Lanolin Alcohol

Lanolin Alcohol 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 Lanolin Alcohol?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Lanolin Alcohol use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

Lanolin alcohol is a skin softener made from wool. For newborns and babies under 6 months it is not usually harmful but can cause allergic skin reactions in some babies. Because baby skin is very sensitive, I recommend being careful.

What to Do

If you plan to use a product with lanolin alcohol on a newborn or baby (0–6 months): - Prefer products made specifically for babies and labeled for use on infants. - Do a small patch test on a tiny area (for example the forearm) and wait 24–48 hours to check for redness, swelling, bumps, or irritation before using more widely. If you cannot do a patch test on the baby, test on a parent first and be extra cautious. - Use the smallest amount needed and avoid applying to large areas of very young skin unless needed. - If your baby has eczema, a history of skin allergies, or a strong family history of allergies, consider avoiding lanolin alcohol and ask your pediatrician for alternatives (for example plain, tested emollients recommended for newborns). - Stop use and contact your pediatrician if you see any rash, redness, swelling, itchiness, or other changes after application.

⚠️Warnings

What to watch for and avoid: - Skin reactions: Safety reviews have found strong evidence that lanolin-derived ingredients can cause skin allergy in some people (source: industry safety review). Watch for redness, bumps, swelling, or worsening rash after use. - Extra caution for babies with eczema or a family history of allergies — they are more likely to react. - Some product verification programs and safety assessors restrict or limit this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety data, so choose products labeled as safe for infants and from reputable brands (source: regulatory/safety assessments and product restriction notes). - If the baby has an open wound or severe broken skin, consult a pediatrician before applying products with lanolin alcohol.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Lanolin alcohol is known to cause allergic reactions. A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) found strong evidence it can act as a human skin allergen, and allergy/immunotoxicity is rated at a moderate level. That means it can trigger immune responses such as contact allergy in some people.
Irritant: This ingredient can cause skin irritation like redness, itching, or rashes, especially on sensitive or baby skin. The CIR review identifies it as a human skin toxicant/allergen, which supports a risk of irritation on topical use.
Eczema: Because lanolin alcohol is a documented skin allergen, it can trigger or make eczema and similar dermatitis worse in people who are sensitive to it. The marked allergy risk in the CIR assessment explains this link.
Organ Risk: Government health assessment classified non-reproductive organ toxicity for this ingredient as low-to-moderate and gave it a medium human health priority. This means that with repeated or high exposures there is some concern for effects on organs, though the evidence is limited.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Lanolin Alcohol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

lanolin alcoholLANOLIN ALCOHOLWOOL WAX ALCOHOLALCOHOLS, LANOLINLANOLIN ALCOHOLSLANOLIN ALCOHOL; LANOLIN ALCOHOL; LANOLIN ALCOHOLS

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

Products Containing Lanolin Alcohol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Lanolin Alcohol or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Lanolin Alcohol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Lanolin Alcohol safety and effects.

Common Questions About Lanolin Alcohol

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Lanolin Alcohol?

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

What are the immune system risks of Lanolin Alcohol 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 Lanolin Alcohol 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 eczema risks of Lanolin Alcohol for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Lanolin Alcohol 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 products contain Lanolin Alcohol?

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

When can infants start using products with Lanolin Alcohol?

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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