Butylparaben

Butylparaben molecular structurePubChem

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Butylparaben?

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

ℹ️General Overview

Butylparaben is a preservative that has been linked to hormone effects and can cause skin reactions in some people. For children aged 5 and older the immediate risk is lower than for babies and toddlers, but there are still reasons to be careful.

✅What to Do

When choosing products for a 5‑year‑old or older child, pick paraben‑free options when possible. If you must use a product that lists butylparaben: use it sparingly, don’t apply it to broken or irritated skin, and avoid daily long‑term use on large areas. Always do a small patch test on the child’s forearm, and stop use if any redness, itching, or rash appears. Keep routine products (lotions, creams, sunscreens) in rotation so the child is not exposed to the same preservative every day.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, itching, or rash — butylparaben has evidence of causing skin allergy (peer‑reviewed studies). There is also strong regulatory concern about hormone‑like effects and possible effects on development (European Chemicals Agency, European safety reviews). Some safety panels and countries have set limits or restrictions for use, particularly for products for very young children. If you are worried about long‑term hormone effects, avoid regular use of products containing butylparaben on children and consult your pediatrician for alternatives.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Hormones: Butylparaben has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. The European Chemicals Agency and European Union reviews report strong evidence that it can affect human hormone systems, which can change normal hormone development in children.
Confuse Hormones: Scientific studies and EU assessments show butylparaben can act like a weak estrogen (a ‘fake’ hormone). Peer‑reviewed research and ECHA note estrogenic activity, meaning it can confuse the body’s normal hormone signals.
Fertility: Animal studies found effects on the male reproductive system at low doses, and the European Chemicals Agency lists possible human reproductive or developmental toxicity. This raises concern for future fertility and development.
Immune system: There is moderate concern for allergies and immune effects. Peer‑reviewed literature gives strong evidence that butylparaben can act as a human skin allergen and affect immune responses.
Irritant: Peer‑reviewed studies identify butylparaben as a human skin toxicant or allergen. This means it can cause skin redness, itching, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.
Eczema: Because butylparaben is a known skin allergen and irritant in humans (peer‑reviewed evidence), it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in sensitive children.
Banned: Regulators in the EU and national safety panels have set limits and restrictions on parabens. Some advisory opinions and national measures restrict or ban parabens in certain products, including steps aimed at products for very young children (regulatory bodies and safety committees).
Environmental: European assessments report that parabens, including butylparaben, have caused disruption in wildlife and the environment in some studies. This shows possible harm to animals and ecosystems.

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Alternative Names for Butylparaben

This ingredient may also be listed as:

NCGC00016354-11NCGC00091142-01NCGC00016354-06NCGC00016354-04NCGC00016354-01NCGC00016354-05NCGC00016354-07NCGC00091142-024-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID-N-BUTYL ESTER 1000 MICROG/ML IN ACETONITRILENCGC00016354-02

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

Common Questions About Butylparaben

Is this kid-friendly to use Butylparaben?

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

What are the hormones risks of Butylparaben for children?

May mess with natural hormone development in babies and children.

What are the confuse hormones risks of Butylparaben for children?

Acts like fake hormones in the body, confusing natural signals.

What are the fertility risks of Butylparaben for children?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues.

What are the immune system risks of Butylparaben for children?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of Butylparaben for children?

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

What are the eczema risks of Butylparaben for children?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

What are the banned risks of Butylparaben for children?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the environmental risks of Butylparaben for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Butylparaben?

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

When can kids start using products with Butylparaben?

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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