Phenol

Phenol molecular structurePubChem

6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Phenol?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 9 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Phenol avoid - not safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants and babies aged 6–12 months, phenol is risky. It can burn skin and get into a baby’s body more easily because their skin is thin. Many authorities limit or ban its use in cosmetics because of these risks.

✅What to Do

Do not use products that list phenol on a baby’s skin. Check ingredient lists on creams, antiseptics, wart or mole removers, and keep any products that contain phenol locked away. If a baby gets phenol on their skin, rinse the area thoroughly with water, remove any contaminated clothing, and call your doctor or emergency services if you see redness, blisters, breathing changes, drowsiness, or other illness.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid applying any product containing phenol to infants. Government sources (Health Canada and the EU Cosmetics Directive) have banned or restricted phenol in cosmetics; other agencies (EPA, ECHA, IARC) report respiratory, organ, and possible developmental/reproductive concerns. Watch for skin burns, blisters, breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, or vomiting after exposure and seek medical help immediately.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is banned or tightly restricted for use in cosmetics by multiple government bodies. Health Canada and the EU cosmetics rules list it as not allowed in cosmetics, and Japan limits how much can be used. Those official restrictions mean some regulators found it unsafe for regular cosmetic use.
Organ Risk: Official hazard listings classify this chemical as toxic or harmful to body organs. An EU hazard classification notes organ toxicity, the U.S. EPA calls it a known human respiratory toxicant, and medical sources report limited evidence of effects on the heart and liver. Repeated or heavy exposure can hurt organs.
Fertility: A major chemical agency reports this substance as a possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. That means it could affect fertility or cause harm during pregnancy or development in ways that matter for children and future fertility.
Brain Development: Because a regulatory review flags possible developmental toxicity, this chemical could affect how a child’s body and brain develop. The developmental concern from the chemical agency supports caution for babies and pregnant people.
Asthma: The U.S. EPA identifies this chemical as a respiratory toxicant. That means it can irritate or harm the lungs and could make breathing problems or asthma symptoms worse in children sensitive to lung irritants.
Builds Up: Peer‑reviewed studies report the chemical can be persistent and bioaccumulate in wildlife. Although some government reviews differ, the scientific literature shows potential for this substance to stick around and build up in the environment and animals over time.
Environmental: Official hazard labeling and regulatory reviews flag risks to wildlife and the environment. Both EU hazard codes and the U.S. EPA note environmental toxicity, so this ingredient can harm animals and ecosystems if released.
Long-Term Risk: Animal studies and regulatory reviews show toxic effects at low to moderate doses and note data gaps about safety. Combined with persistence concerns, this points to possible long-term health effects from repeated exposures over time.

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Alternative Names for Phenol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

phenolPHENOL SOLUTION, 5000 MUG/ML IN METHANOL, CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALPHENOL SOLUTION, CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL, 500 MUG/ML IN METHANOLPHENOL, PURISS. P.A., ACS REAGENT, REAG. PH. EUR., 99.0-100.5%PHENOL SOLUTION, BIOREAGENT, SATURATED WITH 0.1 M CITRATE BUFFER, PH??4.3 +/- 0.2, FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGYPHENOL, PURISS., MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, 99.5-100.5% (GC)PHENOL, CONTAINS HYPOPHOSPHOROUS AS STABILIZER, LOOSE CRYSTALS, ACS REAGENT, >=99.0%PHENOL, BIOULTRA, FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, TE-SATURATED, ~73% (T)P-HYDROXY POLYSTYRENE (100-200 MESH, 0.5-1.5 MMOL/G)@CRLFMFCD03703209PHENOL SOLUTION, BIOREAGENT, EQUILIBRATED WITH 10??MM TRIS HCL, PH??8.0, 1??MM EDTA, FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGYPHENOL, PURISS., MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, >=99.5% (GC), CRYSTALLINE (DETACHED)

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

Common Questions About Phenol

Can older babies safely use Phenol?

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

What are the banned risks of Phenol 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 organ risk risks of Phenol for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the fertility risks of Phenol for older babies?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the brain development risks of Phenol for older babies?

Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Phenol for older babies?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the builds up risks of Phenol for older babies?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Phenol for older babies?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Phenol 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 Phenol?

Phenol 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 Phenol?

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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