Glycolic Acid

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Glycolic Acid?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Glycolic Acid not recommended for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1–2 years): glycolic acid can irritate delicate skin and make skin more sensitive to the sun. It is not ideal for routine use on young children. If used at all, it should be in very mild, rinse-off products or under direct advice from a healthcare professional.

What to Do

If you must use a product with glycolic acid on a 1–2 year old: choose a product made for children or a very low-concentration rinse-off product; do a small patch test on a hidden area first and wait 48 hours; never use professional peels or high-strength home acids; avoid application to broken, red, or inflamed skin; always rinse thoroughly after short contact; keep the child out of direct sun after application and use sun protection the next day.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, stinging, burning, peeling, blisters, or eye irritation. Guidance from Health Canada and industry safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes restrictions on concentration and pH, and recommends brief, rinse-off consumer use or specially formulated low‑strength products. The European Chemicals Agency also flags irritation potential. If you see strong irritation or any blistering, stop use and seek medical advice.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: European safety reviews and chemical agencies report that glycolic acid can irritate skin and eyes. Expert panels and lab/animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses, so it can cause redness, stinging or eye irritation—especially on sensitive baby skin.
Absorbed: An updated safety position on alpha-hydroxy acids identifies glycolic acid as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help itself or other ingredients get through the skin and into the body.
Banned: Health authorities and industry groups put limits on where and how glycolic acid can be used. It is restricted in Canadian cosmetics and appears on lists that limit concentration, pH or product types, so some countries or rules limit its use.
Organ Risk: Some regulatory reviews and peer-reviewed studies have classified glycolic acid as potentially harmful to non-reproductive organs in certain assessments. This means repeated or high exposures could pose organ-related risks in some settings.
Fertility: A European chemicals assessment reports animal studies that showed developmental or reproductive effects at moderate doses. That suggests a possible risk to reproduction or development at higher exposures in those studies.
Sun Burn: Industry safety panels note that glycolic acid can increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and recommend limiting use, controlling pH/concentration, and using daily sun protection to avoid faster sunburn.
Eczema: Because glycolic acid is a known skin irritant, it can trigger or make eczema and similar skin conditions worse on sensitive skin, according to safety reviews and irritation studies.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Glycolic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

glycolic acid11046-EP2316825A111046-EP2316459A111046-EP2374786A111046-EP2316457A1O7Z11046-EP2372017A111046-EP2374787A111046-EP2316458A111046-EP2316828A111046-EP2316826A1

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

Common Questions About Glycolic Acid

Is this toddler-safe to use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is not recommended for 1-2 year old toddlers due to potential safety risks.

What are the irritant risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the banned risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the fertility risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the sun burn risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

May increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and cause faster burning. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the eczema risks of Glycolic Acid for toddlers?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Glycolic Acid?

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

When can toddlers using products with Glycolic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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