is talcum powder safe for babies?

Talc is a mineral used to make talcum powder, is actually in the asbestos family. It’s believed to cause cancer, and it’s in a lot more than just baby powder. According to Preventcancer.com, "Talc is toxic. Talc particles cause tumors in human ovaries and lungs. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer. Talc particles are able to move through the reproductive system and become imbedded in the lining of the ovary. Researchers have found talc particles in ovarian tumors and have found that women with ovarian cancer have used talcum powder in their genital area more frequently than healthy women."

The American Cancer Society believes that there is not an increased risk of lung cancer associated with cosmetic grade talc, which is free of asbestos-like fibers, but does note a recent study that shows a 37% increase in risk of ovarian cancer in women who used talcum powder or feminine deodorant products containing talc.

Talc is most dangerous in powder form, but you may want to avoid it in all forms. When it comes to products that could cause cancer, I always think if it’s something I can live without, it’s just not worth the risk. Read labels and look for talc in everything from deodorant to antacids.

If you have a baby, look for a good range of talc-free baby powders that are available in Little Green Buddies. They are Aromababy's Natural Powder (with Organic Lavender), California Baby Calming Non-Talc Powder and Gaia Natural Baby Powder.

Read "Cancer warning for talcum powder" in The Star.

baby wipes or chemical wipes?

Baby wipes...ideal for 101 cleaning purposes. And they are definitely handy whilst traveling. But are they ideal after all especially for diaper changing? We have to agree that baby wipes have the great abilities to help us to clean and germ free, but the problem is many of them in the markets contain chemicals, preservatives and synthetic ingredients that aren't all together good for your little ones and you too!

What is lurking inside the solution that keeps baby wipes nice and moist? Notice any of these mouthful of chemical cocktaill like propylene glycol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben on the label ingredient? Propylene glycol is used to prevent the drying of the wipes, and is commonly found in industrial antifreeze. It is known to cause skin irritations, deafness, kidney damage and liver problems. If your baby is suffering from eczema, this chemical ingredient can further aggravate the issue. Parabens like methylparaben and butylparaben, on the other hand, can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. These are preservatives used in cosmetics to increase products shelf-life.

On top of that, most of baby wipes are not environmentally friendly as they are made from polyester, which is not biodegradable and clog landfills. If they are flushed, then toxic chemicals leach into the waterways. Baby wipe packaging is predominantly plastic. The plastic tub used for baby wipes packaging is also not biodegradable.

There is always an alternative to these chemical baby wipes. You may consider using our economical and handy non-stinging boo-boo spray California Baby Non-Burning and Calming Diaper Area Wash. Just spray it to moisten a cotton pad to gently clean your baby's delicate skin with each diaper change or spray directly onto skin.

scan ingredients...learn what 'not' to serve your skin

Below is a list of some of the popular toxic skin care ingredients commonly found in many personal care products. When selecting your skin care product, do scan for these 'bad boys' listed on the product's label simply because once these nasties are applied onto our skin, and enter our bloodstream within minutes, we are exposing our health at serious risk!

Artificial Fragrances are petroleum-based, with a multitude of synthetic chemicals. Often labeled as 'parfum', these chemicals can cause headaches, dizziness or nausea.

DEA (Diethanalomine) are used as emulsifiers and frequently found in detergents, shampoos, dishwashing soaps, bubble baths and face cleaners. They are carcinogens that are readily absorbed by the skin into our bodies which can cause severe facial dermatitis.

Mineral Oil petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. It interferes with skin's ability to eliminate harmful toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Although it offers no skin benefits, it is being used extensively in many skincare products such as baby oil because it is unbelievably cheap!

Parabens are chemical preservatives (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl paraben) found in a great number of personal care products (because they are cheap too!). Parabens mimic estrogen, upsetting normal hormone function. May be linked to breast cancer.

Phthalates are found in perfumes and frangranced personal care products., known to be hormone disrupters. They can potentially harm reproductive and hormonal systems. They also exist in deodorants, nail polish, hair care and lotions. They are not listed in label ingredients as they are part of frangrance ingredient. Manufacturers will not list their fragrance ingredients as they are deemed to be their trade secret.

