For babies 6-12 months (infant, baby), terpineol can irritate the skin and is known to cause allergic reactions in people. There is also a note about possible contamination (for example, traces of formaldehyde). Because baby skin is delicate, terpineol is not a good choice for everyday baby skincare.
If you see terpineol listed on a product for your 6–12 month old, prefer a fragrance-free alternative. If you must use a product with terpineol, do a small patch test on the baby’s inner forearm and wait 48 hours to check for redness, rash, or swelling before using more widely. Do not apply to broken or very irritated skin, and keep products away from the baby’s eyes and mouth. Choose products made for infants that are specifically labeled fragrance-free or formulated for sensitive baby skin.
Watch for redness, bumps, swelling, blistering, or increased fussiness after application — these are signs of an allergic reaction or irritation. The ingredient information flags terpineol as a known human allergen (source: EU Cosmetics Directive note in the ingredient data) and also calls out contamination concerns including formaldehyde (source: ingredient contamination notes). Some certification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless substantiated — that means some baby products avoid it for safety reasons.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Terpineol or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Terpineol safety and effects.
Terpineol is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. 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.
Terpineol 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.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product