2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product
For toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5), this ingredient is likely low risk when used sometimes in rinse-off or short-contact products. There are some lab and animal findings that suggest caution, so it’s best not to use it a lot or on damaged skin.
If a product your child will use contains this ingredient: choose rinse-off items (like shampoos) over leave-on products, avoid using it on broken or irritated skin, do a small patch test on a tiny area first, do not apply near the eyes or mouth, and stop use and see a pediatrician if you notice redness, swelling, or persistent irritation.
Watch for skin redness, itching, or rash after use. The caution comes from animal and lab studies that showed possible effects on fertility, hormone-related pathways, and nerve cells (see study titles such as “Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants Cause Subfertility in Mice...”, “Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice”, “Identification of Environmental Quaternary Ammonium Compounds as Direct Inhibitors of Cholesterol Biosynthesis”, and “Benzalkonium Chloride Disinfectants Induce Apoptosis...”). Because these come from animal and laboratory work rather than large studies in children, we recommend being cautious with frequent or long-contact use in young children.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Quaternium-91 or its alternative names.
Yes, Quaternium-91 is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.
Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Quaternium-91 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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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