Chemical contaminants in baby care products: A systematic review of recent analytical strategies for endocrine disruptors and emerging pollutants

Baby care products (BCPs) are among the earliest and most frequently used consumer products in infancy, representing a significant route of chemical exposure for a particularly vulnerable population. Even trace levels of chemical contaminants in BCPs may entail toxicological relevance, due to infants' immature metabolic pathways, larger surface area-to-mass ratios, and mouthing behavior. This review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, critically evaluates analytical methods reported in the literature between 2020 and early 2026 for the determination of chemical pollutants in BCPs. A total of 43 studies were finally selected and assessed, covering a wide range of contaminant classes, including phthalates, bisphenols, fragrance allergens, preservatives, parabens, antimicrobials, persistent organic pollutants, per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, photoinitiators, and nitrosamines. Sample preparation strategies are critically discussed, from classical approaches, such as solid-phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction, to miniaturized and green alternatives, including solid-phase microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, deep eutectic solvents and engineered nanomaterials. Instrumental platforms encompassing hyphenated gas and liquid chromatography, as well as high-resolution-based techniques, are evaluated alongside chemometric optimization tools. Quality assurance protocols, matrix effects, and validation inconsistencies across studies are systematically addressed. Conclusively, the review identifies key methodological limitations and knowledge gaps, while highlighting future directions towards sensitive, standardized, and sustainable analytical workflows that can support accurate risk assessment and the protection of infant health.