Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is generally considered safe 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), this ingredient is generally low risk. It’s a form of modified plant fiber used to thicken and stabilize lotions, wipes and eye products and doesn’t soak into the skin much.

What to Do

Use products that are made and labeled for babies or infants. Apply sparingly, avoid putting it on broken or sore skin, and keep it away from the eyes. If you are trying a product for the first time, put a small amount on a tiny patch of your baby’s leg or arm and watch 24–48 hours for any redness or irritation before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for any redness, rash, swelling, or fussiness after use and stop if you see these. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has noted gaps in data about safe maximum concentrations, and some product-certification programs require manufacturers to show safety documentation before they include this ingredient — so prefer baby-specific products from trusted brands. Environment Canada classifies it as low human-health priority, and the U.S. food authority allows limited use in food, which supports low concern but does not replace following infant product guidance.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

No Known Risk: Regulatory reviews and safety panels find Hydroxypropyl Cellulose to be low concern for topical use. It is allowed for limited food uses by the U.S. food regulator, judged a low human-health priority by a Canadian health agency, and reviewed by an industry safety panel that notes limited data but supports restricted use levels. Because these independent assessments flag no meaningful risks for cancer, reproduction, or organ harm at typical uses, there are no specific dangers identified for babies from normal topical use.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

This ingredient may also be listed as:

HYDROXYPROPYLCELLULOSEPM 50 (POLYMER)PM 50OXYPROPYLATED CELLULOSEKLUCELHYDROXYPROPYL ETHER OF CELLULOSECELLULOSE HYDROXYPROPYL ETHERCELLULOSE, 2-HYDROXYPROPYL ETHER2-HYDROXYPROPYL ETHER CELLULOSE

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

Research Articles on Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Hydroxypropyl Cellulose safety and effects.

Common Questions About Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

Yes, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.

What are the no known risk risks of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose for newborns?

No immediate health concerns found based on current research. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

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

When can infants start using products with Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

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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