Learning to read labels is the best way to guard against dubious ingredients in personal care products. But don’t go solely by the claims on the front of the package—check the ingredient panel on the back. Ingredients are listed in order from the greatest to the least amount. Just be aware that even tiny amounts of some chemicals like parabens can, with regular use, accumulate in the body and impact your family’s health and development.

If your daughter or son wants to help make a change toward more chemical-free personal care products, check out Teens Turning Green (www.teensturninggreen.org), a coalition of young people educating their peers, parents, and legislators on the importance of healthy and environmentally sound choices.