Benzoic Acid

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Benzoic Acid use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: benzoic acid is a preservative with low concerns in broad safety reviews, but expert panels limit how it can be used in products. Babies’ skin is delicate, so we should be cautious.

What to Do

Prefer products made specifically for infants that do not list benzoic acid. If a healthcare provider recommends a product that contains it, use a very small amount on a small patch of skin first, wait 24–48 hours, and stop immediately if you see redness, swelling, a rash, or any irritation. Avoid use on broken skin, near the eyes, mouth or diaper area. For routine cleaning or moisturizing of newborn skin, choose products labeled for newborns without this preservative when possible.

⚠️Warnings

There are official limits and recommendations about how benzoic acid may be used in cosmetics (Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Japan Ministry of Health). Some government reviews note data gaps and recommend limiting concentration or product types (Environmental Protection Agency; Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Watch for signs of skin irritation or allergic reaction in babies and stop use if they occur. If a product is marked as restricted by its certifier, do not use it on infants without asking a pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Some regulators limit how benzoic acid can be used in cosmetics. A national health agency in Japan sets concentration limits for its use, and a cosmetic safety review group says it can only be used under specific concentration or product-type rules. Because of these legal and industry limits, products may be restricted or not allowed unless makers follow those rules.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Benzoic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

benzoic acid ecocertified plant derivedbenzoic acidSCAVENGEPORE(TM) BENZOIC ACID, MACROPOROUS, 40-70 MESH, EXTENT OF LABELING: 0.5-1.5 MMOL PER G LOADINGB2635B0062CS-0008257FT-0662569606-EP2374788A1FT-0770591606-EP2377845A1FT-0662570ST45061539

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

Products Containing Benzoic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Benzoic Acid or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Benzoic Acid

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Benzoic Acid?

Use caution with Benzoic Acid for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Benzoic Acid 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 products contain Benzoic Acid?

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

When can infants start using products with Benzoic Acid?

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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