Aveeno baby cleansing therapy

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner • For 0-6 month old infants • Skin contact 🧴

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner

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Ingredient List

Aveeno baby cleansing therapy - Ingredients

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Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Aveeno baby cleansing therapy?

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NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 12 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Aveeno baby cleansing therapy contains 20 ingredients. 2 concerning, 5 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (20 found)

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

🚨6/10

For infants (0–6 months) this cleansing ingredient is commonly used in washes and wipes but should be used with care. It can sometimes irritate or cause allergic reactions, and some batches can carry trace contaminants. Babies’ skin is more delicate, so caution is advised.

Immune system - Cosmetic safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and draft safety reports) report limited evidence that cocamidopropyl betaine can sensitize skin or trigger allergic reactions. That means it can affect the immune system in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

Irritant - Industry safety assessments note limited evidence of skin sensitization and explicitly warn the ingredient may be unsafe in products left on the skin (not rinsed off). This shows it can cause redness, itching, or irritation for some users.

Eczema - Safety panels and reports observed cases of sensitization and recommend limits on use and product types. Because it can provoke skin reactions, it may trigger or worsen eczema in sensitive children.

Cancer - Regulatory and industry reviews flag contamination concerns for this ingredient, including nitrosamines and related amines. Nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic, so impurity risks raise a cancer concern unless impurities are controlled as industry reviewers recommend.

Banned - Expert panels and tentative regulatory reports recommend use, concentration, and manufacturing restrictions for this ingredient and note it is unsafe in some product types (leave-on). While not universally banned, it is subject to regulatory or industry limits in some contexts.

Environmental - A national environmental agency (Environment Canada) flagged this ingredient as a suspected environmental toxin, indicating possible harm to ecosystems if released into the environment.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Sodium Hydroxide

🚨6/10

For infants and newborns (0–6 months): sodium hydroxide is a strong chemical that can burn or irritate when concentrated. In baby lotions and cleansers it is usually used in tiny amounts to set the product’s acidity and is neutralized in the finished product. Still, because babies have very thin, delicate skin, this ingredient is more worrisome for newborns than for older children or adults.

Banned - This ingredient is restricted for use in cosmetics in some regions. The EU cosmetics rules list limits on its use, and industry safety reviewers say it can only be used safely at certain low concentrations or when specially handled.

Organ Risk - Authorities have flagged possible harm to organs with repeated or high exposures. A national health agency classified it as expected to be toxic or harmful and gave it a medium human-health priority, and a U.S. assessment found toxic effects in animal studies. There is also limited evidence of breathing-related toxicity noted by a medical literature source.

Asthma - There is limited evidence that breathing in this chemical can hurt the lungs or airways. Medical literature notes possible respiratory toxicity, so it could make breathing problems worse if a child is exposed to vapor or mist.

Confidence: HIGH

Citric Acid

⚠️4/10

For newborns and infants (0–6 months), citric acid is generally low risk for long‑term harm but can irritate sensitive baby skin or eyes. It is used to balance acidity in many products, but special care is needed for very young babies.

Banned - Health Canada has placed restrictions on the use, concentration, or manufacturing of citric acid in cosmetics in Canada. An industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) also says safe use depends on product concentration and notes data gaps, so makers must limit or document how they use it. Because of these government and industry limits, some safety-verification programs will not allow this ingredient in products without proof it is used safely.

Confidence: HIGH

Coco-Glucoside

⚠️4/10

Coco‑Glucoside is a gentle, plant‑based cleanser. For infants (newborns, babies 0–6 months) it is usually low risk when used at normal levels in baby shampoos and washes, but very young skin is more easily irritated or sensitized.

Immune system - Human patch-testing studies and case reports show that coco‑glucoside and related alkyl glucosides can cause allergic reactions in some people. Reviews and clinical reports (including a 2019 patch‑testing study and a 2014 case report, plus a 2004 review of alkyl polyglycosides) document possible immune/allergic effects.

Eczema - There are published clinical cases of allergic contact dermatitis tied to alkyl glucosides, meaning this ingredient can trigger or worsen eczema‑like skin reactions in sensitive individuals (reported in a 2014 case report and supported by later patch‑testing findings).

