Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM

skin protectant & rash ointment • For 6-12 month old babies • Skin contact 🧴

skin protectant & rash ointment

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Ingredient List

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Can older babies use Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM?

🚫

NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 30 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM contains 22 ingredients. 2 avoid, 2 concerning. Avoid - Contains Dangerous Ingredients 🚫 Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (22 found)

propylparaben

🚫9/10

For infants (6-12 months), propylparaben is not recommended. There is evidence it can act like a hormone and studies show possible effects on developing reproductive systems. Babies' skin absorbs more and their bodies are still developing, so extra caution is needed.

Confuse Hormones - Lab and wildlife studies show propylparaben can act like weak estrogen, and major regulators have flagged it as an endocrine disruptor. That means it can mimic hormones and confuse normal body signals in children.

Hormones - Because regulators and multiple studies identify propylparaben as an endocrine disruptor, it may interfere with natural hormone development in babies and young children.

Fertility - Animal studies found effects on the male reproductive system at low doses, and a European chemicals agency lists possible reproductive or developmental harm. This means it may affect future fertility or reproductive development.

Irritant - Human reports and safety reviews show propylparaben can cause contact reactions like hives or skin irritation. That makes it a real risk for redness, itching, or rashes on sensitive baby skin.

Eczema - There is documented evidence of contact urticaria and allergic skin reactions linked to propylparaben, so it can trigger or worsen eczema in children who are sensitive.

Immune system - Reviews and human case reports give moderate evidence that propylparaben can act as an immune toxicant or allergen, meaning it can trigger immune reactions in some people.

Banned - Some countries and expert panels restrict or limit cosmetic use of propylparaben (for example, specific bans or limits for products for very young children and concentration limits set by safety committees).

Environmental - Studies in fish and other tests show propylparaben can affect wildlife and the environment, and regulatory reviews have noted possible environmental disruption.

Confidence: HIGH

potassium hydroxide

🚫8/10

For babies aged 6–12 months: potassium hydroxide can be harsh and may irritate or burn delicate baby skin. It is not recommended for routine use on baby skin unless it is in a product made and tested for infants with very low levels.

Banned - This ingredient is restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive and industry safety reviewers (CIR) say it may only be used with limits or special formulation controls. Regulatory listings and product-verification rules mean some products are not allowed to contain it without strong safety proof.

Organ Risk - European hazard labeling (EU GHS) and Environment Canada classify this chemical as toxic or harmful to organs and list it as a medium human-health priority. That means it can damage non-reproductive organs with unsafe exposures.

Long-Term Risk - Environment Canada’s assessment and EU hazard classifications indicate concerns that repeated or long-term exposures could lead to lasting health effects. Workplace rules also limit allowable exposure, showing regulators see risk over time.

Confidence: HIGH

peruvian balsam

🚨7/10

Peruvian balsam is a known allergen and sensitizer not recommended for infants topical use may cause irritation or allergic reactions

Irritant - Peruvian Balsam is known to cause skin irritation, redness, and rashes, especially in sensitive individuals and infants.

Eczema - Peruvian Balsam can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in babies and children.

Asthma - The fragrance compounds in Peruvian Balsam may exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma in sensitive children.

Confidence: HIGH

methylparaben

🚨6/10

For babies (6–12 months) methylparaben is moderately concerning. It can sometimes cause skin allergy and there is limited evidence it may interfere with hormones. Regulators allow limited use but some countries limit or discourage it in products for very young children.

Hormones - Methylparaben has been found to affect the hormone system. The European Union lists it as a human endocrine disruptor and multiple studies show hormone-like activity, so it may alter normal hormone development in children.

Confuse Hormones - Research and regulatory review note that methylparaben can act like weak hormones in the body. Peer-reviewed studies and regulatory findings show it can mimic or interfere with natural hormone signals.

Immune system - There is moderate evidence that methylparaben can trigger immune or allergic reactions in people. A clinical report found contact urticaria (an allergic skin response), showing it can affect the immune system.

Irritant - Methylparaben has been linked to skin reactions such as contact urticaria. That means it can cause redness, itching, or rashes on sensitive skin, including babies' skin.

Eczema - Because methylparaben can cause allergic skin reactions and contact urticaria, it may trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in susceptible children.

Banned - Some authorities restrict or limit the use of parabens in certain products. For example, regional regulatory actions and safety opinions have led to limits or bans for use in products for very young children.

Long-Term Risk - Laboratory studies show methylparaben can change gene activity in human cells. Those biochemical changes suggest possible long-term effects with repeated exposure, even if direct outcomes in people are still being studied.

