Are bisphenol S and bisphenol F in baby products harmful?

What's actually in it

When manufacturers stopped using BPA (bisphenol A) in baby bottles and pacifiers, they often switched to BPS (bisphenol S) and BPF (bisphenol F). These are known as bisphenol analogues: chemicals that share a similar structure to BPA.

These chemicals aren't just sitting in the plastic. They can leak out of products and into your baby's mouth. According to a 2026 study in Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, even traditional BPA continues to migrate from pacifiers into the bodies of infants and toddlers. Because BPS and BPF are chemically similar, they pose the same risk of leaching into your child's food or saliva.

What the research says

Peer-reviewed research confirms that exposure to these chemicals is linked to serious health concerns. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found a connection between exposure to bisphenols and the development of allergic phenotypes in children. This means your baby's environment could be directly impacting their immune system response.

The risks extend to respiratory health as well. A 2026 study in Environ Res looked at fetal exposure to bisphenols and found that these chemicals are linked to a higher risk of respiratory conditions during infancy. Furthermore, a 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol highlights the need for cumulative risk assessments, as we are exposed to these chemicals from many different sources at once, including personal care products and paper goods.

Don't be fooled by labels claiming a product is BPA-free. The science shows that BPS and BPF are not safe replacements.