Why you should buy clean, organic skincare products for your baby – and yourself

Skin, the body’s largest organ, is the first line of defense against external aggressions. But this protective barrier is also sensitive, fragile, and vulnerable to the harsh chemicals found in products like lotions, shampoos, and sunscreens, especially where babies and children are concerned. Our little ones deserve the best care, and so do we!

Non-toxic care for all

This is the commitment behind Green Beaver, a Canadian company founded in Ontario by parents-to-be Karen Clark and Alain Ménard – two biochemists who are partners in life and business – who were appalled by the toxic ingredients found in children’s hygiene products. Something had to be done, and they decided to leverage their background to make a difference. Karen quit her job to start working on an all-natural alternative, and Alain followed in her steps. They welcomed their son Joshua in 2001 and, soon after that, the Green Beaver company was born. 

Their mission from the start was to provide families with healthy, organic, 100%-natural skincare, hair, and cleaning products that are good for them and good for the environment. And because the founders believe that everyone should be able to afford their products, every item is fairly priced – and worth every penny.

The gentle touch 

Everything that goes on our little one’s delicate skin – which is 30% thinner than ours – matters. That’s why the Green Beaver scientists have been researching and testing ingredients sourced from nature to create a line of skin-soothing baby products with the highest safety standards. A special organic process was developed by the in-house lab to extract the wholesome components from plants, which are locally sourced when possible. Canadian sunflower oil, for instance, is extensively used across the brand’s product lines for kids and grown-ups. Rich in vitamin E, this powerful antioxidant improves skin health and glow, and is quickly absorbed. Used daily, it even helps the skin build a better barrier against sun damage – but don’t forget the sunscreen! 

Other Green Beaver favorites that are especially beneficial for children include the following :

Chamomile flowers. The daisy-like blossoms are renowned for their calming and soothing properties. They relieve irritations and inflammations and help the skin develop their natural defenses.

Lavender. This aromatic plant has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and its light scent works wonders to calm and relax your little one. Ideal for bath time before bedtime!

Avocado oil. This extra-nourishing and silky oil is extracted from the fruit’s pit. It is packed with vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Aloe vera. This gel-like substance is found in the leaves of the aloe plant. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, it is a key ingredient for deeply soothing body lotions.

Beeswax. Derived from organic honeycombs, this substance creates a natural barrier that helps the skin maintain a healthy moisture balance. An essential ingredient in diaper balm and baby sunscreens.

A good piece of advice: When you shop for skincare products, read the ingredient list! Shorter is almost always better, and if anything sounds unfamiliar (or sci-fi related), there is a good chance that it does not come from Mother Nature and may be harmful for your family and the environment.

Less is more

Bath time is a lovely bonding ritual. That said, doctors do not recommend a daily wash – except for the diaper area, which needs a regular and thorough cleaning – since excessive exposure to soap can be irritating. You can skip a day occasionally or simply soak baby in warm water before bedtime on the “off” days to take advantage of the calming effect. Avoid using harsh soaps containing dyes, perfumes and additives, look for high-quality, organic, natural formulas, and use them sparingly. 

When choosing products, stick to the basics – baby’s skin will thank you! You will need a gentle, non-irritant tear-free body wash and shampoo combo, a soothing body lotion and a calming diaper cream to help create a protective barrier. To minimize irritations, let baby’s bum “breathe” once in a while. And never use talcum, since the tiny particles can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. 

Another must-have for little ones (six months and older – check with your MD or pediatrician) is top-quality sun protection. Avoid chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin, and opt instead for a natural mineral sunscreen. Its active ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) “sit” on the skin and provide an effective barrier against damaging UVs. 

Regarding oral hygiene, what you put in your child’s mouth is really important! When the first teeth appear, you should consider using an organic toothpaste that does not contain parabens or aggressive foaming agents. And since it makes sense to start good habits at a young age, you might want to opt for eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes rather than plastic ones that will end in landfills.

All natural, all good

All Green Beaver products are 100% natural and certified organic. The formulas are GMO- and cruelty-free, as well as vegan-friendly, except for the organic beeswax used in the diaper balm, the baby sunscreen and the lip balms (for the grown-ups). No worries: This local wonder is sourced from trusted Ontario neighbours Dan and Nina from the Hockley Valley Farm! And because safety is of the utmost importance, every item, except the eye makeup remover, is also nut-free.

Founders Karen Clark and Alain Ménard believe that a simple, healthy lifestyle is good for our families and good for the planet. Working exclusively with organic products encourages more farmers to adopt healthy practices. Using locally grown ingredients when possible reduces transportation-related carbon emissions. And sourcing or developing innovative recyclable packaging helps reduce waste. They also believe that we all have the power to build a more sustainable world by choosing what we buy, eat and use. Every day.

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