Caffeine

Caffeine molecular structurePubChem

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Caffeine?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Caffeine is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children aged 5 and older, skin products with caffeine are usually low risk when used as directed. Most concerns are low in the ingredient record, though a few lab and animal studies show effects only at higher doses.

✅What to Do

Use products meant for kids when possible. Do not put caffeine creams or gels on broken, red, or irritated skin. Apply only a small amount to the area recommended on the product label, and avoid large or daily long-term application over big skin areas. Rinse off if your child rubs the product into their mouth or eyes. Stop use and talk to your pediatrician if you see skin irritation, unusual restlessness, or sleep changes after using the product.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid using caffeine products on cuts, scrapes, or irritated skin. Watch for skin redness, rash, or irritation, and for changes in sleep or behavior if a child licks or ingests the product. The ingredient record notes some positive mutation results in lab tests and animal effects at high doses (sources include IARC, EPA, ECHA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, and peer-reviewed studies), and some regulatory guidance restricts use without proof of safety. Those findings are why large-area or high-frequency use is not recommended for children.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Absorbed: Safety reviews note that topical caffeine can be absorbed through skin. That means some caffeine put on the skin can get into the bloodstream after use, so the body may be exposed beyond the skin (noted in cosmetic safety assessments).
Organ Risk: Some regulatory reviews have classified caffeine as potentially harmful to organs and animal tests showed deaths at high doses. This flag comes from a chemical agency review and cosmetic safety studies that reported harmful effects in animals at high exposures.
Fertility: Animal studies found effects on development or reproduction at moderate doses in safety testing. These findings from cosmetic safety reviewers mean there is evidence caffeine can affect reproductive or developmental health in animals under some conditions.
Builds Up: Peer‑reviewed studies report that caffeine can persist and bioaccumulate in wildlife. That means it can build up in animals and the environment over time rather than breaking down quickly.
Environmental: Independent research shows caffeine can persist in the environment and accumulate in wildlife, which can harm ecosystems. Some government reviews differ, but peer‑reviewed evidence raised environmental concerns.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Caffeine

This ingredient may also be listed as:

caffeine3,7-DIHYDRO-1,3,7-TRIMETHYL-1H-PURINE (9CI)CAFFEINE, PURUM, ANHYDROUS, >=99.0% (HPLC)AB00051930-09AB00051930_10CAFFEINE, ANHYDROUS, TESTED ACCORDING TO PH.EUR.CAFFEINE, SIGMA REFERENCE STANDARD, VIAL OF 250 MGSR-01000075187-1METTLER-TOLEDO CALIBRATION SUBSTANCE ME 18872, CAFFEINE, ANALYTICAL STANDARD, FOR THE CALIBRATION OF THE THERMOSYSTEM 900, TRACEABLE TO PRIMARY STANDARDS (LGC)3,7-DIHYDRO-1,3,7-TRIMETHYL-1H-PURIN-2,6-DIONSR-01000075187-4

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

Products Containing Caffeine

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Caffeine

Is this kid-friendly to use Caffeine?

Yes, Caffeine is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the absorbed risks of Caffeine for children?

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

What are the organ risk risks of Caffeine for children?

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

What are the fertility risks of Caffeine for children?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues.

What are the builds up risks of Caffeine for children?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of Caffeine for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Caffeine?

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

When can kids start using products with Caffeine?

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.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product