Citric Acid

Citric Acid molecular structurePubChem

6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Citric Acid?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Citric Acid is generally considered safe 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), citric acid in small amounts in wipes and baby lotions is usually low risk. It can cause stinging if it gets in the eyes and can bother very sensitive or broken skin.

✅What to Do

Choose products made for babies and avoid ones that list strong acids or high concentrations. Don’t put products with citric acid on broken skin. Keep products away from your baby’s eyes and face. If your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, do a small patch test on the arm first and talk to your pediatrician before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, stinging, or new rash and stop use if these appear. Health Canada notes restrictions on how this ingredient is used in cosmetics — that’s why it’s best to use only baby-specific products and avoid high-concentration formulations. Expert reviewers have also noted limits and some data gaps about safe concentrations in products.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Health Canada has placed restrictions on the use, concentration, or manufacturing of citric acid in cosmetics in Canada. An industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) also says safe use depends on product concentration and notes data gaps, so makers must limit or document how they use it. Because of these government and industry limits, some safety-verification programs will not allow this ingredient in products without proof it is used safely.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Citric Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

citric acidCITRIC ACIDCITRIC ACID"Citric Acid" }1466-EP2316834A11466-EP2316832A11466-EP2316835A1CITRIC ACID, MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, E330, ANHYDROUS, 99.5-100.5% (BASED ON ANHYDROUS SUBSTANCE)1466-EP2316825A11466-EP2316828A11466-EP2316831A11466-EP2316829A11466-EP2316833A11466-EP2316827A1

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

Products Containing Citric Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Citric Acid

Can older babies safely use Citric Acid?

Yes, Citric Acid is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the banned risks of Citric Acid 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 products contain Citric Acid?

Citric 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 Citric 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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