Are endocrine disruptors in baby lotion absorbed through infant skin?

What's actually in it

Many baby lotions and skincare products are not just simple moisturizers. They often contain plastic additives that are meant to stabilize the product or improve its texture. These chemicals include various plasticizers and additives that are known to act as endocrine disruptors (chemicals that mess with your body's natural hormones).

Because an infant's skin is thin and highly absorbent, these chemicals don't just sit on the surface. They can move through the skin barrier and enter the body. Once inside, they can interfere with the delicate hormonal systems that are still developing during infancy.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Int performed a suspect screening of baby skincare products and identified numerous plastic additives present in these items. This research highlights that these products are a direct source of exposure for infants.

Other research confirms the broader danger of these substances. A 2026 study in Endocrinology notes that endocrine disruptors are a major concern at the fetomaternal interface, meaning they can impact development even before birth. A 2026 study in Turk J Med Sci identifies heavy metals as another class of endocrine disruptors that pose clear risks to metabolic health.

When you apply a product to your baby, you are not just applying moisture. You are potentially exposing them to a mix of chemicals that the latest science links to hormonal disruption.