For infants (0–6 months, newborns, babies) lauric acid in small amounts in baby products is generally low risk. It is a fatty acid used to soften or gently clean skin. Still, because very young babies have delicate skin, we recommend being cautious.
If you want to use a product that lists lauric acid: choose products made for babies, use the smallest amount needed, avoid products with high concentrations or raw lauric acid, do not apply to broken, red or inflamed skin, and stop use if you see any irritation. If you are unsure, test the product on a small area of the caregiver’s skin first or ask your pediatrician before using on a newborn.
Watch for new redness, rash, swelling, blistering, or breathing changes and stop use right away and seek medical care if those occur. Safety reviews from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review note limited data on safe maximum concentrations in products, and Environment Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency consider lauric acid low concern for long-term harm — still, these data gaps and the fact that lauric acid can appear in multiple foods and products mean parents should limit added exposure for very young babies.
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Lauric Acid or its alternative names.
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Yes, Lauric Acid is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.
No immediate health concerns found based on current research. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Lauric Acid 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.
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