Octyl Salicylate

Octyl Salicylate molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0–6 months) this ingredient is best avoided. There are reports of contamination with salicylic acid and animal studies that raise concerns, and babies’ skin absorbs more than older children or adults.

What to Do

Do not use products that list Octyl Salicylate on babies younger than 6 months. If a product for a baby contains this ingredient, choose a different product clearly labeled for infants or one that uses simple mineral sun protection. If you accidentally use it, wash the area with mild soap and water and watch your baby for any unusual fussiness, rash, breathing changes, or swelling—call your pediatrician if you see those.

⚠️Warnings

Reasons for caution come from peer-reviewed studies and regulatory reviews: contamination concerns with salicylic acid (reported in scientific literature), animal studies showing developmental/reproductive effects at moderate doses (noted in regulatory assessments including an ECHA assessment), reports of irritation at high doses in animal studies, and industry reviews that say it should only be used with limits (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Avoid use on broken or irritated skin and avoid spray products that could be breathed in.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Fertility: Animal studies and a regulatory assessment of salicylate esters found developmental and reproductive effects at moderate doses. These findings mean repeated or high exposure could affect future fertility or development, so the ingredient is flagged for reproductive concern (based on peer-reviewed studies and an ECHA assessment).
Absorbed: This ingredient is used on the skin and is noted to enhance skin absorption. There are also contamination concerns (salicylic acid) reported in the safety data, so the material — or contaminants from it — can enter the body after topical use (based on peer-reviewed literature and the ingredient safety notes).
Sun Burn: An industry safety review says this ingredient should be used in ways that avoid increasing sun sensitivity (for example, with limits or sun protection directions). If not formulated or used correctly, it can raise the risk of faster sunburn.
Long-Term Risk: High-level contamination concerns plus animal and lab signals (including mutation and reproductive effects) have led safety reviewers to recommend use limits. Those flags point to possible longer-term health concerns with repeated exposure if limits are not followed (based on peer-reviewed studies and regulatory assessments).

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Alternative Names for Octyl Salicylate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATESALICYLIC ACID, 2-BUTYLOCTYL ESTER2-BUTYLOCTYL ESTER SALICYLIC ACID

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

Products Containing Octyl Salicylate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Octyl Salicylate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Octyl Salicylate

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Octyl Salicylate?

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

What are the fertility risks of Octyl Salicylate for newborns?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Octyl Salicylate for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the sun burn risks of Octyl Salicylate for newborns?

May increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and cause faster burning. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Octyl Salicylate 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 Octyl Salicylate?

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

When can infants start using products with Octyl Salicylate?

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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