Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde molecular structurePubChem

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Acetaldehyde?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Acetaldehyde not recommended for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children 5 years and older, acetaldehyde is best avoided. Government health groups have linked it to cancer and it can cause skin, eye and lung irritation. It may be banned or restricted in cosmetic products in some places.

✅What to Do

Choose products made for kids that do not list acetaldehyde. If you spot this ingredient on a label, do not use that product on your child’s skin. Prefer rinse-off products over leave-on items if exposure is unavoidable. Do a small patch test on older children before using a new product. If your child develops redness, itching, swelling, or breathing problems after contact, wash the area with water and call your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Warnings come from government health organizations: the International Agency for Research on Cancer and California’s health agency have identified cancer concerns; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes respiratory toxicity; and the European Union restricts or bans this chemical in cosmetics. It is also listed as an irritant for skin, eyes and lungs. Keep products that list acetaldehyde out of reach and avoid applying them to children’s skin.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Major health agencies have linked acetaldehyde to cancer. International and national bodies list it as a carcinogen or possible carcinogen, so using it on skin can raise cancer risk over time.
Banned: This ingredient is banned or restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive, meaning some governments found it unsafe for cosmetic use.
Organ Risk: Regulatory health agencies identify acetaldehyde as a respiratory toxicant and show evidence it can harm non-reproductive organs (especially the lungs) with exposure.
Irritant: Hazard classifications and studies show acetaldehyde can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs, so it can cause redness, stinging, or eye and breathing discomfort.
Asthma: Because acetaldehyde is a known respiratory toxicant and an irritant, it can worsen breathing problems or trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive children.
Absorbed: Safety assessments note enhanced skin absorption for this chemical, which means it can get through the skin and enter the body when applied topically.
Long-Term Risk: Given its links to cancer and organ toxicity reported by public health agencies, repeated or long-term exposure carries lasting health risks.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Acetaldehyde

This ingredient may also be listed as:

acetaldehyde4998-EP2380871A14998-EP2374788A1C00084Q61457Q57695648ACETALDEHYDE, PURISS. P.A., ANHYDROUS, >=99.5% (GC)ACETALDEHYDE SOLUTION, NATURAL, 50 WT. % ETHANOL, FGF2190-0651ACETALDEHYDE, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDACETALDEHYDE SOLUTION, NATURAL, 50 WT. % IN ETHANOL, ANALYTICAL STANDARD

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

Research Articles on Acetaldehyde

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Presence and Dermal Exposure to Benzene and Acetaldehyde in Hand Sanitizers Available in Taiwan.

PMID: 40710982PubMed ↗

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

Common Questions About Acetaldehyde

Is this kid-friendly to use Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde is not recommended for 5+ year old children due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the banned risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the organ risk risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the irritant risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the asthma risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What are the absorbed risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the long-term risk risks of Acetaldehyde for children?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Acetaldehyde?

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

When can kids start using products with Acetaldehyde?

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.

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