Propylene Glycol is carcinogenic petroleum ingredient used in antifreeze in car radiator. Used in moisturizers, hand sanitizers and shaving creams as a thickening agent. Can also be found in baby wipes. As it reduces skin's natural moisture, propylene glycol can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives and blistering of skin. Also watch out for PEG and PPG.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) commonly found in many soaps, shampoos, detergents and toothpastes. Both chemicals are very effective foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants. Known to cause skin corrosion and sever irritation. It is also common source of children eczema and skin irritation, and when found in toothpaste, it may be related to mouth ulcers.

Synthetic Colors are primarily derived from coal tar whereby coal tar is processed in an environmentally un-friendly industrial manufacturing processes. Over the years, synthetic colorings have been found to be carcinogenic and have the potential to cause nausea, mood swings, headaches and fatigues.

If you decide to look for alternative baby skin care products that are free from these harmful ingredients, you may want to visit Little Green Buddies. There is a wide range of interesting and exciting products in store for for you and your family! Enjoy browsing.

It's a change for the better - Buds Baby...

A big round of applause to Buds Baby. Over the years, Buds Baby has been striving hard to achieve its commitment to being organic. And Buds Baby has indeed kept its promises. First, Buds Natural, then Buds Everyday Organics and now Buds Cherished Organics.

Can't seem to figure out what are the differences between Buds Baby's product differentiation?

Let's take a quick glimpse at their respective ingredient components:
Main Ingredient
Typical High Street Brand : Water
Buds Natural : Water
Buds Organics : Water + Organic Aloe Vera
Buds Cherished Organics : Organic Aloe Vera

Emollients
Typical High Street Brand : Mineral Oil
Buds Natural : Vegetable Oils + Natural Active
Buds Organics : Organic Base Oils + Organic Actives
Buds Cherished Organics : Organic Base Oils + Organic Actives

Emulsifiers
Typical High Street Brand : PEG Emulsifiers
Buds Natural : Plant Emulsifiers
Buds Organics : Plant Emulsifiers
Buds Cherished Organics : Plant Emulsifiers

Fragrances
Typical High Street Brand : Perfume and Fragrances
Buds Natural : Essential Oils
Buds Organics : Organic Essential Oils
Buds Cherished Organics : Organic Essential Oils

Preservatives
Typical High Street Brand : Parabens
Buds Natural : Safe Preservatives
Buds Organics : Safe Preservatives
Buds Cherished Organics : Preservative Free!

Organic Content
Typical High Street Brand : Nil
Buds Natural : Organic content not declared to avoid confusion as Buds Natural not certified organics
Buds Organics : Minimum 20% Organic to meet European standard
Buds Cherished Organics : 82% - 99.9% Organic

Given its genuine commitment being organic, Buds Baby has chosen to be certified by EOCERT. Why ECOCERT? ECOCERT requires that 95% of plant the ingredients must be of certified organic origin. Extremely strict restrictions? Well, Buds Baby has achieved it.And oh! Buds Baby products are earth friendly ie packaging are recyclable and products are biodegradable! Safe for your baby, and safe for the environment too! Well done! That's why Little Green Buddies include Buds Baby Cherished Organics in one of our organic goodies!

Why we love Aromababy

Little Green Buddies is proud to introduce Aromababy as one of the original, the purest and most organic natural baby skincare products in the world. Produced entirely in Australia, Aromababy has a wide range of mild and gentle collection of skincare products specially for both mother and child.

Why Little Green Buddies loves Aromababy?

• Aromababy products are based on formulations which utilise pesticide free certified and/or organic, natural ingredients where possible,
• 100% FREE from articial colors, artificial fragrance, petrochemicals (mineral oil, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol), animal-derived ingredients (lanolin, tallow, collage, elastin),
• 100% FREE from parabens, silicones (dimethicone), talc
• 100% FREE from peanut oil, alcohol, sulphates, synthetically derived vitamins
  

None of Aromababy's finished products has been tested on animals and more importantly, Aromababy chooses not to use ingredients that have been tested on animals. Aromababy is accredited with CCF (Choose Cruelty Free).

Another point worth mentioning is that Aromababy products are environmentally-packed and recyclable!

Kind to our skin, kind too our planet too!