Lactic Acid

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Lactic Acid?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Lactic Acid use with caution for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies aged 6-12 months, lactic acid can cause irritation and makes skin absorb more of what it’s mixed with. It is sometimes okay in very low amounts or in rinse-off products, but it's not a good choice for everyday leave-on baby creams.

What to Do

Choose products made for infants that list child-safe use; prefer rinse-off products (bath products) or products that state very low concentration and infant use. Do a small patch test behind the ear or on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Avoid products that say 'for professional use only' or list high acid strength or low pH. If you must use a product with lactic acid, use it sparingly, avoid broken or red skin, and follow label directions about sun protection.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for stinging, redness, peeling, swelling, blisters, or breathing trouble — stop use and seek care if these occur. Safety reviewers (Health Canada and Cosmetic Ingredient Review) restrict how much and how it may be used in cosmetics — they recommend limits on concentration and pH and say it’s safest in brief or rinse-off uses. Medical reports note possible skin irritation, and some safety lists restrict use without proper testing. Do not use on newborn skin (0-6 months) without medical advice.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is restricted in some places and must follow rules about how it is made and used. A Canadian safety list and government guidance limit its use, and industry safety panels set rules on how much can be in products.
Absorbed: This acid can help other things pass through the skin and can get into the body more easily. A safety review paper lists it as a penetration enhancer, so it may raise how much of a product is absorbed.
Sun Burn: Industry safety guidance says it can raise the skin's sensitivity to the sun unless products are made to prevent that or directions tell you to use sun protection.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Lactic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

lactic acid235-EP2316457A1235-EP2316825A1235-EP2314588A1235-EP2314585A1235-EP2316458A1235-EP2314584A1LACTIC ACID, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL235-EP2316826A1235-EP2314586A1235-EP2316459A1

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

Products Containing Lactic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Research Articles on Lactic Acid

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Lactic Acid safety and effects.

Common Questions About Lactic Acid

Can older babies safely use Lactic Acid?

Use caution with Lactic Acid for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Lactic 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 are the absorbed risks of Lactic Acid 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 sun burn risks of Lactic Acid for older babies?

May increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and cause faster burning. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Lactic Acid?

Lactic 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 Lactic 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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