5 Eczema-Causing Ingredients That May Be Triggering Your Baby's Flare-ups

Zakwan Shah
November 24, 2024
4 min
Childhood eczema can be triggered by so many things: food, weather, temperature, pollution and yes even things like lotions and detergent.

While more young parents these days are more vigilant about using 'green' and 'all-natural' products for their children, these can often be more if not as dangerous as the run-of-the-mill mainstream brands.

When it comes to looking at ingredients, the list doesn't just stop with skincare and toiletries. Anything that your child may be topically exposed to can cause a flare-up especially if they have sensitive skin.

So, what's written on the back of the packaging can be more important than whatever marketing taglines they've printed on the front of the product.

Here are some eczema-causing ingredients and where you're most likely to find them.

Fragrances/Parfum

Fragrances are often added to make the product more appealing to use.

A product is considered fragrance-free if it doesn't use any of the registered natural or synthetic perfumes.

But here's where companies take advantage of labelling loopholes.

Many ingredients have multiple roles in a formulation, depending on their properties.

Rose oil, for instance, is both a moisturiser and a natural fragrance.

Hence, companies can label rose oil as a 'moisturising agent' instead of a 'perfuming agent' in order to get away with using fragrance in their products despite using the 'fragrance-free' label.

So, remember, if a product doesn't list the word 'fragrance' or 'parfum', it doesn't mean it's fragrance-free. This goes for detergents, too.

Here are some common synthetic fragrances you should watch out for:

• Essential plant oils (lavender, orange, tea tree, patchouli, eucalyptus, etc.)


• Balsam of Peru


• Limonene


• Benzyl Alcohol


• Cinnamic aldehyde


• Linalool


• Phenoxyethanol


• Butylphenyl Methylpropional


• Benzaldehyde

This is, of course, just the tip of the iceberg.

If you're unsure about any ingredients, try looking them up on sites like CosDNA.

This allows you to know exactly the function of each ingredient, including if they're being used as a masking fragrance. Just type the product name in the search bar and hit enter.

Surfactants

We bathe our kids everyday with shampoo and body wash.

It keeps the skin clean from grease and impurities, and in most cases, it's avoidable.

Unfortunately, the thing that makes these products work is soap.

Or more precisely, surfactants (Surface Active Agents) which are degreasing chemicals that bind to oil and dirt particles so that they can be easily washed away with water.

They are the main ingredient in detergents and other toiletries like shower gels and shampoos and what makes these products foam up.

While there are technically skin-safe, plant-based surfactants, like lauramine oxide, it all depends on how your kids react.

Here are some common surfactants you should watch out for:

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)


• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)


• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)


• Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)

It's important to note that surfactants (like fragrances) leave residues behind, especially when used as a detergent.

So, even if you've thoroughly rinsed your clothes, there may still be traces of soap (or other chemicals) in the fabric which will then transfer to your child's skin if they come into contact with it.

Preservatives

Preservatives prevent the growth of mold, bacteria and other microorganisms in products.

It keeps things like skincare and cosmetics safe for years and years.

But ironically, the thing that's meant to protect us can also be what does the most harm.

In the case of eczema, some preservatives can actually cause a flare-up.

Here are two preservatives that are known eczema culprits you should try avoiding.

They are used in almost everything including shampoos, cleaning products, cosmetics, dermatological products and even paints:

• Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)


• Methylisothiazolinone

Emollients and Humectants

Emollients are the main 'moisturising agent' in a lotion or cream.

It allows the skin to hold in more water, leading to plumper, smoother skin.

But the idea of moisturisers triggering eczema can be unthinkable for some.

We've been told that anything moisturising and hydrating is great for the skin. Important, even.

But not all moisturising ingredients are created equal.

Propylene glycol, for instance, a common emollient in many diaper creams, have been found to be an allergen and so are lanolin and lanolin derivatives.

Lanolin is a type of wax secreted from the skin of wool-bearing animals like sheep.

It is a known allergen for some people, especially those with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

Here are a list of eczema-causing emollients to watch out for:

• Urea


• Lanolin (hydrous and anhydrous)


• Hydrogenated Lanolin


• Lanolin Alcohol


• Wool Fat


• Wool Wax


• Alcohols (Wool Alcohol)

Alcohols

We're most familiar with this word when talking about adult beverages and hand sanitisers. But they also have a role in skincare.

Of course, when we're talking about alcohols we don't mean fatty alcohols, which are skin-loving emollients.

No, the alcohols we have to worry about are the pure alcohols, like ethanol and methanol.

These are often added to skincare to help products absorb better into the skin or to dilute it, giving it a lightweight texture when applied.

While relatively safe in small amounts, it can be triggering for eczema skin. So, be very careful about using products that contain alcohols.

Keeping Those Flare-Ups at Bay

There are many sources of eczema triggers, always from the places you'd least expect.

