Acetaldehyde

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Acetaldehyde?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 10 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Acetaldehyde avoid - not safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and infants (0-6 months): Not safe to use on the skin. This chemical has been linked by health authorities to cancer and to irritation of the skin and lungs, and babies are more vulnerable than older children or adults.

What to Do

Do not use any lotions, creams, oils or wipes that list acetaldehyde on the label for babies. Choose products made for babies that are fragrance-free and clearly state they are safe for newborns. If you find a product that lists this ingredient, stop using it on your baby and contact the manufacturer or retailer. If your baby has had contact and shows redness, rash, coughing or breathing changes, rinse the area with water and call your pediatrician right away.

⚠️Warnings

Health agencies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment have identified acetaldehyde as a possible or known carcinogen, and some regulators restrict or ban its use in cosmetics. It is also linked to skin and respiratory irritation. Watch for skin redness, swelling, rashes, your baby coughing or breathing faster or noisier, and keep products containing this chemical well away from infants. If you are unsure, do not use the product and seek medical advice.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Major health agencies have linked acetaldehyde to cancer. International and national bodies list it as a carcinogen or possible carcinogen, so using it on skin can raise cancer risk over time.
Banned: This ingredient is banned or restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive, meaning some governments found it unsafe for cosmetic use.
Organ Risk: Regulatory health agencies identify acetaldehyde as a respiratory toxicant and show evidence it can harm non-reproductive organs (especially the lungs) with exposure.
Irritant: Hazard classifications and studies show acetaldehyde can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs, so it can cause redness, stinging, or eye and breathing discomfort.
Asthma: Because acetaldehyde is a known respiratory toxicant and an irritant, it can worsen breathing problems or trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive children.
Absorbed: Safety assessments note enhanced skin absorption for this chemical, which means it can get through the skin and enter the body when applied topically.
Long-Term Risk: Given its links to cancer and organ toxicity reported by public health agencies, repeated or long-term exposure carries lasting health risks.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Acetaldehyde

This ingredient may also be listed as:

acetaldehyde4998-EP2380871A14998-EP2374788A1C00084Q61457Q57695648ACETALDEHYDE, PURISS. P.A., ANHYDROUS, >=99.5% (GC)ACETALDEHYDE SOLUTION, NATURAL, 50 WT. % ETHANOL, FGF2190-0651ACETALDEHYDE, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDACETALDEHYDE SOLUTION, NATURAL, 50 WT. % IN ETHANOL, ANALYTICAL STANDARD

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Research Articles on Acetaldehyde

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Acetaldehyde safety and effects.

Common Questions About Acetaldehyde

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Acetaldehyde for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Acetaldehyde?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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