Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium Hydroxide molecular structurePubChem

6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Potassium Hydroxide?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Potassium Hydroxide avoid - not safe 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: potassium hydroxide can be harsh and may irritate or burn delicate baby skin. It is not recommended for routine use on baby skin unless it is in a product made and tested for infants with very low levels.

✅What to Do

Avoid products that list potassium hydroxide on the label for everyday baby skin care. If you find it in a wash-off baby shampoo or cleanser that is specifically marketed for infants, the risk is lower — but prefer products clearly labeled for babies. Do not put products with this ingredient on broken or very red skin. If a product containing it gets on your baby and causes redness, stinging, blisters, or swelling, rinse the area with plain water right away and call your pediatrician or poison control.

⚠️Warnings

Regulatory bodies restrict its use and set limits (EU Cosmetics Directive; Cosmetic Ingredient Review), and medical sources report possible skin and eye irritation (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Avoid leave-on products with this ingredient for babies, keep concentrated household forms out of reach, and watch for signs of chemical burn (intense redness, blistering, pain). If it gets in the eyes, rinse immediately and seek medical help.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive and industry safety reviewers (CIR) say it may only be used with limits or special formulation controls. Regulatory listings and product-verification rules mean some products are not allowed to contain it without strong safety proof.
Organ Risk: European hazard labeling (EU GHS) and Environment Canada classify this chemical as toxic or harmful to organs and list it as a medium human-health priority. That means it can damage non-reproductive organs with unsafe exposures.
Long-Term Risk: Environment Canada’s assessment and EU hazard classifications indicate concerns that repeated or long-term exposures could lead to lasting health effects. Workplace rules also limit allowable exposure, showing regulators see risk over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Potassium Hydroxide

This ingredient may also be listed as:

potassium hydroxidePOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, TECHNICAL, >=85%, LUMPSD01168POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 45% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE REAGENT GRADE 1KGPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SEMICONDUCTOR GRADE, PELLETS, 99.99% TRACE METALS BASIS (PURITY EXCLUDES SODIUM CONTENT.)POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 10% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 25% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONC12568POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 50% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 30% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTION

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

Products Containing Potassium Hydroxide

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Potassium Hydroxide or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Potassium Hydroxide

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Clodronate Reduces ATP-Containing Microvesicle Releasing Induced by Nociceptive Stimuli in Human Keratinocytes.

PMID: 39126004PubMed ↗

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Potassium Hydroxide safety and effects.

Common Questions About Potassium Hydroxide

Can older babies safely use Potassium Hydroxide?

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

What are the banned risks of Potassium Hydroxide 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 Potassium Hydroxide 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 long-term risk risks of Potassium Hydroxide 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 Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium Hydroxide 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 Potassium Hydroxide?

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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