Limonene

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Limonene avoid - not safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

Limonene is a citrus fragrance ingredient that can irritate newborn and infant skin and can cause allergies, especially after it has been exposed to air and oxidizes. For babies 0–6 months, it’s safer to avoid it.

What to Do

Choose fragrance-free products for your baby (soap, lotion, wipes). Avoid products that list limonene, citrus oil, or simply ‘fragrance’ on the label for infants. If you must use a product with limonene on a caregiver, don’t apply it to hands or chest before holding the baby. If baby’s skin comes into contact, rinse gently with water and stop use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, swelling, rash, or blisters where a product was used — these can be signs of irritation or an allergic reaction (EU GHS; EPA). There are reports of possible formaldehyde contamination with this ingredient, which can also irritate (contamination concerns). Some authorities require special labeling because it is a known skin allergen (EU Cosmetics Directive). Animal studies noted developmental effects only at high doses — still, this supports extra caution with very young infants (animal study reference). If you see any breathing changes, severe swelling, or widespread rash, seek medical care right away.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: This ingredient is listed as a known human allergen and has multiple regulatory flags for immune-system effects (EU cosmetics and hazard labeling rules, and US regulatory listings). That means it can trigger allergic reactions or other immune effects in some people, including children.
Eczema: Experts and regulatory lists identify this chemical as a skin allergen and sensitizer (EU hazard and cosmetics notices). For babies or kids with sensitive skin or a history of eczema, it can trigger or worsen rash and contact dermatitis.
Irritant: Hazard classifications name this ingredient as a skin and general irritant (EU GHS hazard codes). It can cause redness, stinging, or eye and lung irritation if it touches or is breathed in.
Cancer: The ingredient record flags contamination concerns with formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen by international cancer authorities, so contamination raises a potential cancer-related risk if present.
Builds Up: Some environmental assessments and peer-reviewed studies list this chemical as persistent and bioaccumulative in wildlife (OSPAR and scientific literature), meaning it can build up in the environment and animals over time.
Environmental: Regulatory hazard listings and ecological reviews note possible harm to wildlife and the environment (EU hazard codes and environmental assessments). This means its release or repeated use can be harmful to ecosystems.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Limonene

This ingredient may also be listed as:

limonened-limoneneDB-053490DB-072716FT-0603053CS-00090724-(1-METHYLETHENYL)-1-METHYL-CYCLOHEXENECYCLOHEXENE, 1-METHYL-4-(1-METHYLETHYNYL)FT-06052271-METHYL-4-(1-METHYLVINYL)CYCLOHEX-1-ENE8022-90-0DIPENTENE [UN2052] [FLAMMABLE LIQUID]

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

Products Containing Limonene

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Limonene or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Limonene

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Limonene?

Limonene is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Limonene for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Limonene 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 irritant risks of Limonene 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 cancer risks of Limonene for newborns?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the builds up risks of Limonene for newborns?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Limonene for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Limonene?

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

When can infants start using products with Limonene?

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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