Glycerol

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Glycerol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Glycerol is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children aged 2-5 years (toddlers and preschoolers), glycerol is usually safe when used in small amounts on normal, unbroken skin. It’s a moisturizing ingredient found in many lotions and creams. There is a small, cautious note from a European chemical agency about possible effects seen at higher exposures, but everyday topical use is generally low risk.

What to Do

Use products that list glycerol or glycerol formal in the ingredient list as directed and in small amounts. Do a patch test on a small area of your child’s arm before widespread use. Don’t apply to broken, red, or irritated skin. Avoid frequent heavy application or using many products with the same ingredient repeatedly. If your child gets a rash, redness, swelling, or other reaction, stop use and talk to your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

A European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) listing notes possible reproductive or developmental effects for glycerol formal — this is the main safety flag to be aware of. That concern is considered low-to-moderate and is linked to higher or repeated exposures, not normal small amounts used in baby or child skincare. Cancer and allergy concerns for this ingredient are reported as low, so they are less of a focus. If you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, check with your healthcare provider before choosing products with glycerol formal.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Fertility: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) lists glycerol formal as a possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. That flag means the chemical may affect reproductive organs or future fertility with exposure, so it could be a real risk for people who are pregnant or planning to have children.
Brain Development: ECHA identifies glycerol formal as a possible developmental toxin. "Developmental" risks can include effects on how a child’s body and brain grow, so there is a potential risk to early brain development if exposure happens during pregnancy or early life.
Long-Term Risk: Because a regulatory agency has singled out glycerol formal for possible reproductive and developmental harm, there is concern that repeated or long-term use could lead to lasting health effects. This makes ongoing exposure a potential long-term risk.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Glycerol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

glicerol7919ABNSC-15827(1,3-DIOXACYCLOPENT-4-YL)METHANOLGLYCEROL FORMAL (MIXTURE OF 1,3-DIOXAN-5-OL AND HYDROXYMETHYLDIOXALANE)DS-6052NSC15827MFCD00003218CTK1G9981EBD40707AKOS015915141

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

Products Containing Glycerol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Glycerol

Safe for preschoolers to use Glycerol?

Yes, Glycerol is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

What are the fertility risks of Glycerol for preschoolers?

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

What are the brain development risks of Glycerol for preschoolers?

Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the long-term risk risks of Glycerol for preschoolers?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Glycerol?

Glycerol 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 Glycerol?

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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