Free Shipping on Orders $125+
How We Choose the Safest Baby Conditioners

How We Choose the Safest Baby Conditioners

by Kevin Fitzgerald in Simple Steps Journal

Your baby’s delicate hair and scalp deserve the safest, most nourishing care. However, many conventional baby conditioners contain harsh chemicals and toxic additives that can cause irritation and long-term health concerns. At Simple Steps Market, we go beyond labels and marketing claims to ensure that only the safest, most natural products make it to our shelves.

Why Conventional Baby Conditioners & Can Be Harmful

❌ Synthetic Fragrances contain undisclosed chemical blends that can trigger skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption.

❌ Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben) are preservatives that disrupt hormones and may contribute to long-term health risks.

❌ Phthalates (commonly found in fragrances) are linked to reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption.

❌ Sulfates (SLS & SLES) strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and further sensitivity.

❌ Carcinogenic Ingredients like Formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), Retinyl Palmitate (may increase skin cancer risk when exposed to sunlight), BHA (a hormone disruptor and potential carcinogen), Propylene Glycol (linked to toxicity), DEA & PEGs (may contain carcinogenic residues), and Polysorbate 80 (a potential toxin) pose potential health risks.

❌ Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative, can cause skin irritation and potential endocrine disruption with prolonged use.

❌ Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Amodimethicone) can create buildup, clog pores, and prevent the absorption of nourishing ingredients.

❌ Harmful Solvents (Toluene) can cause nervous system damage, respiratory issues, and potential toxicity when absorbed through the skin.

❌ Anti-Microbial Agents (Ammonium Quaternary Compounds, Triclosan) may cause skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

❌ Skin Irritants (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate), while effective preservatives, can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions. Sodium benzoate may also form benzene, a carcinogen, when mixed with vitamin C or exposed to heat.

Our Standard: What We Choose Instead

✅ Natural Cleansers & Emulsifiers like coconut-based cleansers and glycerin for gentle washing.

✅ Safe Preservatives like ethylhexylglycerin and radish root ferment filtrate to prevent bacterial growth without irritation.

✅ Natural Oils & Moisturizers like jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to nourish and protect delicate skin.

✅ Fragrance-Free or Naturally Scented Options using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.

✅ Non-Toxic, Baby-Safe Formulations free from endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and harmful chemicals.

Your baby deserves a conditioner that is as pure and gentle as they are. By choosing safe, natural products, you’re ensuring the best care for your little one’s sensitive skin and hair.

Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

How We Choose the Safest White Noise Machines

How We Choose the Safest White Noise Machines

A white noise machine can be a game-changer for your baby’s sleep routine—but not all of them are created with your baby’s health in mind. At Simple Steps Market, we go beyond the soothing sounds and focus on what truly matters: low EMF, no synthetic audio, and safe, non-toxic operation. That’s why we only carry white noise machines that meet our strict, baby-safe standards. Our Listing Requirements To be featured on Simple Steps Market, a white noise machine must be: Free of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity Battery-powered or USB chargeable (not reliant on being plugged into the wall during use) Naturally generated white noise (no synthetic sound recordings) Why Conventional White Noise Machines Can Be Harmful Many white noise machines on the market today come packed with tech features—Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, app controls—that might sound convenient, but come with a hidden cost: constant EMF radiation. This type of radiation is a growing concern, especially around developing infants who are more sensitive to environmental exposures. On top of that, most machines use short, digitally looped recordings of rain, ocean, or static. These synthetic sounds may seem calming at first, but over time they can be jarring, repetitive, and even disruptive to deep sleep cycles. And when these machines are plugged into the wall, they not only increase EMF exposure but may also heat up, especially if made from low-grade plastic—adding the risk of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) being released into the nursery. Why Our Standards Matter Low EMF Environment: By removing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wall plug usage, we significantly lower your baby’s exposure to unnecessary electromagnetic fields. Naturally-Generated White Noise: Our machines create soothing sound using mechanical parts (like a small fan), not a digital recording—giving your baby the benefits of consistent, organic noise that mimics real-world environments. Safe for Baby, Simple for Parents: No apps, no tech headaches—just a calm, consistent sound that helps your baby rest better. Sleep is sacred, especially in the early years. At Simple Steps Market, we’re here to help you create a safe and nourishing sleep environment—without compromising on peace of mind. Explore our curated collection of white noise machines that are simple, safe, and effective—just like everything else we list.