Confidence: HIGH

Glyceryl Oleate

⚠️4/10

Glyceryl oleate is usually used to make creams and lotions feel smooth. For newborns and infants (0–6 months) it is generally okay in small amounts, but it has been reported to irritate skin or eyes in some people. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, use products with this ingredient only if they are made for babies.

Irritant - A safety review panel found strong human evidence that this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. That means it can cause redness, stinging, or discomfort on sensitive baby skin or if it gets in the eyes or is inhaled during use (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Eczema - Because the ingredient is a confirmed skin irritant, it can trigger or make eczema and similar rashes worse in children with sensitive skin. The same safety review cited clear human irritation evidence that supports this risk (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Asthma - The ingredient has been reported to cause lung irritation in people. That lung irritation can make breathing problems or asthma symptoms worse in children who are sensitive or already have asthma (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Environmental - A government environmental review flagged this substance as a suspected environmental toxin. That means it may pose harms to wildlife or aquatic life if released into the environment (source: Environment Canada).

Confidence: MEDIUM

Glycol Distearate

⚠️4/10

For babies (newborns and infants 0–6 months), glycol distearate is probably low risk in small amounts, but safety tests are limited. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, it’s best to be careful and prefer products made specifically for infants.

Long-Term Risk - This ingredient is used in food and topical products and regulators note limited toxicity data and possible multiple, additive exposure sources (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). An industry safety review group also flagged gaps in how safety is assessed and relies on the maximum reported ‘as used’ concentration (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Because people may get small amounts from more than one source and the safety data are incomplete, there is a real chance of unknown effects after repeated use over time.

Environmental - Canadian regulators describe the ingredient’s effects on the environment as uncertain (Environment Canada). Although they do not currently suspect it to persist or build up, the lack of clear ecotoxicology data means there could be environmental harm that is not yet well understood.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Sodium Lauroamphoacetate

⚠️4/10

For newborns and very young babies (0–6 months), this cleaning ingredient is usually low risk but we should be careful. There is some evidence it can cause mild skin or eye irritation in sensitive people, and there are reports about possible impurities that can trigger allergic reactions.

Irritant - Lab studies and a European chemical agency report show this surfactant can cause mild skin and eye irritation in some people. That means it may cause redness, stinging, or tearing, especially on very sensitive baby skin or near the eyes.

Immune system - There are contamination worries: a published report found an impurity (aminoethylethanolamine) linked to allergic reactions in cosmetics. That impurity can trigger sensitization or allergic responses in some users.

Banned - A major product verification program restricts use of this ingredient in verified products unless manufacturers provide strong safety data. This is a regulatory/market restriction meant to limit exposure until safety is shown.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

✅3/10

For infants (0–6 months): this ingredient is a thickener with low overall concern in safety reviews, but some animal studies show irritation or effects only at higher doses. Because newborn skin is very sensitive, we should be careful.

No Known Risk - A formal safety review and the available ingredient data report only low-level findings from animal tests and do not identify any higher-level health risks for people. The data show no concerns above the lowest level, so there are currently no applicable higher-risk labels.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Sodium Benzoate

✅3/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: sodium benzoate is a preservative that is generally considered low risk at the small amounts used in skin products, but infant skin is delicate so we take extra care.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Glycerin

✅2/10

For newborns and infants (0–6 months): glycerin is a common, mild moisturizer found in many baby lotions and wipes. When used at normal levels in products made for babies, it is usually safe and well tolerated.

Confidence: HIGH

Glyceryl Stearate

✅2/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: this ingredient is commonly used in baby lotions and is usually low risk. Still, baby skin is thinner and soaks up things more easily than older children, so extra care is wise.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

✅2/10

For infants (0–6 months): generally low risk. This ingredient is a thickener that usually does not get into the skin, but there are notes that trace manufacturing contaminants (methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, benzene) can be present. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, we recommend extra caution.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Avena Sativa Oat Kernel Extract

✅2/10

For newborns and babies (0-6 months) this oat kernel extract is generally safe and is often used to calm dry or irritated skin. Overall risk is low, but very young babies can be extra sensitive and rare allergic reactions are possible.

