For children aged 5 and up (school-age kids, older children, preteens), acesulfame potassium used on the skin is considered very low risk. It is mostly used as a sweetener, is rarely used in baby or child skincare, and does not tend to be absorbed through the skin or build up in the body.
If a product for your child lists this ingredient, it’s usually okay to use. Do a simple patch test first: apply a small amount to the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or irritation. Use the product as directed, avoid applying to broken or irritated skin, and keep products out of reach so kids don’t lick or eat them.
Watch for any skin redness, itching, or swelling — stop use if these appear and talk with your child’s doctor. Regulatory notes (U.S. FDA) list it as acceptable for limited uses in food, and Environment Canada indicates it is not expected to be toxic or to accumulate in the body; these sources support the low-risk assessment but do not replace watching for irritation from the product as a whole. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on damaged skin, and avoid eye contact.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Yes, Acesulfame Potassium is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
No immediate health concerns found based on current research.
Acesulfame Potassium 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 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product