For babies aged 6-12 months, Poloxamer 188 is usually low risk when used on the skin in small amounts. It’s a mild cleanser found in some wipes and lotions. But some government reviews note possible health and environmental concerns and there are gaps in safety data, so we should be careful.
If you use products with Poloxamer 188 on a 6-12 month old baby: use them sparingly, avoid putting them on large areas of the body, don’t use on broken or irritated skin, and don’t use the product every day over long periods. Prefer products made for infants and do a small patch test on the forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction. If you can, choose products that don’t rely heavily on a single ingredient or that are formulated specifically for babies.
Watch for skin redness, rash, or irritation and stop use if these appear. Be extra cautious because Environment Canada has flagged possible effects on non-reproductive organs and environmental persistence, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review has noted data gaps — meaning not all safety questions are fully answered. Some product verification standards may restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers can show it is safe for certain uses. If you’re unsure, talk with your pediatrician before frequent or whole-body use.
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These research articles provide scientific evidence about Poloxamer 188 safety and effects.
Yes, Poloxamer 188 is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
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.
Poloxamer 188 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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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