Sodium Hydroxide

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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

ℹ️General Overview

For infants and newborns (0–6 months): sodium hydroxide is a strong chemical that can burn or irritate when concentrated. In baby lotions and cleansers it is usually used in tiny amounts to set the product’s acidity and is neutralized in the finished product. Still, because babies have very thin, delicate skin, this ingredient is more worrisome for newborns than for older children or adults.

What to Do

If you are shopping for a baby (newborn, infant, 0–6 months): - Prefer products specifically labeled for babies or newborns from reputable brands. These are more likely to control pH and limit amounts. - Do not use household products that contain sodium hydroxide (drain cleaners, heavy cleaners) on or near your baby’s skin. Keep those well out of reach. - If a baby product lists this ingredient, avoid applying it to broken or irritated skin. Use a small amount on a small area only if the product is clearly intended for infants. - Stop use and rinse gently with water and contact your pediatrician if you see redness, burning, blistering, or any sudden change in the baby’s skin after use.

⚠️Warnings

What to watch for and avoid: - Avoid products that don’t state they are safe for infants or do not list how they control pH — regulatory guidelines (for example EU cosmetics rules and industry safety panels) require limits and proper formulation for safe use. - Watch for signs of irritation to skin, eyes or breathing trouble; sources note limited evidence of irritation risk. - Never let the baby touch or mouth products that are not baby-formulated, and keep concentrated forms (cleaners) far away — those are corrosive and dangerous if touched or swallowed. If you have concerns, consult your pediatrician before using a product that contains this ingredient on a newborn or young baby.

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 in some regions. The EU cosmetics rules list limits on its use, and industry safety reviewers say it can only be used safely at certain low concentrations or when specially handled.
Organ Risk: Authorities have flagged possible harm to organs with repeated or high exposures. A national health agency classified it as expected to be toxic or harmful and gave it a medium human-health priority, and a U.S. assessment found toxic effects in animal studies. There is also limited evidence of breathing-related toxicity noted by a medical literature source.
Asthma: There is limited evidence that breathing in this chemical can hurt the lungs or airways. Medical literature notes possible respiratory toxicity, so it could make breathing problems worse if a child is exposed to vapor or mist.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Sodium Hydroxide

This ingredient may also be listed as:

sodium hydroxideCHEMBL2105794SODIUM HYDROXIDE, 40% SOLUTIONCTK0H4682SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID [UN1823] [CORROSIVE]Q102769SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PELLETS, TRACE METALS GRADE 99.99%J-005935SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLUTION [UN1824] [CORROSIVE]SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TECHNICAL, 30% SOLUTION IN WATERSODIUM HYDROXIDE, 10.0N STANDARDIZED SOLUTIONSODIUM HYDROXIDE

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

Products Containing Sodium Hydroxide

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Sodium Hydroxide

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Sodium Hydroxide?

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

What are the banned risks of Sodium 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 Sodium 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 asthma risks of Sodium Hydroxide for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Sodium Hydroxide?

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

When can infants start using products with Sodium 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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