But barring natural occurrences like weather, pollen and temperature, its the man-made products you usually have to worry about.

Skincare, toiletries, detergents, sanitisers, and yes, even cosmetics.

You may not be allergic to your make-up, but your baby may be.

The things you apply on your skin can easily transfer to your baby's skin anytime you touch, kiss, hug or pick them up.

So, while you're busy checking to make sure your kids' personal care products are safe, don't forget to do the same for yourself. It may just be the final piece of the puzzle you're missing.

---

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

---

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Motherhood Choice Awards 2022: Sunway Pyramid Wins Best Shopping Mall

Zakwan Shah
October 10, 2022
2 min
When it comes to weekend family activities, a trip to the shopping mall easily falls in the top 5 things to do.

One shopping mall that is loved by mums is none other than Sunway Pyramid, which has recently won Best Shopping Mall in the Motherhood Choice Awards 2022.

Winners of this prestigious distinction are dubbed the best brands in their category—as voted by mums, for mums. Each brand is judged based on 6 criteria: Trustworthiness, Quality, Value, Understanding of Customer Needs, Innovation, and Social Responsibility. These are the pillars of excellence that ensure only the best of the best are qualified for any award.

We had a chat with the folks behind this award-winning mall to better understand their brand and business.

Your One-Stop Centre

Sunway Pyramid is a long-standing veteran in the shopping mall industry, having been around for more than 20 years. At present, they have over 1000 specialty shops catered to your every need.

Some of their categories include: fashion, footwear, skincare, haircare, home and living, health and wellness, entertainment, footwear, toys and hobbies, food and beverage, books and stationery and many more.

There are also promotional events every other month where you can stand to win vouchers, get discounts and even go home with attractive prizes. Not to mention a fun day out with the kids.

More often than not, Sunway Pyramid always has a fun activity or two for the children.

Best Shopping Mall as Voted by Mums

Sunway Pyramid, Malaysia’s first themed shopping and entertainment mall, first opened its doors in 1997.

Since then, it has undergone a magnificent transformation to herald a new shopping kingdom that boasts 4.3 million square feet of retail extravaganza.

They deliver innovations and solutions that are targeted towards mothers such as amenities from their Concierge team.

They also cater to the diverse needs of their customers across the journey and understand that mothers have a unique customer experience in their malls.

Image credit: Sunway Pyramid

In short, Sunway Pyramid delivers above and beyond when it comes to satisfying customer needs: Their amenities include:

• Strollers and tandem strollers


• Fully equipped children's toilets and baby room


• Child diapers


• Nursing scarf


• Bottle warmers


• First aid


• Family parking


• Buggy rides


• Child wrist links


• Children's wheelchairs, etc

When asked about any future plans they have may have, brand spokesperson (), said:

"Shoppers can look forward to more exciting events and stores in the mall when they come to shop with Sunway Pyramid."



Sunway Pyramid has always been a one-stop destination for parents and families.

The shopping mall is diverse, accommodating, and most of all, kid-friendly. Their amenities have earned them this award as much as their diverse shopping services. It's no wonder mums voted them Best Shopping Mall.

"It is a great honour to once again win this award and we are glad that our initiatives have been recognised by mothers in Malaysia." said Brian J. Chong, Manager Marketing (Communications) of Sunway Pyramid.

---

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Motherhood Choice Awards 2022: CARRIE Junior Wins Best Kids Head to Toe

Zakwan Shah
October 10, 2022
2 min
CARRIE Junior, a pioneer in kids' bath products, has bagged the Motherhood Choice Awards 2022 in the Best Kids Head to Toe category. This is thanks to one of their top-selling products, CARRIE Junior Hair and Body Wash.

Winners of this prestigious distinction earn the title of 'Best' in their category—as voted by mums, for mums. Each brand is judged based on 6 criteria: Trustworthiness, Quality, Value, Understanding of Customer Needs, Innovation, and Social Responsibility. These are the pillars of excellence that ensure only the best of the best are qualified for any award.

We interviewed the innovators of the brand to find out what makes their products such an award-winning success.

Bath Time is Always Fun Time with CARRIE Junior

Convenient, nourishing and gentle, CARRIE Junior Hair and Body Wash makes every day hygiene an enjoyable head-to-toe experience.

Literally.

The product combines shampoo and body wash, allowing your kids to use it both on their hair and their body.

All CARRIE Junior products contain Fruito-E+ to provide effective cleansing for kid’s hair and entire body. The natural combination of fruit extracts, Fruito-E+ is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Helping nourish and moisturise kid's delicate hair and skin. The formulation is also paraben-free.

The fruity fresh-smelling kids’ hair & body wash is a joy to use with its unique packaging. Recognisable by Carrie, the brand's signature pink elephant mascot, CARRIE Junior is always a family favourite.

