Quaternium-91

Quaternium-91 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 Quaternium 91?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Quaternium 91 not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies up to 6 months, this ingredient is best avoided when possible. Studies on similar ingredients show effects in animals and in lab tests that could matter for very young, developing bodies.

What to Do

Do not use products that list Quaternium-91 on babies under 6 months unless a pediatrician tells you it’s necessary. If exposure happens, rinse the area with plain water, avoid using near the eyes, mouth or diaper area, and watch the baby’s skin for any redness, rash or swelling. Prefer products labelled for newborns that avoid quaternary ammonium compounds.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation, redness, rashes or unusual fussiness after contact. The caution comes from animal studies showing reproductive effects ("Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants Cause Subfertility in Mice..." and "Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice"), lab studies suggesting effects on developing nerve cells ("Benzalkonium Chloride Disinfectants Induce Apoptosis...") and reports of altered toxicological findings in people ("Altered toxicological endpoints in humans from common quaternary ammonium compound disinfectant exposure"). If you see any worrying signs, stop use and contact your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Fertility: Animal studies in mice (published 2014–2015) found that quaternary ammonium compounds like Quaternium‑91 caused lower fertility and subfertility in both males and females at moderate doses. That means this ingredient has been shown to harm reproductive systems in animal tests and could be a risk with repeated or higher exposures.
Organ Risk: A human study (2021) reported altered toxicological markers after exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants, the same class as Quaternium‑91. This suggests it can affect non‑reproductive organs (for example liver, kidneys, or other systems) with repeated or higher exposures.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Quaternium-91

This ingredient may also be listed as:

quaternium-91QUATERNIUM-91

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

Products Containing Quaternium-91

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Quaternium-91 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Quaternium-91

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Quaternium-91?

Quaternium-91 is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the fertility risks of Quaternium-91 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 organ risk risks of Quaternium-91 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 products contain Quaternium-91?

Quaternium-91 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Quaternium-91?

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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