Maltol

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Maltol is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (newborns and babies 0–6 months), maltol is low risk overall but we are cautious. It is not known to build up in the body or environment and most safety checks rate cancer, allergy, and developmental risks as low. One study source found a weak signal for hormonal activity, so we take extra care with very young babies.

What to Do

Prefer unscented or specially formulated baby products instead of items that list maltol or fragrances. If you do use a product with maltol, use a small amount on a limited area, avoid putting it near your baby’s face or mouth, do not use on broken or irritated skin, and don’t use it every day on large areas. If you see redness, rash, swelling, or other changes, stop use and talk to your baby’s doctor.

⚠️Warnings

A study review found a weak sign of hormone-related activity (reported by a national toxicology program) — this is the main reason for extra caution. Other official reviews say maltol is allowed for limited food use (food safety agency) and is not expected to persist or build up in the body (environmental agency). Avoid using products with maltol on newborns unless needed, keep products out of reach to prevent swallowing, and watch closely for any skin reaction.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

No Known Risk: Current government reviews and studies find only very low or no safety concerns for normal use on the skin. A national toxicology program found only weak signs of hormone activity in limited tests, while health and environment agencies have said it is not expected to harm organs, does not build up in the body, and is allowed in limited food uses. For typical topical use, there is no clear, higher-than-low risk identified.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Maltol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

maltolFT-0615804DB-002512M0673NCI60_002320KSC-11-228-8SC-46175MALTOL SOLUTION, 1 WT. % IN BENZYL ALCOHOLSY011358MALTOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDN095

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

Products Containing Maltol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Research Articles on Maltol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Maltol safety and effects.

Common Questions About Maltol

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Maltol?

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

What are the no known risk risks of Maltol 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 Maltol?

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

When can infants start using products with Maltol?

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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