Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Manuka Honey?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Manuka Honey 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 6–12 months, putting manuka honey on the skin is usually low risk but not without concerns. Some people have had allergic skin or severe reactions to honey, there are notes about possible contamination, and because older infants often put things in their mouths there is a risk if they lick the product.

What to Do

If you want to use a manuka honey product on a baby 6–12 months old: do a small patch test on the baby’s inner forearm and wait 24–48 hours; avoid using it on broken, raw, or infected skin; keep it away from the face and mouth so the baby cannot lick it; choose products made for baby use or from a trusted brand that provides safety data; stop use and call your pediatrician if you see redness, swelling, hives, breathing changes, or other worrying symptoms.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid applying manuka honey to open wounds or irritated skin, and avoid use near the baby’s mouth since ingestion is a concern (botulism from eating honey is a known risk for very young infants). Watch for signs of an allergic reaction (redness, swelling, hives, trouble breathing). The concerns come from published case reports of allergic reactions to honey (2016–2017), an animal study showing effects at high doses (2016), and notes about a contamination marker (5‑hydroxymethylfurfural). Also be aware that some product verification programs require brands to provide safety data before using this ingredient in cosmetics.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: There are human case reports of severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) after exposure to manuka honey, and cosmetic safety reviewers list it as associated with allergic effects. That means some children could have a serious immune reaction if their skin or body meets this ingredient.
Eczema: A documented case showed contact urticaria (hives) after skin care use of honey, which shows manuka honey can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin allergy conditions in sensitive people.
Irritant: Human reports of skin reactions (redness, itching, urticaria) after topical use indicate manuka honey can irritate sensitive baby skin and cause local rash or itch for some users.
Long-Term Risk: Safety notes flag a contamination concern (5‑hydroxymethylfurfural) in honey and industry safety reviewers advise limits or special handling for impurities. Repeated exposure to contaminated material may carry unclear long-term health risks, so caution is advised.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Manuka Honey

This ingredient may also be listed as:

manuka honeyleptospermum scoparium melMANUKA (LEPTOSPERMUM SCOPARIUM) HONEYHONEY, MANUKAMANUKA HONEY

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

Products Containing Manuka Honey

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Manuka Honey or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Manuka Honey

Can older babies safely use Manuka Honey?

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

What are the immune system risks of Manuka Honey 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 eczema risks of Manuka Honey 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 irritant risks of Manuka Honey 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 long-term risk risks of Manuka Honey for older babies?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey 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 Manuka Honey?

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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