Kinshasa: baby perfume discouraged due to the fragility of infants

Kinshasa, May 5^th, 2026 (CPA) – The use of perfume for babies has been discouraged to parents due to the fragility of infants’ skin, during an awareness campaign held on Tuesday in Ngaba, a municipality in the southern part of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “Baby perfume can present major drawbacks due to the fragility of their skin and respiratory system. Conventional perfumes often contain alcohol and allergens that may cause redness, eczema or irritation,” said pediatrician Benjamine Sangabu, coordinator of the NGO “Ngemba.” “A baby’s skin is sensitive and delicate. It needs time to mature. When it comes to caring for our babies, we always want what is best for their health and well-being. It is therefore important to pay attention to the products we use on their delicate skin,” she added. According to Ms. Sangabu, several baby products available on the market, including soaps, oils, lotions and skincare products, contain artificial fragrances and potentially harmful chemicals. She noted that these ingredients may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation and even long-term health problems in infants. “Parents should avoid applying perfume to their children, especially before the age of three, to allow the child to develop their sense of smell. A baby uses their sense of smell to orient themselves and to bond with their environment,” the pediatrician explained. She recommended gentle and natural alternatives using organic ingredients to cleanse the baby’s skin, as perfumes and harsh chemicals found in many baby products can easily cause adverse reactions.