Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste

skin protectant & rash ointment • For 0-6 month old infantsSkin contact 🧴

skin protectant & rash ointment

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Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste - Front

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Ingredient List

Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste - Ingredients

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Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 41 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste contains 26 ingredients. 5 concerning, 7 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (26 found)

Phenoxyethanol
🚨7/10
For infants (0–6 months): be careful. This preservative can irritate delicate baby skin and some countries limit how it’s used. It is not known to cause cancer or birth defects at normal cosmetic levels, but irritation is the main concern.
Irritant - Official hazard listings show this chemical can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Regulators classify it as an irritant, so it can make skin red or itchy and bother the eyes or breathing passages.
Asthma - Because it can irritate the lungs, it may make asthma or breathing problems worse. Workplace and hazard listings note lung irritation and limits on inhalation exposure.
Organ Risk - There is limited evidence that it can affect the nervous system and it is listed as toxic/harmful in official hazard codes. That means repeated or high exposures could harm organs like the nervous system.
Absorbed - Safety reviews and workplace data note systemic effects tied to how it is used, and nervous-system findings suggest the chemical can get into the body after skin or workplace exposure.
Banned - Some governments set limits on its use in cosmetics (for example, concentration limits from national health authorities), and some product standards require special proof before it can be used.
Confidence: MEDIUM
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
Fragrance
🚨6/10
Premium Fragrance Oil is a vague term for fragrance blends that may contain allergens or irritants not disclosed. Fragrances often cause skin sensitivity in babies under 6 months.
Irritant - Fragrance mixtures often contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation, redness, or rashes, especially on sensitive baby skin.
Eczema - Fragrances are known triggers for eczema flare-ups and can worsen symptoms in babies with sensitive or atopic skin.
Asthma - Fragrance chemicals can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may worsen asthma or breathing issues in babies and children.
Hormones - Some fragrance ingredients, such as certain phthalates, are suspected endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormone development.
Absorbed - Certain fragrance chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and detected in the bloodstream, raising concerns for systemic exposure.
Breast Milk - Some fragrance components, including phthalates, have been detected in breast milk, indicating they can pass from mother to baby.
Banned - Some fragrance ingredients are banned or restricted in the EU and other countries due to health concerns.
Builds Up - Certain fragrance chemicals, such as some phthalates and musks, can accumulate in the body over time with repeated exposure.
Long-Term Risk - Long-term exposure to some fragrance chemicals has been linked to chronic health effects, including hormone disruption and allergic diseases.
Confidence: HIGH
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
🚨6/10
Safety information not properly formatted for easy understanding
Irritant - A safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) found strong evidence that this ingredient can cause skin harm or act as an allergen in people. For a baby’s delicate skin, that can mean redness, itch, or rash when used on the skin.
Immune system - The ingredient record flags a moderate concern for allergies and immunotoxicity and cites strong evidence it can trigger skin allergic reactions (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). That means it can activate the immune system and cause allergic responses.
Eczema - Because experts found strong evidence this ingredient is a human skin allergen, it can trigger or make eczema and similar skin conditions worse on sensitive baby skin (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).
Cancer - The ingredient notes include high contamination concerns that name ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane as possible contaminants. Those contaminants are linked to cancer risk, so contaminated material could raise cancer concerns if exposure occurs.
Long-Term Risk - There are data gaps (the safety review relied on related chemicals) and flagged contamination issues. Those gaps plus possible carcinogenic contaminants mean there is potential for long-term health effects with repeated exposure.
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
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
⚠️5/10
For newborns and infants (0–6 months): the ingredient itself has low reported direct hazards, but there are manufacturing impurity worries (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane). Because babies this age are more sensitive, it’s safer to avoid products with this ingredient when possible.
