Potassium Hydroxide

0-6 month old newborns β€’ Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 9 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Potassium Hydroxide 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) β€” newborns and babies: this ingredient is risky. It can irritate or burn very young, delicate skin. Even if adults tolerate it, infants are more likely to get redness, soreness, or worse.

βœ…What to Do

Avoid products that list potassium hydroxide on the label for babies under 6 months. If a product does use it, only use items that are clearly formulated and tested for newborns and state safe concentrations for infant skin. If you must use a product that might contain it (for example a cleanser), rinse the area thoroughly with water and avoid using on broken or irritated skin. Keep products with this ingredient out of reach of children.

⚠️Warnings

Regulatory and safety reviews note use restrictions and potential for harm when not carefully formulated (EU Cosmetics Directive; Cosmetic Ingredient Review; EU GHS hazard labeling). Also limited medical reports show skin or eye irritation with exposure (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Watch for redness, blistering, persistent fussiness, or any eye contact β€” treat as a possible chemical burn and seek medical care right away.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive and industry safety reviewers (CIR) say it may only be used with limits or special formulation controls. Regulatory listings and product-verification rules mean some products are not allowed to contain it without strong safety proof.
Organ Risk: European hazard labeling (EU GHS) and Environment Canada classify this chemical as toxic or harmful to organs and list it as a medium human-health priority. That means it can damage non-reproductive organs with unsafe exposures.
Long-Term Risk: Environment Canada’s assessment and EU hazard classifications indicate concerns that repeated or long-term exposures could lead to lasting health effects. Workplace rules also limit allowable exposure, showing regulators see risk over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Potassium Hydroxide

This ingredient may also be listed as:

potassium hydroxidePOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, TECHNICAL, >=85%, LUMPSD01168POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 45% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE REAGENT GRADE 1KGPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SEMICONDUCTOR GRADE, PELLETS, 99.99% TRACE METALS BASIS (PURITY EXCLUDES SODIUM CONTENT.)POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 10% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 25% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONC12568POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 50% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 30% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTION

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

Products Containing Potassium Hydroxide

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Potassium Hydroxide or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Potassium Hydroxide

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Potassium Hydroxide safety and effects.

Common Questions About Potassium Hydroxide

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Potassium Hydroxide?

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

What are the banned risks of Potassium Hydroxide 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 organ risk risks of Potassium Hydroxide for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Potassium Hydroxide 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 Potassium Hydroxide?

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

When can infants start using products with Potassium Hydroxide?

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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