Oleic Acid

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Oleic Acid use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0–6 months): Oleic acid is a fatty oil used to make skin feel soft. In most people it is low risk, but babies’ skin is thin and still developing, so it can be absorbed more easily and may cause irritation.

What to Do

Avoid products that contain concentrated or pure oleic acid on newborn skin. Use only products made for babies or newborns. If using a product that lists oleic acid, apply a very small amount to a tiny area first and watch for 24 hours. Do not apply to broken, red, or irritated skin. Keep the product away from the baby’s eyes and mouth.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, rash, swelling, or any unusual breathing changes after use. Limited evidence of skin and eye irritation comes from the European Chemicals Agency, and one laboratory test showed a mutation result in cells (Environmental Protection Agency). Industry reviewers recommend limits on concentration and product types (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Because of these findings and babies’ immature skin, avoid concentrated forms and stop use and contact your pediatrician if you see any reaction.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Absorbed: Regulatory notes indicate oleic acid can enhance skin absorption and people can be exposed to it from multiple products, so it can get through the skin into the body (FDA notes multiple, additive exposure sources; an industry safety review also flags enhanced absorption and data gaps).
Irritant: A European chemical agency found limited evidence that oleic acid can irritate skin, eyes, or the lungs, so it may cause redness, stinging, or breathing irritation in sensitive babies.
Environmental: A national environmental agency has flagged oleic acid as a suspected environmental toxin, and a European agency reports limited evidence of environmental harm, so it may pose risks to wildlife or ecosystems if released widely.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Oleic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

oleic acidUNII-79P21R4317 COMPONENT ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-NUNII-MO7HV04S9Y COMPONENT ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N459CE4C0-C836-4249-8E2D-69874B714E9COLEIC ACID, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDUNII-V1PY73ZXPE COMPONENT ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-NOLEIC ACID, PHARMAGRADE, MANUFACTURED UNDER APPROPRIATE CONTROLS FOR USE AS RAW MATERIAL IN PHARMA OR BIOPHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION.UNII-UDR641JW8W COMPONENT ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-NUNII-ODL221H4AM COMPONENT ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-NOLEIC ACID, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALOLEIC ACID, MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH, EUR., 65.0-88.0% (GC)

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

Products Containing Oleic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Oleic Acid or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Oleic Acid

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Oleic Acid?

Use caution with Oleic Acid for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the absorbed risks of Oleic Acid 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 irritant risks of Oleic Acid 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 environmental risks of Oleic Acid for newborns?

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

What products contain Oleic Acid?

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

When can infants start using products with Oleic Acid?

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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