Cancer - This ingredient is flagged for high contamination risk with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane — chemicals that are linked to cancer. A cosmetic safety review has recommended limits and controls because of these impurity risks, and a national food safety agency notes limited, controlled uses. That means there is a real cancer-related concern from contaminants, not the ingredient itself.
Organ Risk - The same contaminants (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) can hurt organs with repeated exposure. The ingredient entry notes contamination is a high concern and industry reviewers have advised restrictions to reduce those impurity risks.
Long-Term Risk - Because impurities of concern can cause harm over time, reviewers and regulators recommend limits and special manufacturing controls. That points to possible long-term health risks if the contaminant issue is not controlled.
Banned - This ingredient is subject to use restrictions and cannot be accepted in certain verified product programs without clear proof it meets safety limits. Industry reviewers also recommend limits on impurities and use types, so it is heavily restricted in practice.
Confidence: MEDIUM
Polysorbate 20
⚠️5/10
For infants (newborns, babies 0–6 months): this ingredient is often used to help mix water and oil in wipes and creams. It is not known to be highly toxic, but baby skin is very sensitive and there have been concerns about trace contaminants from manufacturing.
Cancer - The ingredient entry flags high contamination concerns for ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane—impurities that are linked to cancer risk. The industry safety review and ingredient notes also highlight these contamination issues and the need to control manufacturing impurities, so cancer risk comes from those contaminants rather than the pure ingredient itself.
Long-Term Risk - Safety notes point to data gaps and that safety assessments rely on reported ‘as used’ concentrations and manufacturing controls. Because the main concern is contamination by chemicals that can build up with repeated exposure, there is a possible long-term health risk if products contain such impurities over time.
Confidence: MEDIUM
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
Decyl Glucoside
⚠️4/10
For infants (0–6 months): Decyl Glucoside is a gentle cleansing ingredient that is usually safe, but a few babies have had skin reactions. Because newborn skin is extra delicate, I recommend being cautious.
Immune system - Human patch-test studies and clinical case reports have found that decyl glucoside can trigger allergic immune responses in some people. A 2020 UK/Ireland prevalence study and multiple patch-testing reports show possible immune or allergenic effects, so this ingredient can cause allergy-type reactions in sensitive children.
Eczema - Clinical case reports and patch testing have linked decyl glucoside and related alkyl glucosides to allergic contact dermatitis (skin rashes). Because these documented cases show true allergic skin reactions, the ingredient can trigger or worsen eczema in babies with sensitive skin.
Confidence: HIGH
Ethylhexylglycerin
⚠️4/10
For newborns and infants (0–6 months): this ingredient is not among the most dangerous, but it can sometimes cause skin or eye irritation and has been linked to allergic rashes in people. Because babies have very delicate skin, we recommend being careful.
Irritant - The ingredient is classed as an irritant by EU hazard labeling and safety reviewers. Animal studies also show skin, eye and lung irritation. That means it can cause redness, stinging, sore eyes, or breathing discomfort if used on or near a child’s skin or eyes.
Immune system - Human case reports and safety reviews describe allergic contact dermatitis from this ingredient and call it a relevant sensitizer in some cosmetics. This shows it can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive children.
Eczema - Because there are human reports of allergic contact dermatitis, this ingredient can start or make eczema and similar skin rashes worse in children who are sensitive.
Asthma - Animal studies reviewed by safety assessors show respiratory irritation at moderate doses. If the ingredient is inhaled (for example from sprays), it could make breathing issues or asthma worse in susceptible children.
Organ Risk - Safety assessments and animal studies report liver effects at low doses and limited eye toxicity. These findings point to possible harm to organs with repeated or higher exposure.
Confidence: MEDIUM
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
⚠️4/10
For newborns and babies 0–6 months, this mineral clay is generally low risk when used in creams or lotions. It is not seen as a cancer or long-term toxin concern. The main issue is if it is in a dusty powder form that could be breathed in.
No Known Risk - Independent safety reviews and government assessments (Environment Canada and an industry safety review) find this ingredient is not expected to be toxic to organs, not likely to build up in the body, and show only low concern for cancer, allergies, or reproductive harm. A European chemicals agency notes limited evidence of respiratory irritation, but that finding is minor. Overall, no health hazards above a low level were identified for typical topical use.
Confidence: MEDIUM
Titanium Dioxide
⚠️4/10
For infants (0-6 months) titanium dioxide in creams or lotions is generally low risk on normal, unbroken skin because it does not easily soak in. But tiny particles or sprays can be breathed in and are the main concern. For very young babies, be extra careful.
