Acetic Acid

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Acetic Acid?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Acetic Acid not recommended for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months (infants), acetic acid can irritate delicate skin. While overall hazard listings are low, some health agencies note concerns for body-system effects and handling risks, so it’s not a go-to ingredient for everyday baby skincare.

What to Do

Avoid products that list acetic acid for routine use on infant skin. If a product meant for babies contains it, use only when recommended by your pediatrician, and follow these steps: 1) choose products labeled safe for infants, 2) make sure the ingredient is present at a low concentration, 3) do a small patch test on a tiny area and wait 24 hours for any reaction, 4) do not apply to broken or irritated skin, and 5) stop use immediately if you see redness, swelling, blistering, or the baby seems uncomfortable.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation, burning, or redness after use — these are signs to stop use right away. Avoid concentrated forms (like strong vinegar/acetic acid solutions) and avoid using on cuts or rashes. Also be careful when handling concentrated forms yourself (they can cause burns or breathing irritation) — handling hazards are noted by hazard labeling authorities (EU GHS). Government reviews have flagged possible organ-system concerns and recommend limited, well-supported uses (Environment Canada; Cosmetic Ingredient Review; FDA guidance on limited uses). Some product review/verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety data, so prefer products specifically formulated and tested for infants.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: A government health agency has reviewed this chemical and lists it as expected to be toxic or harmful to body organs and gives it a medium human-health priority for organ effects. That means repeated or strong exposures could harm organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: European chemical hazard labeling shows handling risks for this acid, and industry safety reviewers note limits on how it is used in products. At higher strengths it can irritate skin, cause redness or burns, and may be worse on a baby's thin, sensitive skin.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Acetic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

acetic acidACETIC ACID, PURISS., MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, FCC, 99.8-100.5%SR-01000944354-1ACETIC ACID SOLUTION, SAJ FIRST GRADE, 27.0-33.0%ACETIC ACID, >=99.7%, SUITABLE FOR AMINO ACID ANALYSISACETIC ACID, FOR LUMINESCENCE, BIOULTRA, >=99.5% (GC)ACETIC ACID, >=99.7%, SAJ SUPER SPECIAL GRADEUNII-2AY78S427U COMPONENT QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-NSR-01000944354GLACIAL ACETIC ACID, MEETS USP TESTING SPECIFICATIONSUNII-00IBG87IQW COMPONENT QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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

Products Containing Acetic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Acetic Acid or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Acetic Acid

Can older babies safely use Acetic Acid?

Acetic Acid is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the organ risk risks of Acetic Acid for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Acetic Acid for older babies?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Acetic Acid?

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

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Acetic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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