Learn more
What’s in Your Baby’s Crib? The Toxic Truth & What to Look For Instead

What’s in Your Baby’s Crib? The Toxic Truth & What to Look For Instead

Your baby’s crib should be the safest place in your home — a peaceful spot for rest, growth, and development. But here’s the reality: most cribs on the market today are made with toxic glues, synthetic finishes, and questionable materials that can off-gas harmful chemicals right into your baby’s sleep space. At Simple Steps Market, we only offer cribs that meet the highest non-toxic standards — because your baby’s health, sleep, and long-term development depend on it. Here’s our crib checklist — and why each standard is non-negotiable. ✅ Real, Solid Wood (No Particleboard or MDF) Why it matters: Many cribs are made with MDF or particleboard, which contain synthetic adhesives and are prone to off-gassing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. We only carry cribs made from real, solid wood — like maple, oak, or beech — that are durable, natural, and safe. ✅ Glue-Free or Naturally Assembled Why it matters: Conventional cribs often use toxic glues that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air, especially in warm environments. We prioritize cribs that are mechanically assembled (screws, bolts, or natural joinery) to eliminate harmful adhesives completely. ✅ Formaldehyde-Free Why it matters: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be found in glues, finishes, and composite woods. Even “low-formaldehyde” cribs can still off-gas this chemical. We require our cribs to be 100% formaldehyde-free — so you can breathe easy (literally). ✅ Low-VOC or VOC-Free Paints & Finishes Why it matters: Standard crib paints and finishes often contain VOCs, which can contribute to asthma, allergies, hormone disruption, and long-term health risks. We only allow low-VOC or VOC-free finishes that are water-based, food-grade, and safe for babies who love to chew and explore. ✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified Why it matters: This certification is one of the most trusted in the non-toxic world. It means the crib has been independently tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and meets strict standards for indoor air quality — making it safer for babies, especially those with allergies or sensitivities. ❌ Not Made in Asia (Due to Lead Contamination Risks) Why we avoid it: Studies have shown that lead contamination is more common in furniture manufactured in certain parts of Asia, due to poor quality control and the continued use of lead-based paints and finishes. At Simple Steps, we only carry cribs made in the USA, Canada, or Europe, where stricter regulations are in place and quality is more transparent. ✅ Non-Toxic Teething Rails or Finishes Why it matters: Let’s be honest — babies chew on everything. That’s why we look for cribs with natural wood rails or certified non-toxic finishes that are safe if (and when) your baby bites them. Final Thoughts Your baby spends 12–16 hours a day sleeping — and their developing brain and lungs are especially vulnerable to airborne chemicals. That’s why we created this strict crib standard — so you never have to question what your child is breathing in while they rest. At Simple Steps Market, every crib we carry is: ✅ Made from real, solid wood ✅ Free from formaldehyde, glues, and high-VOC paints ✅ Certified non-toxic with GREENGUARD Gold (or better)✅ Sourced from trusted manufacturers with clean, transparent practices Simple ingredients. Simple materials. Safer sleep. Shop our curated selection of cribs.

Learn more
Why We Only List Certified Organic Cotton Baby Clothing

Why We Only List Certified Organic Cotton Baby Clothing

Your baby’s skin is delicate—it’s thinner, more absorbent, and more sensitive than an adult’s. That’s why at Simple Steps Market, we only list baby clothing made with certified organic cotton. When it comes to what touches your baby’s skin all day (and night), every fiber matters. Why Conventional Baby Clothing Can Be Toxic Most conventional baby clothing is made with cotton, but what many parents don’t realize is that conventional cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. These pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides don’t always wash out during manufacturing—and that means your baby could be exposed to toxic residue every time they wear a onesie or pair of pajamas. On top of that, conventional baby clothes are often treated with chemical dyes, synthetic finishes, and flame retardants, all of which can irritate sensitive skin or even disrupt hormone function over time. Some brands also use formaldehyde to prevent wrinkling or shrinkage—yes, the same chemical used in embalming. Why Certified Organic Cotton Matters At Simple Steps Market, we only carry clothing made from certified organic cotton, grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, GMOs, or toxic fertilizers. But it’s not just about the cotton itself—certification matters. We look for third-party certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX to ensure the entire process—from farm to finished garment—is clean and non-toxic. Here’s why that’s so important: Safer for your baby’s skin: Organic cotton is softer, more breathable, and less likely to cause rashes or irritation. No hidden chemicals: Certified organic cotton clothing avoids harmful dyes, finishes, and flame retardants. Better for the planet: Organic farming uses less water, promotes healthy soil, and protects farmers from toxic exposure. When we say we’ve done the research for you, we mean it. We only list clothing that we’d confidently put on our own children—because you deserve to shop with peace of mind. Explore our curated selection of non-toxic, certified organic cotton baby clothes—because your baby’s first wardrobe should be as pure as they are.

Learn more