No Known Risk - Safety reviews by cosmetic experts (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) find this oat kernel extract safe for topical use and list only low-level concerns. There is no strong evidence of cancer, hormone, organ, or developmental harm from using it on the skin. A small number of people with oat allergy could react, and some products may have concentration limits, but for most children this ingredient is considered low risk when used as directed.

Confidence: HIGH

Ceramide NP

✅1/10

For newborns and babies (0–6 months), Ceramide NP is generally very low risk. It is a skin-like fat that helps moisturize and repair the skin, and most safety notes rate it as low concern. However, infants have thinner, more sensitive skin, so we should be careful.

No Known Risk - Authoritative reviews and studies do not identify any health hazards above a low level for typical topical use. A cosmetic safety review notes only guidance/restrictions for use, a European chemicals authority reported limited evidence of mild irritation, and scientific papers note this ingredient can increase skin penetration and produced allergenic responses only at high doses in animal tests. Taken together, there are no higher-than-low concerns for children when this ingredient is used as intended.

Confidence: HIGH

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

✅1/10

For infants (0-6 months), this ingredient is generally low risk when used in small amounts, especially in rinse-off products like baby shampoo. It can cause mild irritation in some people, so we recommend being cautious with newborns and babies.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Panthenol

✅1/10

Panthenol (provitamin B5) is generally safe for infants and newborns. It helps moisturize and soothe baby skin and is rarely irritating. Studies and government reviews do not show it to be toxic when used on skin.

No Known Risk - Health and regulatory reviews (including Canadian and U.S. assessments and industry safety panels) find panthenol has no reported hazards above a low level for topical use. It is not expected to harm organs, does not appear to build up in the body or the environment, and common concerns (cancer, allergies, reproductive effects) were rated low. There are some industry notes about safe use levels and a few data gaps, but no higher-level health risks were identified.

Confidence: HIGH

Sodium Chloride

✅1/10

For infants and newborns (0-6 months) this ingredient is generally safe when used in the small amounts found in baby wipes, creams, and saline drops. It is the same simple salt used in food and is not considered toxic in these low amounts.

No Known Risk - Regulatory reviews flag no meaningful health hazards for topical use. Food and health authorities list it as safe for limited use, and environmental assessments find it unlikely to harm organs, build up in the body, or damage wildlife. Overall expert sources rate concerns as low across cancer, allergies, development, and use restrictions.

Confidence: HIGH

Avena Sativa Oat Kernel Flour

✅1/10

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour is generally safe for babies 0-6 months when used on the skin. It’s commonly added to baby washes and creams to calm and moisturize dry, itchy, or sensitive skin.

No Known Risk - Regulatory and industry safety reviews find this oat kernel flour is not expected to be toxic and is considered safe for use on skin when used at normal concentrations. Tests and evaluations showed only low-level concerns for cancer, allergies, and reproductive effects, and any limits are about impurities or concentration — overall risk is low.

Confidence: HIGH

Caprylic Capric Triglyceride

✅1/10

This ingredient is a gentle, lightweight oil used to moisturize skin. For newborns and babies (0–6 months) it is generally safe when used in normal baby lotions or wipes.

Confidence: HIGH

Water

✅0/10

Water is very safe for a newborn’s or baby’s skin. Tests and regulatory reviews find no meaningful health risks from water used on the skin.

No Known Risk - Regulatory reviews (Environment Canada) find plain water is not expected to be toxic, not bioaccumulative, and not an environmental toxin. Safety summaries list no concerns above a low level for organ harm, reproductive effects, or other long‑term risks for topical use, so no specific health risks are identified for use on skin.

Confidence: HIGH

Common Questions About Aveeno baby cleansing therapy

Is this newborn-safe? Aveeno baby cleansing therapy

Aveeno baby cleansing therapy is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 20 ingredients in Aveeno baby cleansing therapy. 2 concerning, 5 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can newborns start using shampoo & bodywash & conditioner?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

Product Recognition: Product names are identified programatically and may be incorrect. Always verify product identity yourself.

Safety Analysis: Evaluations are for research only - consult pediatricians for medical decisions. Do not rely solely on this analysis.

No Guarantees: Results may be incomplete or inaccurate. Do not rely solely on this analysis.