Methylparaben

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

🚨
NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Methylparaben not recommended 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) methylparaben is a preservative that has some evidence of hormone-like effects and can cause skin allergy in some people. Because baby skin is thin and more absorbent, it’s safer to avoid products containing methylparaben when possible.

What to Do

Try to choose paraben-free products made for babies/newborns. If a product contains methylparaben and you must use it (for example a prescribed topical), use only a small amount on unbroken skin, avoid frequent application, and check with your pediatrician first. Look for ingredient names like “methylparaben,” “methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate,” or similar on the label.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid using methylparaben routinely on infants’ skin. Watch for redness, rash, swelling, or hives and stop use immediately if these occur and see your doctor. Warnings are based on regulatory and scientific sources: a European authority lists concerns about hormone‑like effects, industry safety reviews note limits or restrictions for children’s products, and studies report allergic reactions and cellular changes in lab tests.

Confidence: HIGH

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Hormones: Methylparaben has been found to affect the hormone system. The European Union lists it as a human endocrine disruptor and multiple studies show hormone-like activity, so it may alter normal hormone development in children.
Confuse Hormones: Research and regulatory review note that methylparaben can act like weak hormones in the body. Peer-reviewed studies and regulatory findings show it can mimic or interfere with natural hormone signals.
Immune system: There is moderate evidence that methylparaben can trigger immune or allergic reactions in people. A clinical report found contact urticaria (an allergic skin response), showing it can affect the immune system.
Irritant: Methylparaben has been linked to skin reactions such as contact urticaria. That means it can cause redness, itching, or rashes on sensitive skin, including babies' skin.
Eczema: Because methylparaben can cause allergic skin reactions and contact urticaria, it may trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in susceptible children.
Banned: Some authorities restrict or limit the use of parabens in certain products. For example, regional regulatory actions and safety opinions have led to limits or bans for use in products for very young children.
Long-Term Risk: Laboratory studies show methylparaben can change gene activity in human cells. Those biochemical changes suggest possible long-term effects with repeated exposure, even if direct outcomes in people are still being studied.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Methylparaben

This ingredient may also be listed as:

methylparaben108078-EP2272843A162345-EP2371808A162345-EP2272817A1D0140062345-EP2281817A1108078-EP2281817A162345-EP2308828A2METHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE, USP, 98.0-102.0%METHYLPARABEN, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALM-6148

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

Products Containing Methylparaben

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Methylparaben

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Methylparaben?

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

What are the hormones risks of Methylparaben for newborns?

May mess with natural hormone development in babies and children. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the confuse hormones risks of Methylparaben for newborns?

Acts like fake hormones in the body, confusing natural signals. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of Methylparaben 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 Methylparaben 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 Methylparaben 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 banned risks of Methylparaben for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Methylparaben for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Methylparaben?

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

When can infants start using products with Methylparaben?

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.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product