Most of us realize that artificial dyes are in a huge list of colorful junk foods such as M&M’s, icing, soda pop, and Doritos. But did you know that these same artificial dyes have found their way into less suspecting kid’s products too? 
The FDA has not yet required warning labels on foods or products with synthetic dyes, despite mounds of research studies that are finding harmful effects of artificial dyes on children. But at least the FDA is beginning to publicly comment on the dangers of the dyes, especially as it affects children with ADHD and has released the following statement:
“For certain susceptible children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and other problem behaviors, however, the data suggest that their condition may be exacerbated by exposure to a number of substances in food, including, but not limited to, synthetic color additives.”
In addition to the FDA’s admission that food dyes can exacerbate hyperactivity behaviors, a number of other research studies have found the following side effects of artificial dyes on children:
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Moodiness
- DNA damage
- Tumors
- Cancers
- Skin rashes
- Asthma
The list below are common products, many of which are marketed directly towards children that contain synthetic dyes. Although some of these products are not intended to be ingested, the artificial dyes are still absorbed through the skin and can cause the same host of negative side effects as the ingested dyes. There are similar products from many other brands outside of the ones below that contain the artificial dyes too. To see if your product contains dyes, check the ingredient list on the back of the box and any color with a number listed afterwards is artificial, and any ingredient listed as “artificial color” is also artificial.
Crest Kid’s Toothpaste- Contains Blue #1
Tylenol Infant/Children’s Cold Medication- Contains Red #40
Sauve Kid’s Body Wash- Contains Blue #1 and Red #33
Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Body Lotion-Contains Red #33
Lip Smacker Children’s Lip Balm –Contains Red #7, Red #27, Yellow #5, Red #40, Red #30, Blue #1 Lake, Red #6, Yellow #6, Red #33 
Softsoap Handsoap (even the clear kind)- Contains Red #33 and Blue #1
Flintstone Kid’s Vitamins- Contains Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #6
Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray- Contains Blue #1 and Red #40
Although there are plenty of products that contain these artificial dyes, there are fortunately a growing number of companies that are making great products without them. But you need to be your own biggest advocate and check your labels carefully before purchasing items. The Amazon product ads listed below are some of my favorites that do not contain artificial dyes.
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