Microcrystalline Cellulose

Microcrystalline Cellulose molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Microcrystalline Cellulose?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Microcrystalline Cellulose 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 a baby 6–12 months old, this ingredient is generally low risk when used in normal baby lotions or creams. It’s an inert, plant-based powder used to thicken or hold a product together. Still, a small number of people can develop a skin allergy to it, so we take extra care with infants.

What to Do

Choose products made and labeled for babies, especially those for sensitive skin. Before widespread use, test a tiny amount on the inner forearm or behind the knee of your baby and wait 24–48 hours to check for a reaction. Don’t put products containing this ingredient on broken, red, or irritated skin. If your baby has eczema or known allergies, ask your pediatrician before use. If you see redness, rash, swelling, or any breathing difficulty, stop use and contact your child’s doctor right away.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for signs of an allergic skin reaction (redness, rash, swelling, hives) — peer-reviewed studies report allergic reactions to this ingredient. Also be aware that industry safety reviews note limits on concentrations and some data gaps about impurities, so avoid products with vague ingredient lists or unknown purity. Government reviews classify the ingredient as low concern for general toxicity, but the allergy evidence comes from peer-reviewed literature and the concentration/impurity notes come from industry safety assessments (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and government evaluations.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Peer-reviewed studies show this ingredient can act as an allergen in people and there is a moderate concern for allergies and immune effects when used on skin. Reviews by safety panels also note this allergy risk for topical use. For babies and children with sensitive skin, this could cause rash, redness, or other allergic reactions.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Microcrystalline Cellulose

This ingredient may also be listed as:

microcrystalline celluloseMICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE

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

Products Containing Microcrystalline Cellulose

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Microcrystalline Cellulose or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Microcrystalline Cellulose

Can older babies safely use Microcrystalline Cellulose?

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

What are the immune system risks of Microcrystalline Cellulose for older babies?

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

What products contain Microcrystalline Cellulose?

Microcrystalline Cellulose 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 Microcrystalline Cellulose?

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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