D-Limonene

D-Limonene molecular structurePubChem

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use D Limonene?

⚠️
USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: D Limonene use with caution for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For school-age children (5 years and older) d-limonene—an ingredient that gives a citrus scent—can cause skin allergies in some kids. It is less dangerous for 5+ year olds than for babies or toddlers, but it can still irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic rashes.

✅What to Do

If you want to use a product that lists d-limonene or citrus fragrance on a child: do a small patch test first (apply a tiny amount on the inside of the forearm and wait 24–48 hours for any redness or itching). Avoid products with added fragrance on known eczema or sensitive skin. Use fragrance-free options for daily care. If a product must be used, choose one with a short ingredient list and clear allergen labeling. Stop use immediately and wash the area if you see redness, swelling, itching, blisters, or any skin reaction.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, itching, swelling, blisters or spreading rash after using a product with d-limonene. Regulatory notes indicate d-limonene can be a human allergen (European Union and U.S. environmental/health reviews identify allergy risk) and cosmetics law in some places requires allergen labeling (EU Cosmetics Directive). There is also a contamination concern (formaldehyde has been reported as a possible contaminant), so avoid products without transparent ingredient and safety information. If a severe reaction occurs or if you are unsure, contact your child’s pediatrician.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: D‑limonene is listed as a human allergen and possible immune toxicant by the European authorities and is called out by the U.S. EPA and medical literature. That means it can trigger allergic or immune reactions in people, so children with sensitive immune systems or allergies could be harmed.
Irritant: Regulators require allergen labeling for this ingredient because it can cause skin sensitization and irritation (noted by the European cosmetics rules and U.S. sources). Topical use can lead to redness, itching or rash in sensitive skin, including babies.
Eczema: Because this ingredient is a known skin allergen/sensitizer (per EU listings and U.S. health reports), it can trigger or make eczema and related skin conditions worse in children who already have sensitive or atopic skin.
Builds Up: Some environmental reviews and regional pollutant assessments (for example work cited by an international marine commission and peer‑reviewed studies) report that d‑limonene can be persistent and bioaccumulative in wildlife. That means it can build up in the food chain over time.
Environmental: National environmental assessments flag d‑limonene as a suspected environmental toxin and other reviews show persistence in wildlife. This points to possible harm to aquatic life and ecosystems if released in large amounts.
Cancer: A contamination concern was raised for formaldehyde being present in some limonene supplies. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen by international cancer agencies, so contamination (not the pure d‑limonene molecule itself) could raise cancer concerns if exposure occurs repeatedly.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for D-Limonene

This ingredient may also be listed as:

d-LimoneneDEXTRO-LIMONENESULFATE TURPENTINE, DISTILLEDP-MENTHA-1,8-DIENE, (R)-(+)-EINECS 227-813-5(R)-(+)-LIMONENE, TECHNICAL, ~90% (SUM OF ENANTIOMERS, GC)D-1,8-P-MENTHADIENE(+)-1,8-PARA-MENTHADIENE1-METHYL-4-(1-METHYLETHENYL)CYCLOHEXENE, (R)-AI3-15191NCI-C55572

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

Common Questions About D-Limonene

Is this kid-friendly to use D-Limonene?

Use caution with D-Limonene for 5+ year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the immune system risks of D-Limonene for children?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of D-Limonene for children?

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

What are the eczema risks of D-Limonene for children?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

What are the builds up risks of D-Limonene for children?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of D-Limonene for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What are the cancer risks of D-Limonene for children?

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

What products contain D-Limonene?

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

When can kids start using products with D-Limonene?

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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