Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Acetaldehyde?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Acetaldehyde not recommended for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: acetaldehyde can irritate skin, eyes and lungs and is linked to cancer by several health authorities. It’s best to avoid deliberate skin exposure when possible.

✅What to Do

Check product ingredient lists and avoid products that list acetaldehyde. Prefer rinse-off products (shampoos, washes) over leave-on products (creams, serums). Don’t apply to broken or inflamed skin. If you notice redness, stinging, coughing or breathing difficulty after use, stop and rinse; seek medical advice if symptoms persist. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of cancer, choose products that explicitly avoid aldehydes or contaminants.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for irritation (redness, burning, watery eyes, coughing). The cancer and irritation concerns come from authoritative agencies including IARC, NTP, EPA and California OEHHA, and use restrictions are noted by the EU Cosmetics Directive. It can also appear as a contaminant or breakdown product in fragrances and some formulations — when in doubt, contact the manufacturer or choose fragrance-free, well-tested products.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Major health agencies have linked acetaldehyde to cancer. International and national bodies list it as a carcinogen or possible carcinogen, so using it on skin can raise cancer risk over time.
Banned: This ingredient is banned or restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive, meaning some governments found it unsafe for cosmetic use.
Organ Risk: Regulatory health agencies identify acetaldehyde as a respiratory toxicant and show evidence it can harm non-reproductive organs (especially the lungs) with exposure.
Irritant: Hazard classifications and studies show acetaldehyde can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs, so it can cause redness, stinging, or eye and breathing discomfort.
Asthma: Because acetaldehyde is a known respiratory toxicant and an irritant, it can worsen breathing problems or trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive children.
Absorbed: Safety assessments note enhanced skin absorption for this chemical, which means it can get through the skin and enter the body when applied topically.
Long-Term Risk: Given its links to cancer and organ toxicity reported by public health agencies, repeated or long-term exposure carries lasting health risks.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Acetaldehyde

This ingredient may also be listed as:

acetaldehyde4998-EP2380871A14998-EP2374788A1C00084Q61457Q57695648ACETALDEHYDE, PURISS. P.A., ANHYDROUS, >=99.5% (GC)ACETALDEHYDE SOLUTION, NATURAL, 50 WT. % ETHANOL, FGF2190-0651ACETALDEHYDE, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDACETALDEHYDE SOLUTION, NATURAL, 50 WT. % IN ETHANOL, ANALYTICAL STANDARD

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

Research Articles on Acetaldehyde

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Presence and Dermal Exposure to Benzene and Acetaldehyde in Hand Sanitizers Available in Taiwan.

PMID: 40710982PubMed ↗

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Acetaldehyde safety and effects.

Common Questions About Acetaldehyde

Is this safe for adults to use Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde is not recommended for adults due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the banned risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the organ risk risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the irritant risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the asthma risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What are the absorbed risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the long-term risk risks of Acetaldehyde for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Acetaldehyde?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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