Butylparaben

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Butylparaben?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 9 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Butylparaben avoid - not safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants 6–12 months (baby, newborn, infant), butylparaben is not a good choice. Studies and regulatory reviews have raised concerns about hormone effects and possible effects on development, and it can irritate or cause allergic skin reactions. Because babies absorb more through their skin and are still developing, avoid products with this ingredient when possible.

What to Do

Check product labels and choose products labeled paraben-free for your baby. Avoid using products that list butylparaben, especially leave-on creams, lotions, oils, or diaper-area products. If a product contains it and you must use it, prefer short-contact or rinse-off items, use sparingly, avoid broken skin, and stop use if you see any redness or irritation. Ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, rash, itching, swelling, or unusual skin changes after applying a product — stop use and contact your pediatrician. Concerns come from regulatory bodies and scientific studies (for example, the European Chemicals Agency and peer-reviewed research) that note endocrine disruption and animal studies showing reproductive or developmental effects, and some national guidance that limits parabens in products for very young children. Also note industry safety reviews recommend concentration limits rather than unrestricted use.

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.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

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

Can older babies safely use Butylparaben?

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

What are the hormones risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

May mess with natural hormone development in babies and children. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the confuse hormones risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

Acts like fake hormones in the body, confusing natural signals. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the fertility risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Butylparaben 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 are the eczema risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Butylparaben for older babies?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Butylparaben?

Butylparaben 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 Butylparaben?

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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