Menthol

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and infants (0–6 months) menthol is not recommended. It can irritate delicate skin and eyes and may cause breathing problems or allergic reactions when used near the face or nose.

What to Do

Do not put menthol-containing products (chest rubs, balms, wipes, scented lotions) on babies under 6 months. Avoid applying anything with menthol to the face, chest, neck or in diaper areas. Keep menthol products out of reach so babies cannot put them in their mouths. If you want a soothing product for a baby, choose one labeled for infants that does not list menthol, and check with your pediatrician before using any topical product.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin rash, redness, swelling, persistent coughing, noisy breathing, wheezing, or other breathing changes after exposure — these can be signs of an allergic reaction or airway irritation (this concern is supported by listings from the EU cosmetics authority and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Some product-certification programs restrict menthol unless justified, so products that include menthol may carry additional warnings. If the baby shows any of these signs, stop use immediately and seek medical help.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Menthol is identified as a known human allergen and flagged with strong evidence of human toxicant/allergen by regulatory bodies (EU Cosmetics Directive and the U.S. EPA). That means it can trigger allergic or immune reactions when put on the skin.
Irritant: Regulatory assessments list menthol as a human allergen/toxicant, which is linked to skin reactions like redness, stinging, or contact dermatitis—especially when applied topically to sensitive skin.
Eczema: Because menthol is a recognized human allergen (per the EU cosmetics review and U.S. EPA findings), it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar inflammatory skin conditions in susceptible people.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Menthol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

N1950CYCLOHEXANOL, (1.ALPHA.,2.BETA.,5.ALPHA.)-S5868L-MENTHOL|LEVOMENTHOL|MENTHOMENTHOL|MENTHACAMPHORC00400(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-MENTHOL, SYNTHETIC PELLETSAB00052320_02114376-98-6(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-MENTHOL, >=99%, SUBLIMEDQ407418MENTHOLmenthol

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

Products Containing Menthol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Menthol

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Menthol?

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

What are the immune system risks of Menthol 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 Menthol 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 Menthol 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 products contain Menthol?

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

When can infants start using products with Menthol?

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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