6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product
For babies 6-12 months (infants, babies), Quaternium-91 is not well studied. Some laboratory and animal studies on related compounds show possible effects on nerves and hormones, so we take a cautious approach. It is not a commonly reported skin irritant, but data are limited.
If your baby’s product lists Quaternium-91, try to: use it only occasionally rather than every day; avoid applying near the face, mouth, or eyes; choose baby products with simpler ingredient lists when possible; and stop use if you see any rash or irritation. For frequent or full-body products (like lotions used daily), prefer formulations made especially for infants that do not contain this ingredient.
Watch for skin redness, rash, itchiness, swelling, or any change in behavior after applying a product with this ingredient. The caution comes from scientific studies including animal studies showing reduced fertility in mice (for example, studies titled “Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants Cause Subfertility in Mice…” and “Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice”) and lab studies that found effects on nerve cells (for example, studies like “Benzalkonium Chloride Disinfectants Induce Apoptosis…in a 3-D in Vitro Model of Neurodevelopment”) and studies suggesting interference with cholesterol/hormone pathways. If you have concerns, discuss with your pediatrician before regular use.
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This list shows products that contain Quaternium-91 or its alternative names.
Use caution with Quaternium-91 for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Quaternium-91 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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