Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Polyaminopropyl Biguanide?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyaminopropyl Biguanide not recommended for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies aged 6–12 months (older infants), this preservative carries some caution because a number of safety reviews and regulators limit or restrict its use. It is not one of the highest-risk ingredients, but because rules and reviews have flagged limits or bans, it’s best to be careful with products that contain it on baby skin.

What to Do

If you are caring for a 6–12 month old baby: avoid regular use of leave-on products that list this ingredient. Prefer products labeled for babies that do not include it. If a product with this ingredient is needed (for example, a specialized antiseptic), use only as directed and for short periods. Test a small patch of skin first and stop if you see redness, swelling, or irritation. Check product labels for concentration limits or special instructions from the maker or regulatory guidance.

⚠️Warnings

Main warning: several safety reviews and some regulators have limited or restricted this ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products (sources include safety reviews by industry panels, the European cosmetics guidance, and the Japan Ministry of Health). Also watch for skin irritation or redness — although irritation is generally considered low, individual babies can react. Avoid using on broken or inflamed skin and do not use frequently as a routine moisturizer on infants. If you see any signs of allergy (hives, persistent redness, swelling) stop use and contact your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: A 2015 EU safety opinion found polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) unsafe for some cosmetic uses and the EU Cosmetics Directive restricts it. Japan's Ministry of Health also limits how much can be used in some products. An industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) says it may be safe only with concentration limits and notes gaps in the data. Because multiple government bodies have banned or tightly restricted this ingredient, it is a regulatory safety risk for use in cosmetics.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polyaminopropyl biguanideVANTOCIL 1BPP 073POLY(IMINOCARBONIMIDOYLIMINOCARBONIMIDOYLIMINO-1,6-HEXANEDIYL), HYDROCHLORIDEPOLY(HEXAMETHYLENEBIGUANIDE HYDROCHLORIDE)POLIHEXANIDUMPOLIHEXANIDOPHMBCOSMOQUIL CQPOLYHEXANIDEPOLYAMINOPROPYL BIGUANIDE

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

Products Containing Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polyaminopropyl Biguanide or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Polyaminopropyl Biguanide safety and effects.

Common Questions About Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Can older babies safely use Polyaminopropyl Biguanide?

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

What are the banned risks of Polyaminopropyl Biguanide 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 Polyaminopropyl Biguanide?

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide 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 Polyaminopropyl Biguanide?

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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