What’s more, there is a Surprise Bubbly Toy in CARRIE Junior Hair & Body Wash 1kg pack, which makes every bath time a fun time.

“Trusted by Parents, Loved by Kids”, the brand strives to provide quality products which encourages good hygiene practice through fun time during bath time—CARRIE time is fun time!

CARRIE Junior: A Brand You Can Trust

CARRIE Junior is a range of children’s toiletries which has been in the market for over 20 years. They are currently the leading baby and kid-specific personal care brand in Malaysia.  “Trusted by Parents, Loved by Kids”, CARRIE Junior strives to provide quality products which encourages good hygiene practice through fun during bath time.

Known for their mascot, Carrie, the lovable pink elephant imaginary friend, and her catchy bath time song, CARRIE Junior is instantly recognisable by kids all around Malaysia.



When asked about any future endeavours they may have planned, Marketing Manager of CARRIE Malaysia, Cherry Foo, shared:

"At CARRIE Junior, we believe that bath time also presents an opportunity for parent-kid bonding moments to be cherished as CARRIE’s Bubbly Toy is sure to provide a fun bath time with your little ones,"

It comes as no surprise that CARRIE Junior has been a family favourite for this long. Their products are loved and trusted by many Malaysian mums and that just shows how much they have maintained their excellence and product quality.

Moreover, kids love them too because they're a convenient bath time accompaniment, a shampoo and body wash all rolled into one.

Marketing Manager of CARRIE Malaysia, Cherry Foo, exclaims in gratitude:

"It is indeed an honour to receive the Best Kids Head to Toe from Motherhood Choice Awards 2022. Thank you for choosing & entrusting us with our kids' needs—bath time is always fun time with CARRIE Junior!"

---

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Motherhood Choice Awards 2022: Baby CARRIE Takes Home Three Awards

Zakwan Shah
October 10, 2022
3 min
Baby CARRIE has won the hearts of Malaysian mothers in the Motherhood Choice Awards 2022 by bagging a total of three awards in the baby bath-time categories: Best Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, Best Baby Moisturiser and Best Baby Oil.

This unprecedented event marks their first win in all three categories.

Winners of these prestigious distinctions earn the title of ‘Best’ in their category—as voted by mums, for mums. The judging process relies on 6 criteria: Trustworthiness, Quality, Value, Understanding of Customer Needs, Innovation, and Social Responsibility. These are the pillars of excellence that ensure only the best of the best are qualified for any award.

We interviewed the innovators of Baby CARRIE to find out what makes their products such an award-winning success.

Baby CARRIE 's three winning products are Baby CARRIE Head to Toe Gentle Wash, Baby CARRIE Baby Oil, and Baby CARRIE Baby Lotion.

All Baby CARRIE products are suitable for newborns, hypoallergenic, tear free and dermatologically tested.

• Baby CARRIE Head to Toe Gentle Wash is enriched with wheat germ oil and rich in vitamin E to protect the skin. It intensively moisturises baby's skin with infused organic almond oil to leave the skin soft and smooth

• Baby CARRIE Baby Lotion is poised on the main feature of being fast absorbing, non-oily & light. It provides up to 48-hours moisturisation for your baby’s delicate skin and is infused with organic oat milk & milk of almonds to further moisturise & protect their delicate skin.

• Baby CARRIE Baby Oil is ideal for baby bonding massage. It soothes & relieves dry skin and locks in baby’s skin moisture. A skin enriching blend of wheat germ oil, almond oil & olive oil helps baby’s skin absorb and retain moisture while protecting the skin.
  

"We saw a gap in the market where organic ingredients in baby products were always sold at an extreme premium. In efforts to bridge the gap, we launched Baby CARRIE to offer the best of both worlds for everyone," said Marketing Manager of CARRIE Malaysia, Cherry Foo.

Baby CARRIE: A Family-Favourite Brand

Baby CARRIE is perfect for newborns' delicate skin with an ultra-gentle formulation containing 100% certified organic and natural plant actives.

"Our vision is to be the brand of choice for mothers who are looking for the right personal care range for their newborn babies," said Marketing Manager of CARRIE Malaysia, Cherry Foo.

Baby CARRIE range contains 100% certified organic plant actives & is specially formulated for newborn babies, even with sensitive skin and is free of harmful ingredients like soaps, phthalates, colourants and parabens.

This ensures that your child is always safe from harmful chemicals.



"We launched the entire range comprising of both toiletry & household products 2 years ago as part of the CARRIE brand architecture and are committed to formulating superior and effective baby products. We believe parents deserve the peace of mind & that newborn babies deserve nothing but the best at an affordable price. The emphasis of safety is our priority for your precious little ones as we carefully select ingredients that are safe and gentle," said Marketing Manager of CARRIE Malaysia, Cherry Foo.

