beyond Compliance:

The B.Bath Promise
“No” Means — None from our proprietary Sensory Trigger Ban List™

Why We Go Further Than “Legal”
At B.Bath, our Free From Standard isn’t about following regulations — it’s about honoring what developing skin truly needs. While many ingredients pass safety tests for adults, children’s skin tells a different story. It’s thinner, more permeable, and still learning how to protect itself.
We don’t avoid ingredients because they’re trending topics on parenting forums. We avoid them because decades of pediatric research, real-world use, and our understanding of neurodivergent sensitivities have shown us a better way.

Our Science-First Philosophy

Pediatric-Specific Research
What’s safe for adult skin isn’t automatically safe for a 2-year-old’s delicate barrier. We study how ingredients behave on developing skin, not just grown-up skin.

Sensory Comfort for All Children
Many children experience the world more intensely. Our formulas consider texture, scent, and sensation to ensure bath time feels good for neurodiverse and sensitive little ones.

Parent Partnership
Our B.Bath Parent Circle shares real experiences — from eczema flare-ups to sensory preferences — that guide our ingredient decisions beyond what any lab test could reveal.

Global Gold Standard
We exceed safety requirements by harmonizing the strictest standards from the EU, Japan, and Australia. If any major regulatory body questions an ingredient, we listen.

What Earns Its Place in Our Bottles
Instead of asking “What can we get away with?” we ask “What does this child’s skin actually need?”

Plant-Powered Cleansing
Gentle, biodegradable surfactants that clean effectively without stripping natural oils or overwhelming sensitive systems.

Purposeful Botanicals
Cold-pressed oils and dermatologist-approved actives chosen for their proven ability to soothe, protect, and nourish developing skin.

Biomimetic Barriers
Lipids and moisturizers that work with your child’s natural skin barrier, supporting its development rather than disrupting it.

Minimalist by Design
Every ingredient has a job. No fillers, no “nice-to-haves” — just what your child’s skin needs to thrive.

If it’s in our formula, it earned its place. If it’s on our avoid list, it’s because your child deserves the gentlest possible start.

Collapsible content

Sensory Overload Triggers (B.Bath™ Exclusive)

What It Is:
Certain inputs — from strong scents and slick slip agents to high-foam surfactants, flashy colours, and overly smooth textures — can overstimulate developing sensory systems. These “invisible triggers” may feel exciting in the short term but can cause discomfort, distraction, or aversion over time, especially for children with sensitive or neurodiverse processing.
Why It’s Used in Mainstream Skincare:
Many commercial formulas rely on instant sensory impact — rich lather, cooling effects, synthetic slip, or vibrant colours — to create a feeling of performance. While these may look or feel appealing, they often over-activate tactile and olfactory receptors, leading to sensory fatigue or irritation.
Why We Avoid It:
At B.Bath™, we believe care should comfort, not compete with the senses. Overstimulating products can trigger meltdowns, resistance to bath time, or unnecessary skin barrier stress. Our goal is calm compliance, where self-care feels natural, grounding, and joyful.
What We Use Instead:
We replace complex multi-sensory stimulants with low-foam, pH-balanced, and micro-dose single-note fragrances that evoke familiarity without overload. Our emulsifiers are chosen for balanced glide, not excessive slip, and our colour palette stays soft, natural, and light-reflective, supporting visual calm and everyday usability.
Common Sensory Triggers to Watch For:

  • Menthol & Camphor-based “cooling” agents
  • Strong synthetic or multi-botanical fragrances
  • High-slip silicones and PEG-based polymers
  • Overly glossy or neon-hued packaging
  • Heavy foaming surfactants like SLS/SLES

The B.Bath™ Difference:
Every formula and design choice — from texture to tone to bottle finish — is screened for sensory safety. Because how care feels is just as important as how it works.

Microplastics & Copolymers

What it is
Non-biodegradable polymers that act as thickeners, film-formers, or “no-tears” agents.
Why it’s used
Clear gels, stable viscosity, silky slip, hold.
Why we avoid it
Persistence in the body/environment; microplastic pollution.
Instead we use
Xanthan gum, sclerotium gum, hydroxyethylcellulose, lecithin, polyglyceryls.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Polyquaternium-7/10/11/37, VP/VA Copolymer.

Drying Alcohols

What it is
Low-molecular alcohols that evaporate fast and can dehydrate skin.
Why it’s used
Quick-dry feel, penetration enhancement, antimicrobial boos
Why we avoid it
Barrier disruption, dryness, higher sting risk on compromised/infant skin.
Instead we use
Pentylene glycol (plant-based), propanediol, glycerin, betaine.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 4

Animal-Derived Ingredients

What it is
Ingredients sourced from animals (fats, waxes, pigments).
Why it’s used
Occlusion, conditioning, pigment binding.
Why we avoid it
Ethics, allergens (e.g., lanolin), cultural diet preferences; plant options perform
as well or better.
Instead we use
Shea/kokum/murumuru butters; jojoba/argan/oat/squalane; mineral pigments.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Lanolin, Cholesterol (animal), Tallow, Shellac, Carmine (CI75470). (Note: beeswax only in select adult balms and clearly labelled.)

Sulfates (SLS, SLES, ALS)

What it is
High-foaming anionic surfactants.
Why it’s used
Big bubbles, “squeaky clean” feel, low cost.
Why we avoid it
Strips lipids, increases TEWL, can flare eczema.
Instead we use
Glucosides (decyl/coco/lauryl), taurates, isethionates, glutamates.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate.

Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers

What it is
Preservatives that release formaldehyde over time.
Why we avoid it
Linked to cancer, asthma, allergic dermatitis
Instead we use
Sodium levulinate + sodium anisate, glyceryl caprylate, lactobacillus ferment, sodium gluconate (chelator).
Common names (INCI) to watch for
DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, Bronopol.

Mercury & Mercury Compounds

What it is
Historic preservatives and skin-lightening agents (widely restricted/banned).
Why it’s used
Antimicrobial; bleaching claims
Why we avoid it
Neurotoxic; high risk to infants and during pregnancy.
Instead we use
Never used; modern, gentle preservation only.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Mercurous Chloride, Calomel, Thimerosal, Phenylmercuric Acetate.

Cyclic Silicones (D4, D5, D6) & Silicones

What it is
Synthetic slip/film-formers for shine and detangling.
Why it’s used
Instant silkiness, “slip,” frizz control.
Why we avoid it
Bioaccumulation (cyclics), occlusive film trapping sweat/oil; not biodegradable.
Instead we use
Broccoli seed oil, oat lipids, rice bran esters, squalane, light esters.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), Cyclohexasiloxane (D6), Dimethicone, Amodimethicone.

Mineral Oils & Petrolatum

What it is
Petroleum-derived occlusives.
Why it’s used: Cheap, glossy occlusion; barrier feel.
Why we avoid it
Potential PAH contamination; non-breathable film on baby skin.
Instead we use
Sunflower, oat, jojoba, argan, squalane; shea/kokum butters.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Petrolatum, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Paraffin,Microcrystalline Wax.

Chemical Sunscreens

What it is
Organic UV filters that absorb UV (vs. mineral reflect/scatter).
Why it’s used
Clear, light textures; easy high-SPF claims.
Why we avoid it
Endocrine disruption concerns; coral bleaching.
Instead we use
Non-nano Zinc Oxide (mineral) for broad-spectrum protection.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Homosalate,Octocrylene

Synthetic Fragrances & Phthalates

What it is
Undisclosed scent mixes; phthalates used as solvents/fixatives.
Why it’s used
Signature scent, longevity, lower cost.
Why we avoid it
Hidden allergens; possible endocrine issues (phthalates).
Instead we use
IFRA-compliant, phthalate-free fragrance with full transparency; single-note micro-doses for babies; fragrance-free options.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
“Parfum/Fragrance,” Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Benzyl Salicylate, Lilial.

Essential Oils (for babies — micro-dose only)

What it is
Concentrated aromatic plant oils.
Why it’s used
Aromatherapy, masking odours,“natural” claims.
Why we avoid it
Some oils can overstimulate or irritate; risk of sensory overload and reactions
in infants.
Instead we use
If any, a single gentle oil at ≤0.2% (babies), ≤0.5% (kids), ≤1% (teens/adults) —or fragrance-free.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Oil, high-dose
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil.

Parabens

What it is
Preservative family used since the 1950s.
Why it’s used
Effective, inexpensive, long shelf-life.
Why we avoid it
Endocrine disruption concerns; detected in human tissues.
Instead we use
Sodium levulinate + sodium anisate; glyceryl caprylate; lactobacillus ferment; sodium gluconate (chelator).
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Methylparaben,Propylparaben,Butylparaben,Isobutylparaben.

Synthetic Preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate)

What it is
Common “paraben-free” systems.
Why it’s used
Broad antimicrobial coverage, easy processing.
Why we avoid it
Phenoxyethanol — caution under age 3; Benzoate — benzene formation risk
with acids/UV; potential irritation.
Instead we use
Food-grade blends (levulinate/anisate), glyceryl caprylate, lactobacillus ferment; rigorous challenge testing.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate,Benzalkonium Chloride, Chlorphenesin.

PEGs, PPGs & Polysorbates

What it is
Ethoxylated emulsifiers/surfactants made using ethylene oxide.
Why it’s used
Stable emulsions, good rinse-off, easy texture.
Why we avoid it
Potential 1,4-dioxane residues; petrochemical origin.
Instead we use
Olive-derived emulsifiers (cetearyl olivate/sorbitan olivate), polyglyceryls, lecithins.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate-20/60/80, PPG-26-Buteth-26.

Fillers & Synthetic Thickeners

What it is
Petro-derived gel builders and texture stabilizers.
Why it’s used
Clear gels, suspension of actives/pearls, pumpability.
Why we avoid it
Not biodegradable; many are classed as microplastics.
Instead we use
Xanthan, sclerotium, guar, hydroxyethylcellulose.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Carbomer, Acrylates Crosspolymer, VP/VA Copolymer.

Artificial Colors

What it is
Synthetic dyes and lakes used to tint formulae.
Why it’s used
Bright, uniform colour; marketing aesthetics.
Why we avoid it
Unnecessary for babies; potential irritants/hyperactivity links for some dyes.
Instead we use
Mineral clays, mica where appropriate, or no added colour.
Common names (INCI) to watch for
Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Blue 1 (CI 42090), FD&C/Lake dyes.

© B.Bath — Education, not fear. Calm bath times, science-backed care.