Camphor

Camphor molecular structurePubChem

2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Camphor?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Camphor not recommended for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and young children (2-5 years), camphor can cause skin allergies and, if swallowed or absorbed in large amounts, can cause serious poisoning such as seizures. It’s not a good choice for routine child skin care.

✅What to Do

Prefer camphor-free products for children. If you must use a product that lists camphor, use only as directed on the label, apply a very small amount, avoid the face, nostrils and hands, do not use on broken or irritated skin, and store the product locked away and out of sight.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid using camphor on infants, babies and young children when possible. Watch for redness, rash, unusual sleepiness, vomiting, breathing problems, or seizures after exposure — get emergency care if these happen. Regulatory sources note camphor is a known allergen and is restricted in some countries (Health Canada; EU Cosmetics Directive).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Camphor is listed by the EU cosmetics rules as a known human allergen. That means it can trigger allergic reactions in some people, which can affect a child’s immune response to the skin exposure.
Irritant: Because camphor is identified as a human allergen, it can cause skin redness, itching, or rashes when applied to sensitive skin or to children who react to it.
Eczema: Known allergy risk from camphor can provoke or worsen eczema and contact dermatitis in children who are sensitive to it, per the EU cosmetics classification.
Banned: Health Canada restricts the use or concentration of camphor in cosmetics, so its use is limited or controlled in some countries.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Camphor

This ingredient may also be listed as:

camphorHY-N0808Q-200784DL-2-BORNANONE 1,7,7-TRIMETHYLBICYCLO[2.2.1]HEPTAN-2-ONEZ940713494W-109539W-110530Q181559F0001-0763(1RS,4RS)-1,7,7-TRIMETHYLBICYCLO(2.2.1)HEPTAN-2-ONE(+/-)-1,7,7-TRIMETHYL-BICYCLO[2,2,1]HEPTANE-2-ONE

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

Products Containing Camphor

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Camphor or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Camphor

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Ethyl cellulose-based in-situ film of itraconazole for enhanced treatment of fungal infections.

PMID: 40253000PubMed ↗

There's the Rub: a narrative review of the benefits and complications associated with Vicks VapoRub use.

PMID: 40034673PubMed ↗

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Camphor safety and effects.

Common Questions About Camphor

Safe for preschoolers to use Camphor?

Camphor is not recommended for 2-5 year old children due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Camphor for preschoolers?

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

What are the irritant risks of Camphor for preschoolers?

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

What are the eczema risks of Camphor for preschoolers?

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

What are the banned risks of Camphor for preschoolers?

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

What products contain Camphor?

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

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Camphor?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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