Benzalkonium Chloride

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Benzalkonium Chloride 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) this ingredient is best avoided on the skin. It can cause rashes, allergic reactions, and breathing problems in sensitive people, and some countries limit its use.

What to Do

Do not use products that list benzalkonium chloride on babies under 6 months. Choose plain water or mild baby cleansers made for newborn skin. If a product containing this ingredient is recommended by a doctor, only use the smallest amount, avoid the face and diaper area, keep it away from eyes and mouth, and stop use at the first sign of redness or irritation. Always ask your pediatrician before using a product with this ingredient on an infant.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for new rash, redness, swelling, coughing, wheeze, trouble breathing, or any sudden skin reaction and stop use immediately. These warnings come from national safety reviews and medical literature: Health Canada has restrictions on some uses, expert safety panels note skin sensitization risks (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), occupational/clinical groups report immune/respiratory effects (Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics), and peer‑reviewed studies report possible nerve and reproductive concerns in lab and animal tests.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Strong human evidence shows this chemical can trigger immune reactions and harm the immune/respiratory system. This is supported by safety reviews and clinical reports (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, and peer‑reviewed literature) that list it as a human allergen and immune/respiratory toxicant.
Irritant: There is clear human evidence that the ingredient can cause skin harm like redness, itching or allergic skin reactions. Safety assessments and clinical sources (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and clinical reports) identify it as a human skin toxicant and allergen.
Asthma: Workplace and clinical sources report this chemical can affect breathing and act as a respiratory allergen. An occupational clinic review and clinical literature list it as a respiratory toxicant that can make asthma or breathing problems worse.
Fertility: Animal studies show reduced fertility after exposure to related quaternary ammonium compounds at moderate doses, indicating risk to reproductive function (peer‑reviewed mouse studies on quaternary ammonium disinfectants).
Brain Development: Laboratory studies using 3‑D models of neurodevelopment show this chemical can harm nerve cells, causing cell death and stress responses in developing neural tissue (in vitro neurodevelopment study). This suggests possible risk to early brain development with exposure during critical windows.
Organ Risk: There is evidence that repeated exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds may affect non‑reproductive organs in people. Reviews and some studies report possible human toxic effects after common disinfectant exposures (government assessments and recent toxicology reports).
Banned: Use of this ingredient is restricted in some countries and subject to limits in others. Government authorities and safety panels (Health Canada and Japan’s Ministry of Health) have placed restrictions or concentration limits on its use in cosmetics.
Long-Term Risk: Animal and toxicology studies link repeated or long‑term exposure to lasting health effects such as reduced fertility and organ impacts, suggesting possible long‑term harm with ongoing use (peer‑reviewed animal studies and toxicology analyses).

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Benzalkonium Chloride

This ingredient may also be listed as:

benzalkonium chloride...benzalkonium chlorideSCHEMBL631295EINECS 216-695-0N-BENZYL-N,N-DIMETHYLTRIDECAN-1-AMINIUM CHLORIDEBENZENEMETHANAMINIUM,AR-DODECYL-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL-, CHLORIDE (1:1)BENZYLDIMETHYL(TRIDECYL)AMMONIUM CHLORIDECHEMBL502109HMS502J07CTK4B8340SPECTRUM1503610(ALKYL LENGTH: C8-18)

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

Products Containing Benzalkonium Chloride

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Benzalkonium Chloride or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Benzalkonium Chloride

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Benzalkonium Chloride safety and effects.

Common Questions About Benzalkonium Chloride

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Benzalkonium Chloride?

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

What are the immune system risks of Benzalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Benzalkonium Chloride 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 Benzalkonium Chloride 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 fertility risks of Benzalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the brain development risks of Benzalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Benzalkonium Chloride 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 banned risks of Benzalkonium Chloride 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 long-term risk risks of Benzalkonium Chloride 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 Benzalkonium Chloride?

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

When can infants start using products with Benzalkonium Chloride?

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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