Phenoxyethanol

6-12 month old babies β€’ Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Phenoxyethanol?

βœ…
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Phenoxyethanol 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 babies 6–12 months old (infants and older babies), phenoxyethanol in lotions or wipes is usually low risk when the product is made for babies and the preservative is used at low levels. It can still irritate the skin or eyes in some babies, and very rarely cause an allergic reaction.

βœ…What to Do

Choose products labeled for babies, avoid products with strong fragrances or that list unusually high preservative content, use products as directed, and do not apply them to open cuts or rashes. If you are using a wipe or lotion, avoid the inside of the mouth, the eyes, and large, repeated applications over the whole body. If you see any redness, swelling, blistering, or breathing changes, stop use and see your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or new rashes, and stop use if these occur. Avoid using on broken or irritated skin and avoid getting the product in the eyes or mouth. These cautions are based on regulatory and safety reviews that note irritation concerns and use/concentration limits (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, EU hazard classifications, and national health authorities such as Japan’s Ministry of Health).

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: Official hazard listings show this chemical can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Regulators classify it as an irritant, so it can make skin red or itchy and bother the eyes or breathing passages.
Asthma: Because it can irritate the lungs, it may make asthma or breathing problems worse. Workplace and hazard listings note lung irritation and limits on inhalation exposure.
Organ Risk: There is limited evidence that it can affect the nervous system and it is listed as toxic/harmful in official hazard codes. That means repeated or high exposures could harm organs like the nervous system.
Absorbed: Safety reviews and workplace data note systemic effects tied to how it is used, and nervous-system findings suggest the chemical can get into the body after skin or workplace exposure.
Banned: Some governments set limits on its use in cosmetics (for example, concentration limits from national health authorities), and some product standards require special proof before it can be used.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Phenoxyethanol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

phenoxyethanolphenoxyNSC-1864STR04582TOX21_202111TOX21_111002TOX21_113532PHENOXYETHANOL, EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA (EP) REFERENCE STANDARDZ426194440PHENOXYETHANOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARD2-PHENOXYETHANOL, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOPHENYL ETHER, SAJ FIRST GRADE, >=95.0%PHENOXYETHANOL

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

Products Containing Phenoxyethanol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Research Articles on Phenoxyethanol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

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

Common Questions About Phenoxyethanol

Can older babies safely use Phenoxyethanol?

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

What are the irritant risks of Phenoxyethanol for older babies?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashesβ€”especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Phenoxyethanol 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 organ risk risks of Phenoxyethanol 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 absorbed risks of Phenoxyethanol 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 banned risks of Phenoxyethanol 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 products contain Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol 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 Phenoxyethanol?

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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