6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product
For babies 6–12 months old, this ingredient is generally considered low risk, but direct safety testing in infants is limited. Because related chemicals have shown possible effects in animal and lab studies, we stay cautious for babies and keep the safety score low but not zero.
If you use a product that lists Polyquaternium-10 on a 6–12 month old baby: choose baby-formulated products, use small amounts, avoid applying to broken skin or near the eyes and mouth, do a small patch test on one area of skin and wait 24–48 hours to watch for redness or rash, and limit frequency until you know the baby tolerates it.
Stop use and talk with your child's pediatrician if you see redness, swelling, rash, blisters, or any change in behavior after use. The caution comes from industry reviewers and government assessments (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada), chemical agency reports (European Chemicals Agency), and a few animal and lab studies (2014, 2015, 2016, 2021) that showed low-level concerns for related quaternary ammonium compounds. Also note some product-certification programs restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety information.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polyquaternium-10 or its alternative names.
Yes, Polyquaternium-10 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.
Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. 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.
Polyquaternium-10 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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