Octisalate

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Octisalate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Octisalate not recommended 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, octisalate is not the best choice. It soaks into skin and has had rare allergy reports and some laboratory findings that raise concern about hormone and developmental effects. It is safer than for newborns under 6 months, but still worth avoiding when you can.

What to Do

Keep infants out of direct sun, use hats and sun-protective clothing, and stay in shade during peak sun hours. If a doctor says your 6–12 month old needs sunscreen, choose a mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) product labeled for babies when possible. If you must use a product with octisalate: test a small patch on the baby’s thigh first, apply only to exposed skin (not near eyes or mouth), use the smallest amount needed, avoid broken or irritated skin, and reapply only as directed. Stop use and call your pediatrician if you see a rash, redness, swelling, or any breathing trouble.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, rash, swelling, or breathing problems and stop use immediately if these occur. There have been case reports of allergic skin reactions to octisalate (human case reports). Tests and reviews note that octisalate can be absorbed through the skin and may act as a penetration enhancer. Contamination with salicylic acid has been reported (contamination concern). Some safety reviews and regulatory assessments recommend limits on use or concentration (Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Japan restrictions), and government reviews raise concerns about endocrine effects (National Toxicology Program) and developmental/reproductive effects in animal studies (ECHA). Environment Canada has noted contamination and environmental toxicity concerns. If you have questions or your baby has a history of eczema or sensitive skin, check with your pediatrician before use.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Absorbed: Studies show octisalate can get through skin and raise blood levels after normal use. This includes lab skin tests and a randomized clinical trial that measured the ingredient in blood, and notes that it can also act as a penetration enhancer. The finding and the contamination note about salicylic acid mean it can reach the body and carry other substances with it.
Immune system: There are human case reports of allergic contact reactions to octisalate, showing it can trigger immune responses in some people (published dermatology case studies). These reports point to real allergy risk for sensitive children.
Eczema: Published contact‑dermatitis case studies link octisalate to rash and eczema‑like reactions in people who are sensitive, so it can trigger or worsen eczema in some children.
Irritant: Clinical case reports and safety reviews note skin irritation and contact sensitivity from octisalate in some users, so it can cause redness, itching or rashes on sensitive baby skin.
Banned: Some safety panels and regulators place limits on how octisalate is used. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (industry safety panel) sets concentration/use qualifications, and a national health authority set a concentration limit for some product types in its country, so its use is restricted in some places.
Environmental: A national environmental agency has flagged octisalate as a suspected environmental toxin, so it may harm wildlife or ecosystems if released widely.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Octisalate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

octisalate2-HYDROXY BENZOIC ACID 2-ETHYLHEXYL ESTERDB11062CS-4398AC-12458DB-041415OCTISALATE, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALNCGC00159324-04SC-190452-ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, ANALYTICAL STANDARDNCGC00159324-03

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

Products Containing Octisalate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Octisalate or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Octisalate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Octisalate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Octisalate

Can older babies safely use Octisalate?

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

What are the absorbed risks of Octisalate 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 immune system risks of Octisalate 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 Octisalate 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 Octisalate 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 banned risks of Octisalate 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 environmental risks of Octisalate 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 Octisalate?

Octisalate 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 Octisalate?

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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