For newborns and infants (0–6 months), this ingredient is best avoided when you can. It can irritate delicate baby skin and eyes and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive babies.
If you can, choose products labeled for newborns or for sensitive baby skin that do not list Cetrimonium Chloride. If you must use a product that contains it: apply only to hair or body areas away from the face, avoid broken or inflamed skin, use a very small amount, rinse thoroughly, and do a short patch check on a small area first. Prefer products made specifically for infants.
Watch for redness, rash, swelling, watery or irritated eyes, coughing, wheezing or breathing changes after using a product with this ingredient. Stop use and call your pediatrician if you see these signs. These cautions come from safety and regulatory reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), European chemicals agency findings on irritation, and peer-reviewed studies noting allergy, respiratory, reproductive and nerve-related concerns in higher exposures. The European cosmetics rules also place limits on how this chemical can be used.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Cetrimonium Chloride or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Cetrimonium Chloride safety and effects.
Cetrimonium Chloride is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
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.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
May mess with natural hormone development in babies and children. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Acts like fake hormones in the body, confusing natural signals. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
May interfere with how the body breaks down food and nutrients. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Cetrimonium Chloride is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product