Lactic Acid

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Lactic Acid?

⚠️
USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Lactic Acid use with caution for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1–2 years) lactic acid is sometimes used safely in skin products at low levels, but it can irritate sensitive skin and make skin absorb more of other ingredients. It is safer here than for younger babies, but still needs caution.

What to Do

Choose products made for sensitive or child skin and that list low concentrations or are rinse-off. Do a small patch test on the inner forearm first. Don’t use professional-strength or high-acid body treatments on toddlers. If you see redness, stinging, peeling, or any reaction, stop use and rinse. Use sun protection when the product label or your provider says acids may increase sun sensitivity.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid using lactic acid on broken, inflamed, or diaper-area skin. Products with high concentrations or low pH are more likely to irritate; Health Canada and cosmetic safety reviews recommend limits on concentration and pH. Also note a position paper on alpha-hydroxy acids reports they can increase skin absorption, and medical literature shows limited evidence of skin irritation—watch for those signs and stop use if they appear.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is restricted in some places and must follow rules about how it is made and used. A Canadian safety list and government guidance limit its use, and industry safety panels set rules on how much can be in products.
Absorbed: This acid can help other things pass through the skin and can get into the body more easily. A safety review paper lists it as a penetration enhancer, so it may raise how much of a product is absorbed.
Sun Burn: Industry safety guidance says it can raise the skin's sensitivity to the sun unless products are made to prevent that or directions tell you to use sun protection.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Lactic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

lactic acid235-EP2316457A1235-EP2316825A1235-EP2314588A1235-EP2314585A1235-EP2316458A1235-EP2314584A1LACTIC ACID, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL235-EP2316826A1235-EP2314586A1235-EP2316459A1

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

Products Containing Lactic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Research Articles on Lactic Acid

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Lactic Acid safety and effects.

Common Questions About Lactic Acid

Is this toddler-safe to use Lactic Acid?

Use caution with Lactic Acid for 1-2 year old toddlers. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Lactic Acid for toddlers?

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

What are the absorbed risks of Lactic 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 sun burn risks of Lactic Acid for toddlers?

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

What products contain Lactic Acid?

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

When can toddlers using products with Lactic 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.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product