Cancer - Some public health agencies list titanium dioxide as a possible human carcinogen and report limited evidence that it can cause cancer in people. This comes from international cancer-review and U.S. public health evaluations, which is why cancer is a real concern with repeated or high exposures.
Organ Risk - A national health agency has classified titanium dioxide as likely to be toxic or harmful to body organs and placed it as a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or high exposure could hurt organs such as the lungs or other non-reproductive systems.
Long-Term Risk - Because it is linked to possible cancer and to medium-priority organ toxicity by health agencies, titanium dioxide carries a risk from long-term or repeated exposure over years.
Confidence: HIGH
Carbomer
3/10
For infants (0-6 months): Carbomer is a common ingredient used to thicken creams and wipes. By itself it is not known to be dangerous and does not easily get into the body, but babies have very delicate skin so we treat it cautiously.
Confidence: MEDIUM
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
3/10
For newborns and babies (0-6 months), this is a mild cleansing ingredient that is generally low risk. It is not known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, but it can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, eyes, or breathing.
No Known Risk - A cosmetic safety review panel evaluated this ingredient and found it safe for use in skin products when kept to the recommended amounts. The panel noted a small chance of skin or eye irritation and said it should be formulated to avoid irritation, but no higher-level hazards were identified.
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
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
3/10
For newborns and infants (0-6 months): this ingredient is a gentle cleanser used in baby shampoos and washes. Overall it is low risk in safety reviews, but because it can sometimes irritate eyes or skin and may help other ingredients get into the skin, extra care is advised for babies.
Confidence: MEDIUM
p-Anisic Acid
3/10
For infants (0–6 months): overall this ingredient appears to be low risk in adults, but there is little specific information for newborns and very young babies. Because baby skin and breathing are more sensitive, extra caution is recommended.
Confidence: LOW
Cetearyl Alcohol
2/10
For infants and newborns (0–6 months): Cetearyl alcohol is a common ingredient that helps creams and lotions feel smooth. When it is used in products made for babies it is usually low risk, but baby's skin is delicate so be a little cautious.
Confidence: MEDIUM
Cetyl Alcohol
2/10
For newborns and infants (0–6 months): cetyl alcohol is usually safe when used in small amounts in baby products. It helps creams feel smooth and rarely causes reactions, but baby skin is extra sensitive and some experts want more safety data.
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
Isopropyl Palmitate
2/10
For infants (0–6 months): generally considered low risk and used to make skin feel soft and spread products easily. Because baby skin is very thin and more absorbent, use it with care.
No Known Risk - Reviews and government assessments did not find health hazards above a low level for normal topical use. Safety panels note use limits and some data gaps, but regulators have called it low priority for human health, do not expect it to build up in the body or the environment, and allow limited food uses. Taken together, current evidence does not show any health risks above low for typical use.
Confidence: MEDIUM
Stearic Acid
2/10
Stearic acid is a common ingredient in baby creams and wipes and is generally low risk. Reviews by government and industry experts find little evidence it causes cancer, strong allergic reactions, or harm to development. Because newborn skin is very delicate, we err on the side of caution for babies under 6 months.
Confidence: HIGH
Coconut Oil
1/10
Coconut oil is generally safe for infant skin and is used as a moisturizer but monitor for rare allergies
No Known Risk - Coconut oil is widely used topically for babies and is generally considered safe. There is no strong evidence linking it to irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, cancer, or other health risks when used on healthy baby skin. Rare allergic reactions are possible, but not common enough to warrant a risk label based on current research.
Confidence: HIGH
Xanthan Gum
1/10
For babies 0–6 months (newborns and infants): xanthan gum is generally very safe when used in skincare like wipes or lotions. It’s a thickener that usually sits on the skin and rarely causes problems.
No Known Risk - Safety reviews and regulatory assessments find no health hazards above a low level for topical use. It is approved for limited use in food, classified as not expected to be toxic and a low human-health priority, and not suspected to be an environmental toxin. Cosmetic industry reviewers note only guidance on concentrations or purity. Because no concern was rated above low, no specific risks were identified for babies or children.
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 Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste

Is this newborn-safe? Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste

Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 26 ingredients in Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste. 5 concerning, 7 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can newborns start using skin protectant & rash ointment?

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.