Caffeine

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Caffeine?

🚨
NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Caffeine not recommended 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, older newborn), topical caffeine is best avoided. Even though overall reviews call it low risk in general, babies absorb substances through their skin more easily and can be more sensitive to stimulants.

What to Do

Avoid using creams, gels, oils or patches that list caffeine on babies this age. If you find a product with caffeine that is labeled for infants and the manufacturer gives a clear low concentration and pediatric guidance, only apply a very small amount to a small area of intact skin and wait 24 hours to watch for any reaction. Keep products away from the face, eyes and mouth. If accidental large exposure occurs, contact your pediatrician or poison control.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for jitters, poor sleep, fussiness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting or changes in feeding — these can be signs of stimulant exposure. The caution comes from lab tests and animal studies showing possible genetic changes and developmental effects (see reviews by EPA and Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and differing toxicity classifications from some chemical regulators (Environment Canada, ECHA). Industry guidance also notes limits on concentration for certain product types (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Confidence: HIGH

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

Can older babies safely use Caffeine?

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

What are the absorbed risks of Caffeine for older babies?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Caffeine 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 fertility risks of Caffeine 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 builds up risks of Caffeine for older babies?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Caffeine 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 Caffeine?

Caffeine 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 Caffeine?

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.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product