Choosing Clean Products: Understanding Ingredients and Additives

Choosing Clean Products: Understanding Ingredients and Additives

Cover image: Perineum Spray, Nursing Aid, Skin Soft & Stress Relief. These are especially great for postpartum mummies)

 

In Singapore, where families are increasingly mindful of health, safety, and long-term well-being, the idea of choosing “clean” products has gained growing attention. From what we apply on our skin to what we use in our homes, everyday products play a quiet but consistent role in our daily exposure to ingredients. Rather than following trends, choosing clean products is about understanding what goes into them, why those ingredients are there, and whether they truly serve the needs of the family using them.


What “Clean” Means Beyond Marketing Labels

In today’s market, terms such as “clean” and “natural” are often used broadly and without a single, standard definition. In Singapore, these words are not strictly regulated as universal product categories, which means their use can vary widely across different products. As a result, labels alone do not always provide a complete or accurate picture of what a product contains or how it is formulated.

Clear labelling allows consumers to understand exactly what is in a product, rather than relying on front-facing claims or marketing language. Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) encourages responsible labelling practices so that consumers can make informed decisions, particularly when products are intended for frequent use or applied directly to the body. When ingredients are clearly listed and easy to identify, families are better equipped to assess whether a product aligns with their personal preferences and sensitivities.


Why Fewer Ingredients Matter

A minimalist formulation philosophy focuses on using only what is necessary, with each ingredient serving a clear and intentional purpose. Rather than adding multiple components to enhance appearance, scent, or shelf life, minimalist products prioritise simplicity and functionality. 

Fewer ingredients mean fewer variables, allowing families to identify the source and role of each component more easily. For individuals with sensitive skin or heightened sensitivities, reducing unnecessary exposure is an important consideration. Every additional ingredient increases the likelihood of irritation or intolerance, especially when products are used repeatedly. This consideration is especially relevant for children and for products used frequently throughout the day. Children’s skin can be more delicate, and repeated contact with multiple additives may increase sensitivity over time. By choosing products with fewer, well-considered ingredients, families can take a more measured approach to everyday use, balancing practicality with long-term care.

 

Image: ByMommadee - CradleNest Marketplace

( Newborn Set. Supports newborn development gently)

 

Preservatives and Additives: Purpose vs Necessity

Preservatives and additives are commonly used in mass-produced products to extend shelf life, maintain consistency, and support large-scale distribution. However, certain preservatives and additives are not always necessary

It is helpful to distinguish between ingredients added for essential functionality and those included primarily for formulation convenience. Some additives support product safety by preventing spoilage, while others may be used to enhance texture, colour, or longevity beyond what is practically required.

While individual additives may be permitted within regulatory limits, repeated exposure over time is an important consideration for families. Daily contact through skin application or household use can result in cumulative exposure, even when products are used as directed. This perspective is not about avoiding all additives, but about being mindful of how frequently certain products are used and whether simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for regular contact, particularly in households with children.

Reducing additives can make sense when products are intended for frequent use, applied directly to the skin, or used by individuals with sensitivities. By opting for formulations that prioritise necessity over excess, families can make more intentional choices that align with long-term care and everyday practicality, without compromising on quality or safety.


Fragrance Oils vs Essential Oils: An Ingredient Perspective

Fragrance oils and essential oils are often grouped together because both contribute scent to a product, but they differ significantly in how they are made and disclosed. Fragrance oils are typically synthetic blends created to replicate or enhance a specific scent. In many cases, the exact composition of a fragrance oil is not fully disclosed, as fragrance formulations may be protected under proprietary labelling allowances. This means that a product may list “fragrance” or “parfum” as a single ingredient, even though it can represent a combination of multiple compounds. While fragrance oils are permitted under local cosmetic and consumer product regulations, the lack of detailed disclosure can make it difficult for consumers to assess what they are exposed to, especially with frequent use.

Essential oils, by contrast, are derived from plant materials through processes such as steam distillation or cold pressing. From an ingredient transparency perspective, essential oils are typically listed by their common or botanical names, making it easier to identify their origin. This clarity allows consumers to recognise what is included in a formulation and evaluate whether it aligns with their personal preferences or sensitivities.

Understanding these differences encourages families to look beyond the word “fragrance” and consider how ingredient clarity fits into their broader approach to clean and mindful product choices.

 

Image: ByMommadee - CradleNest Marketplace

(Fever Relief Balm, Immunity Balm, Breathe Easy Balm & Fever Relief Cooling Spray. Supports respiratory system for babies and adults)


Small-Batch Production and Why It Matters

Small-batch production allows for greater attention to detail at every stage of formulation. When products are made in smaller quantities, there is more opportunity for careful oversight, ingredient verification, and consistency checks. This approach supports higher quality control, as each batch can be monitored closely rather than managed through automated, large-scale processes designed primarily for volume.

Freshness is another key benefit of small-batch production. Products that are produced in limited quantities are typically circulated more quickly, reducing the need for extended shelf life or heavy reliance on stabilising additives. This allows formulations to remain closer to their original composition, with greater control over texture, scent, and performance from batch to batch.

Small-batch methods also support more ethical sourcing and ingredient accountability. With fewer ingredients and lower production volumes, it becomes easier to trace where materials come from and ensure they meet preferred standards. By focusing on streamlined formulations and intentional production rather than scale alone, small-batch products can remain practical and affordable while maintaining quality and integrity.

At ByMommaDee, small-batch production is a deliberate choice to uphold clean formulations and ingredient quality. By working with carefully selected ingredients and maintaining close oversight throughout production, products are created with clarity and consistency in mind. At the same time, streamlined formulations help keep products practical and pocket-friendly, making clean choices more accessible for families.


Balancing Clean Formulations with Accessibility

Clean formulations do not have to come with premium price tags to be effective or thoughtfully made. In fact, simplicity often plays a key role in keeping products accessible, as fewer ingredients and straightforward production methods help manage costs without compromising quality.

At ByMommaDee, accessibility is considered alongside formulation choices. Being pocket-friendly does not mean lowering expectations. It means making careful decisions about sourcing, formulation, and production so that clean, high-quality products remain within reach. By keeping products simple, transparent, and intentionally made, ByMommaDee aims to support mindful choices that feel realistic and sustainable for family life.


Making Informed Choices with Confidence

At ByMommaDee, their philosophy centres on simplicity, transparency, and respect for the families who use their products. By focusing on clean formulations, high-quality ingredients, and intentional production, ByMommaDee aims to support mindful choices without pressure or complexity. 

Download the CradleNest app to check out more of ByMommaDee’s offerings, such as balms, bath salts, sprays and roll ons, available on CradleNest’s Marketplace. Discover more parenting resources on the app, and follow us on Instagram @cradlenestsg for updates, tips, and a peek into our growing community.


This article was informed by resources from the following: