Sulfates (SLS, SLES, ALES)

These harsh foaming agents can end up stripping hair of natural oils, leading to scalp irritation, hair dryness, frizz, damage and then… more tangles!

Our products are sulfate-free and carefully formulated with mild and gentle, coconut-derived cleansers that gently cleanse, provide deep hydration and soothe the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.

Silicones

Silicones are commonly included in haircare as a cheap way to fake smoother-feeling hair. The problem with coating the hair in silicones is that it builds up on the scalp and strands over time, trapping in dirt and blocking moisture, often leading to dull, lifeless, brittle hair. Not ideal for young, growing locks! Some silicones have also demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties.

Our Lil Smoothie® Conditioner and Detangling Spray smooths hair naturally, with ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Shea Butter, Wheat Protein, Argan Oil and Coconut Extracts. No silicones needed!

Parabens

These preservatives are cheap and effective, but they’ve also been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues and breast cancer – Something we’d simply rather leave out of products that are made for children.

Phthalates

Often found in synthetic fragrances, hidden under the umbrella term “parfum”, phthalates are linked to hormone disruption, liver, kidney, and reproductive harm and allergic reactions.


Remember: if a product smells strong and lingers, it might be due to hidden phthalates. Our scent? Ultra mild, 100% natural and free from phthalates and allergens.

Petrolatum

This petroleum-derived ingredient forms a barrier on the hair and scalp that traps heat and bacteria, clogs pores, and can worsen dry skin and eczema. It’s hard to wash out, leaving a sticky residue and buildup which can clog hair follicles or pores on a child's scalp, interfere with hair growth, and — with long-term use, lead to greasiness, dullness and scalp irritation.

Mineral Oil

Like petrolatum, mineral oils coat the hair but can block moisture from penetrating and can irritate sensitive skin. In addition, its derivation from crude oil raises concerns about environmental impact — its low biodegradability and potential for toxicity can lead to pollution of soil and water, impacting ecosystems and wildlife. Our preferred choices are Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, which offer similar benefits, without the potential drawbacks of mineral oils and petrolatum.

Propylene Glycol

Used to retain moisture, this ingredient can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in sensitive users.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)

These are used to make products feel silky or creamy to the touch, but during manufacturing they can become contaminated with carcinogens like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Whilst processes are improving to reduce these risks, we disagree that haircare products need to feel a certain way to do their job. Our choice is to leave out additives like this one — and produce haircare that comes without the associated risks altogether, and just feels slightly different to the touch than others!

Harsh Soaps

High pH or alkaline soaps used in many adult shampoo brands can disrupt the natural skin barrier in children, leading to dryness, irritation, and an increased risk of skin infections. As children's skin has a higher pH than adult skin, we choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers are formulated to match the skin's natural pH, helping to maintain the skin's natural barrier and prevent dryness and irritation. 

Phenoxyethanol

This synthetic preservative is known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions — especially on delicate skin. It’s also been linked to hormone disruption and central nervous system damage in children, and is banned in the EU and US above levels of 1%. But we don’t think even 1% is okay for kids’ products!

Instead, we use rigorously tested preservatives that meet COSMOS standards (the global gold standard for safe, natural formulations).

Essential Oils

Although natural, essential oils can irritate skin, trigger allergies, and many aren’t recommended for kids under 12 — especially in products meant for regular use. At Bloom Squad®, we don’t believe in compromising skin for scent, which is why we formulate without essential oils.

Artificial Colours

Synthetic dyes are commonly derived from petroleum or coal tar, and can be contaminated with heavy metals. These ingredients can cause skin sensitivity, allergic reactions and even have links to cancer.

Our view? While the occasional coloured hairspray or hair glitter may be fun, kids just don’t need artificial colourants in their everyday self-care products.

Synthetic Fragrances

AKA: “Parfum” — the mystery mix.

The word “fragrance” or “parfum” often hides dozens (even hundreds) of chemical ingredients, including phthalates, allergens, hormone disruptors and skin sensitisers. These mystery blends are protected under trade secret laws, meaning brands don’t have to disclose what’s inside.

So what’s that lovely smell, you ask? At Bloom Squad®, we use a 100% natural, allergen-free, phthalate-free vanilla smoothie scent, specially formulated to be non-sensitising and gentle for sensitive skin. No synthetic fragrances. No hidden nasties. No skin dramas.

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Your child’s daily haircare routine shouldn’t come with hidden risks or worries. That’s why Bloom Squad is proud to be free from all 13 of these common irritants, allergens and well, pests. We keep it gentle. We keep it real. We keep it fun - without the nasties!

Want to see what we do use? Check out our ingredients page or shop the full Lil Smoothie® range.