For surfactants in cleaning products such as shampoos and body washes, it is advisable to prioritize those with low irritation and high mildness. Amino acid-based surfactants, like sodium lauroyl glutamate, are preferred due to their weak acidity, which closely matches the skin's natural pH.pHValued for its mildness and excellent skin compatibility, it has become a preferred choice for children's products. Non-ionic surfactants, such as alkyl polyglucosides, are derived from natural plants and cause minimal irritation to the skin and eyes, making them widely used in children's products as well. In contrast, soap-based and sulfate surfactants, which offer strong cleansing power but may damage the skin barrier, are...SLS, SLES) should be used with caution or avoided.
Regarding preservatives, a preservative system is essential to prevent product spoilage, but it must avoid known highly allergenic or high-risk substances. For instance,MIT/CMITMixture (Methylisothiazolinone)/Methylchloroisothiazolinone is strictly restricted or banned in children's products due to its high sensitization rate. Greater consideration should be given to using relatively safe preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol, or employing novel mild preservation systems like pentanediol and p-hydroxyacetophenone.
Furthermore, providing access to toxicological data and conducting comprehensive safety assessments are crucial steps. Formulators must refer to the stringent requirements for restricted substances in cosmetic regulations across various countries, such as China's *Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics*, and utilize reliable toxicological databases (e.g.,ECHA, CIRConduct safety checks on raw materials. The final products must also pass human skin patch tests and pediatric clinical safety tests to ensure absolute safety. When selecting cosmetics for children, parents should examine the ingredient list and opt for products with simple formulations, free from unnecessary fragrances and colorants, and from reputable brands.