Clara’s question: I saw a kid’s shampoo called “Oopsy Daisy” on the Today Show. It claimed to be better for babies. Is this true?
The Right Brain’s baby babble:
Oopsy Daisy makes a line of baby products that include shampoos, moisturizers and bubble baths. The shampoo you asked about is called High Chair Hair Care.
High Chair Hair Care
Aside from the cute name, this product is interesting because it’s designed to be used without any additional water. It’s literally meant to be used in a high chair or where ever else you need to do a quick clean up.
How does it work?
The formula is based on decyl glucoside, a mild detergent. It also contains several grapefruit, orange, and vanilla extracts. Here’s what the Oopsy Daisy website has to say about the formula:
Contains no parabens, SLS, DEA, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals or harsh preservatives
Water
Aqua (purified water) is a highly purified UV filtered grade of water. The inclusion of such pure water enables us to use very safe, low levels of antimicrobial ingredients
Decyl polyglucose
Derived from sugar; mild and gentle cleanser.Coco- betaine
Derived from coconut; safe, skin-friendly cleanser for both skin and hair that effectively removes surface oil, dirt and bacteria, without stripping or drying sensitive skinVegetable glycerin
Derived from vegetable oil; humectant, emulsifier and skin softener.Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus grandis)
Derived from grapefruit seeds; slightly anti-bacterial and cleansing.Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
Derived from vanilla bean; provides natural fragrance.Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Derived from the rind of the fruit. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin. It’s detoxifying beautiful citrus floral fragrance ensures your skin and mind will be refreshed.Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
Lavender oil has both aroma therapeutic and skin improving properties. It is useful to alleviate stress and anxiety. Headaches respond well to the application of lavender. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties have a balancing effect on the skin.
Aside from some rather exaggerated claims about the power of these extracts, we have only two minor concerns: First, there’s a possibility that the extracts in the formula could be irritating because citrus extracts are known to contain allergens. Second, Oopsy says they use purified water so they can use less preservatives. In fact, there are NO preservatives listed on their website so we’re left wondering exactly what they’re putting in the formula to keep bugs from growing.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Technically speaking, this product looks like it does what it says it will. It’s a bit pricey at $18.00 per bottle, but if you can afford it for those special clean up occasions it may be worth a try.
What do YOU think? Do you have any favorite ways to clean your kid’s hair without throwing them in the bathtub? Leave a comment and share your tricks with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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Non Ame Says:
Did you look around their website. At the end of the “about” section they have this wonderful little blurb:
“Our products are NOT tear free! The makers of tear free products add a chemical numbing agent to numb your baby’s eyes so they don’t feel the soap burning them. The soap still burns and irritates their eyes, they just aren’t feeling it at the time. Horrible isn’t it?! Take comfort in knowing that we do not take part in this practice. Doing so would undermine the natural character of our products. Our customers feel better knowing that we spare the chemical numbing agent and you should always take care not to get soap into baby’s eyes, even with a tear free product.”
Wow, I don’t even now what to say in the face of that stunning display of ignorance/paranoia.
villanova Says:
Non Ame,
Sadly, Oopsy Daisy are correct - the Polysorbate 20 (a mild, non-ionic surfactant) used in a lot of baby shampoos does have a mild numbing effect on the eyes, preventing the normal irritation - however, it causes no long term harm, and probably prevents baby becoming distressed. I know J&J for one thorooughly test their baby products, and they have been used safely for many years.
Brains, I suspect this has no recognised preservative because the essential oils/ extracts are having some preservative property. Also, there is a lot of publicity about a Grapefruit Seed extract that is purportedly a natural preservative, but its efficacy is actually due to ‘contamination’ with a regular preservative compund - I wonder if this is what Oopsy Daisy are using?
Left Brain Says:
I think they are probably doing the trick of letting their surfactant house add preservative to the raw material and then not listing it on the label. I doubt any company could buy unpreserved decyl polygulcose.
Lauri Says:
I read the blurb on website about how when the seller couldn’t find anything on the market for a quick cleanup — Ok, we’re talking kids young enough to still be in a high chair while you shampoo them? What about a wet washcloth or unscented babywipes?
When my 2 were under 2 (yrs), we got a couple of washcloths really damp before every meal and would wipe their faces (and sometimes hair and bodies) clean. Unless they’re eating grease or glue, whatever it is comes off. And if it’s an extreme mess, bathe them. So you’re out in public or they’re wearing nice clothes…why are you washing a kids hair while they’re wearing nice clothes in public? That’s what babywipes are for.
Non Ame Says:
villanova,
Could you point me towards your sources? I couldn’t find anything that said that.
sophie Says:
Villanova(and non ame, I suppose),
Polysorbate 20 is a detergent and emulsifier that does little other than contributes to texture, like in candles.
That whole numbing business is completely false. The only place you’ll find that lie is on health site selling-you guessed it- “natural” products that don’t contain Polysorbate 20.
villanova Says:
Sophie,
Sorry, you are incorrect - having worked for ICI, who sell polysorbate 20 under the brand name Tween 20, I know there is evidence for its anaestheitc properties. All I could find ont he web was a quote within a shampoo formulation on the website: ” and Tween 20 is chosen for its anti-eye sting properties.” - let me know if you need the location to check, as it’s not a straightforward web address, but a pop-up.
Non Ame Says:
villanova:
Cite or it didn’t happen. But I’m thinking that this argument doesn’t matter anyway, because I haven’t found a baby shampoo that even uses polysorbate 20.
Mary Says:
When my daughter was young and in the highchair I used Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser to wash gunk out of her hair. You can use it without water and just comb the gunk out and then it would dry like nothing was there and we’d be on our way. I took it with me everywhere. It was also a gentle way to clean a rashy bottom. We still use it all the time when we travel.
Lena Says:
I have a baby shampoo that has polysorbate 20 siting right in front of me. It is from Nuskin, named e-poch “Hibiscus Hair and body wash.”
Lena Says:
I’m trying to find out if it is safe. It sounds like polysorbate 20 is totally different than polysorbate 80 which causes infertality in females. (still researching) I’m getting ready for a new grandchild and want to make sure I have safe products. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks!