Ingredients we will never use and why

Why at Roo Organics we say “no thanks” to certain ingredients — because baby skin deserves better.

As pediatricians, we’ve spent years in tubs of trial creams, soothing visits for irritated babies, and patch-testing dozens of formulations. Along the way, we identified a clear and consistent pattern: the same ingredients kept turning up in products marketed to babies - even those labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin” and yet the irritation, flaring, and frustration kept happening.

When we launched Roo Organics, we set a hard line: we will never include a set of ingredients we believe pose risk, even to healthy baby skin, and especially to eczema-prone, sensitive little ones. Below is our “No-Go” list along with the why behind each one.

Here are the ingredients we will never use in our formulas — and why we believe it’s critical to avoid them.

Mineral Oil / Petrolatum

Why we avoid it: Although petrolatum is occlusive (and sometimes helpful), mineral oil derivatives may clog pores and can carry potential contaminants.

Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)

Why we avoid it: Sulfates can be skin irritants and may exacerbate dryness and eczema flares.

Parabens

Why we avoid it: Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors, and though the data may be evolving, we take a conservative stance.

Phthalates

Why we avoid it: Phthalates are used as plasticizers and fragrance stabilizers; some are hormone-disruptors.

Oxybenzone

Why we avoid it: While often used in sunscreens, oxybenzone is a known hormone disruptor and coral-reef toxin.

Synthetic Fragrance / “Fragrance” (Undisclosed)

Why we avoid it: Fragrances are one of the top triggers of allergic contact-dermatitis in infants. “Fragrance” often hides dozens of chemicals (including phthalates).

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol Compounds)

Why we avoid it: PEGs may contain or lead to impurities (e.g., 1,4-dioxane), and they can compromise the skin barrier in compromised skin.

Formaldehyde Releasers (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea)

Why we avoid it: These compounds slowly release formaldehyde, which is a known skin irritant and potential carcinogen with frequent allergic reactions.

Talc

Why we avoid it: Talc has been linked to contamination concerns (e.g., asbestos trace) and is not ideal for ultra-sensitive infant skin.

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Ester)

Why we avoid it: On sun-exposed or compromised skin, retinyl palmitate can oxidize and generate reactive compounds; babies’ skin may be more vulnerable.

Dyes / Colorants

Why we avoid it: Dyes are unnecessary, purely aesthetic, and may trigger sensitivity, especially in baby/eczema skin.

Propylene Glycol

Why we avoid it: Although commonly used, propylene glycol can irritate sensitive skin and is not ideal for compromised baby skin.