Propylene Glycol

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Propylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Propylene Glycol is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1–2 years) propylene glycol is usually low risk at small amounts. It can cause skin or eye irritation in some children and may help other chemicals soak into the skin more easily.

What to Do

Use products that list it at low concentrations, avoid putting it on broken, red or sore skin (including the diaper area), do a small patch test first, and stop use if you see redness, swelling, or a rash. Keep products away from your child’s mouth and eyes.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or rash — this is the main concern (based on safety reviews and toxicity listings). Also note that some safety reviews say it can increase skin absorption of other ingredients (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), and government assessments have flagged possible effects at high exposures (Environment Canada). The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists it as a possible skin irritant. If you notice any reaction, stop use and talk to your pediatrician.

Confidence: HIGH

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:

Irritant: The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists this chemical as a skin, eye, and lung irritant. That means it can cause red, itchy skin, sting the eyes, or make breathing uncomfortable — risks that matter for babies and children with delicate skin and airways.
Immune system: A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found limited evidence of skin and immune-system effects. This means some people can get allergic or immune reactions after skin contact.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada has classified this ingredient as expected to be toxic or harmful and of medium human-health priority for non-reproductive organ effects. Repeated or heavy exposure could pose risks to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Absorbed: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review identifies this ingredient as a penetration enhancer. It can help itself and other ingredients pass through the skin into the body, so more of the substance may get into the bloodstream.
Asthma: Because it can irritate the lungs (noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine), inhaling sprays or vapors could make breathing problems or asthma worse in sensitive children.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Propylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

propylene glycol1,2-PROPANEDIOL, SAJ FIRST GRADE, >=99.0%1,2-PROPANEDIOL, P.A., ACS REAGENT, 99.5%D0007815490-EP2311839A115490-EP2305683A1C00583SOYBEAN OIL,POLYMER WITH BENZOIC ACID,PENTAERYTHRITOL,PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL1,2-PROPANEDIOL 100 MICROG/ML IN ACETONITRILE15490-EP2305669A11,2-PROPANEDIOL, TESTED ACCORDING TO PH.EUR.PROPYLENE GLYCOL

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

Products Containing Propylene Glycol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Propylene Glycol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Propylene Glycol

Is this toddler-safe to use Propylene Glycol?

Yes, Propylene Glycol is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Propylene Glycol 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 immune system risks of Propylene Glycol for toddlers?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of Propylene Glycol 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 absorbed risks of Propylene Glycol 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 asthma risks of Propylene Glycol for toddlers?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Propylene Glycol?

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

When can toddlers using products with Propylene Glycol?

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