Check for Different Age (6 available)
Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Benzocaine?
ℹ️General Overview
Benzocaine is not safe for newborns and babies under 6 months. Their skin soaks up medicines more easily, and benzocaine can cause a serious drop in the blood's ability to carry oxygen in babies.
✅What to Do
Do not use any benzocaine creams, sprays or teething/ oral gels on infants (newborns, babies 0-6 months). If a product lists benzocaine, choose a different option. If a baby was exposed, watch for pale or blue lips, trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness, or a very fast heartbeat and get emergency care right away.
⚠️Warnings
Major health authorities (for example Health Canada and the EU Cosmetics Directive) restrict or ban benzocaine in cosmetic use because of safety risks. The ingredient record also notes enhanced skin absorption and limited evidence of allergic reactions (US National Library of Medicine) and limited evidence on cancer (IARC). The most urgent warning for babies is the risk of methemoglobinemia—seek immediate medical help if you suspect this.
Are you holding the product?
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
Safety Risk Labels
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
Alternative Names for Benzocaine
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Products Containing Benzocaine
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Benzocaine or its alternative names.
Research Articles on Benzocaine
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Benzocaine safety and effects.
Common Questions About Benzocaine
Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Benzocaine?
Benzocaine is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
What are the banned risks of Benzocaine 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 cancer risks of Benzocaine 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 absorbed risks of Benzocaine 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 products contain Benzocaine?
Benzocaine is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
When can infants start using products with Benzocaine?
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.
Want to scan another product?
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product