Last month the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and partner organizations released a report revealing that dozens of popular bath products for babies and kids contain at least two hazardous contaminants: 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde.

Take action! Ask Johnson & Johnson for baby products without carcinogens. Both of these chemicals cause cancer in animals, and formaldehyde is also known to cause skin rashes in people who are sensitive to the chemical.1

Parents around the world were particularly infuriated that Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, the iconic brand that many hospitals send home with new babies, contained both of these contaminants – neither of which are listed on ingredient labels.

The story was covered across the United States, around the world and online. Concerned moms called Johnson & Johnson – and then blogged about the company’s dismissive response.

Of the report, J&J said, “The trace levels of certain compounds found by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth,”2 and the Campaign should stop “alarming” parents.

We think parents have a right to know if the products they buy for their babies contain hazardous chemicals linked to cancer and skin rashes. Other companies are making safe and gentle baby products without hazardous chemicals.3 Instead of playing defense, J&J should live up to its promises of purity and be the safest, most responsible company it can be.

We’ve written a sample message you can send to Johnson & Johnson, but your personal additions will go further than our words:

* Have you ever purchased Johnson’s Baby Shampoo?
* Are you a parent or grandparent who will no longer buy J&J?
* Did you grow up with “No More Tears” in the tub?
* Are “green” personal care products important to you?
* Are you a J&J shareholder?
* Are you a medical professional concerned about J&J products?

Let Johnson & Johnson know!

Here's the message I sent Johnson & Johnson:

I am concerned that Johnson & Johnson products for children, including Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, have been shown to contain the hidden carcinogenic contaminants 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. Parents have a right to know what is in the products they put on their babies, and to expect that products for children are as safe as they can possibly be.

Rather than defending the small amounts of carcinogens in your products, I urge your company to evaluate the long-term health effects of the chemicals you use, and to get rid of ingredients and contaminants linked to cancer and other health problems. You’ve built your brand on promises of safety and purity, and I ask that you live up to them.