When asked if they have anything lined up for the future, here's what they had to share:

"We are currently in the midst of establishing our brand and hopefully expand our offerings in the near future. Stay tuned!"

Baby CARRIE is truly an exceptional brand in the baby bath product industry. The fact that many mums have been using it for their babies attests to their excellence and trustworthiness.

Their Motherhood Choice Awards distinction is long overdue and definitely a well-earned win.

"We are excited to win the awards and glad to know that mothers trust & love us just as much as the effort we have put into creating the product! Thank you for the continuous support!" said Marketing Manager of CARRIE Malaysia, Cherry Foo.

---

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Breast Cancer Welfare Association: Giving Hope in Darkest Times

Zakwan Shah
October 06, 2022
4 min
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Malaysian women. 1 in 19 women in the country are at risk of developing this deadly disease.

In 2021 alone, Malaysia recorded a whopping 48,639 new cancer cases. It’s fortunate that we have so many online support groups for cancer patients to help victims find the strength to keep fighting.

One such group that has been tirelessly attempting to change these alarming stats is the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA).

Read on to learn more about them and what they do.

BCWA: Breast Cancer Welfare Association

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

True to their name, the BCWA is a non-government organisation dedicated to spreading awareness of breast cancer and providing much needed emotional, material and social support to those affected by the disease.

The organisation was founded in 1986 by medical specialists to provide peer support for women with breast cancer. It is a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and Reach to Recovery International (RRI).

With over 30 years of experience and contribution, BCWA is probably one of the oldest breast cancer support groups in Malaysia. And they are still offering their invaluable services to those in need till this day.

Here are just some of their activities and events.

Community Support

Probably one of BCWA’s most significant and impactful initiatives are their support services. BCWA offers psychosocial and material support for individuals affected by breast cancer and their family members before, during and after treatment.

A Patient Support Team (PST) visits newly diagnosed patients at hospitals, gives support through the phone and social media. They also conduct monthly group therapy sessions.

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

These Services that not only extend to material support (temporary prostheses, loans wigs and sells affordable mastectomy bras) but also to education and mental health.

Health talks, peer counselling, therapy sessions, survival tips and infographics are just some of the ways BCWA spreads awareness.

It’s important to note that despite having the disease, breast cancer patients still require guidance and knowledge on how to navigate their condition.

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

Topics that are often discussed in webinars and online classes include stress management, financial planning, dietary advice, physical fitness and maintaining relationships.

There’s more to fighting cancer than getting treatment.

Survivorship Support

BCWA also organises survivorship programmes often to provide emotional and social support to former breast cancer patients.

Even after being in remission, cancer survivors still have to heal from their treatments and BCWA brings together these strong women so they can move forward hand in hand.

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

These survivorship programs involve rehabilitation, recreation and sports activities. They include therapeutic and educational sessions, dragon boat paddling (Pink Challengers), bowling (Pink Power) and singing (Pink Melody), among others. A good way to bond and share your experience, with all the strength and wisdom of an entire community behind you.

Conversely, survivors are also welcome to share their stories and to volunteer to be peer counsellors. To be a part of therapy and talk sessions. To help current breast cancer patients deal with their condition and offer their insight, advice and wisdom on topics that are truly important.

Public Education and Outreach Programmes

As part of BCWA’s long-term goal of reducing breast cancer fatalities in the country, their second initiative is organising community outreach programmes.

These are primarily conducted by both their nurses and volunteers in an effort to promote awareness of early detection, breast self-examination and timely medical treatment. All important factors that can help reduce the risk of premature death from breast cancer.

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

The nurses conduct clinical breast examinations in BCWA’s mobile clinic, MURNI (Mobile Unit Reaching Nationwide with Information).

Programmes are conducted at villages, community centres, factories, shopping malls, academic institutions and workplaces.

Philanthropic Activities

BCWA also regularly hosts various philanthropic activities to help fund their awareness campaigns and support efforts. Part of the proceeds and donations also go to charitable causes like cancer research.

Being an NGO, this is how BCWA can continue helping others in need.

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

Their recent charity events included a run for charity, a charity golf tournament, a charity bowling competition, a fund raiser high-tea, and a charity dinner to help underprivileged cancer patients.

United Against Breast Cancer

Cancer is an aggressive disease with a high mortality rate. So, victims of this disease need all the help they can get.

But support groups like BCWA play a more important role than just emotional or social support.

Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page

Their outreach programs are instrumental in spreading awareness of breast cancer. Allowing more people to educate themselves on early detection, which can prove life-saving in the long-run.

Early diagnosis equals early treatment and higher chances of recovery. Thus, potentially reducing the number of breast cancer deaths in Malaysia.

You can contact them at 03-7954 0133, via email, join their Facebook group for all their latest updates, events and classes.

Let us do our part in reducing the number of breast cancer casualties in the country and spread word of the amazing work BCWA is doing.

---

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

---

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!