Confidence: HIGH

dimethicone

✅3/10

For babies 6–12 months old, dimethicone is commonly used in baby creams and ointments and is usually safe when used a little at a time on normal, unbroken skin. It rarely causes skin allergy and is often chosen for diaper creams and moisturizers.

Confidence: MEDIUM

evening primrose seed extract

✅3/10

Evening primrose seed extract is used for skin conditioning minor allergy risk but generally safe for baby topical use

No Known Risk - Evening Primrose Seed Extract is generally considered safe for topical use, including on sensitive skin, and there is no strong evidence linking it to irritation, hormone disruption, cancer, or other health risks in babies. No major health authorities have flagged it as a risk for infants when used topically.

Confidence: MEDIUM

beeswax

✅2/10

Natural wax emollient and thickener forming a skin barrier. Used in wipes and lotions to stabilize and moisturize. Generally safe. Rare contact allergy, possible propolis contamination.

Confidence: HIGH

benzoic acid

✅2/10

Benzoic acid is a preservative used in some lotions and creams. For babies aged 6–12 months it is usually low risk when present at the low levels used in baby products, but a small number of infants may get skin irritation or an allergic rash.

Confidence: HIGH

microcrystalline wax

✅2/10

For a baby 6–12 months old, microcrystalline wax in creams or balms is generally low risk when used in normal amounts. The biggest note from studies is that some petroleum-based waxes can slowly build up in the body with long-term heavy use.

Confidence: HIGH

mineral oil

✅2/10

For babies (infants) 6-12 months old, mineral oil is usually considered low risk when put on normal, unbroken skin and used sparingly. It can help keep skin soft and prevent dryness.

Confidence: MEDIUM

sorbitan sesquioleate

✅2/10

For babies aged 6–12 months this ingredient is usually safe when used in products made for infants. Major health reviews find low concern for cancer, reproductive harm, and widespread allergy risk, but a few people can be sensitive.

No Known Risk - Current safety reviews and a government health assessment find no health hazards from normal topical use and classify it as low priority for human health. An industry safety review notes some data gaps and recommends limits on how it is used, but no concerns above low were identified.

Confidence: MEDIUM

tocopherol

✅2/10

For babies 6–12 months (infants, baby, toddler): tocopherol (vitamin E) is usually safe in small amounts found in baby lotions and wipes. Most babies tolerate it fine, but a few can get a rash or irritation.

Confidence: HIGH

olive leaf extract

✅2/10

Olive leaf extract is generally safe with minor concerns due to potential mild skin irritation or allergy. It is likely included for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Confidence: HIGH

magnesium aspartate

✅1/10

For a 6–12 month old baby (infant), magnesium aspartate in skin products is generally low risk when used in baby-friendly formulations. It is not known to cause cancer, fertility or growth problems, and allergic concerns are low.

No Known Risk - Reviewed safety sources show only low-level concerns for cancer, allergies, reproductive effects, and use limits for topical use. A cosmetic ingredient review group notes only routine recommendations (such as limits on concentration or impurities) and did not identify medium or high hazards for skin use, so no real risks were found for children from typical topical use.

Confidence: MEDIUM

panthenol

✅1/10

Panthenol is generally safe for babies aged 6–12 months (infants, babies, little ones) when it is used in normal baby creams, lotions or wipes. Most babies tolerate it well and allergic reactions are uncommon.

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

potassium aspartate

✅1/10

For a baby 6–12 months old, potassium aspartate used on the skin is considered very low risk. It’s commonly used in small amounts and is unlikely to cause harm in normal baby products.

No Known Risk - Available safety reviews and industry guidance list only low-level concerns and call for limits on how the ingredient is used (for example, rules on concentration or purity from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some product verification programs also limit its use unless makers provide safety data. There is no clear evidence in these reviews of higher risks like cancer, hormone disruption, organ damage, or developmental harm.

Confidence: HIGH

sarcosine

✅1/10

Sarcosine is very low risk for infants (6–12 months) when used on the skin. Reviews by health authorities (Environment Canada) did not find it to be toxic or to build up in the body or environment.

No Known Risk - Reviews show low concern for cancer, allergies, and reproductive or developmental harm. A government assessment (Environment Canada) found it is not expected to be toxic, not persistent in the environment, not likely to build up in the body, and not an environmental toxin. Based on this information, no health risks were identified for topical use.

Confidence: HIGH

sodium cocoyl amino acids

✅1/10

For babies (6–12 months) this ingredient is generally safe. It is a gentle cleanser used in baby washes and shampoos and has very low health concerns in safety reviews. A small number of people may experience irritation.

No Known Risk - A formal safety review for this ingredient found it safe for use in cosmetics with some limits on how it is used. Reported concerns (like irritation or use limits) were all judged low, and there is no clear evidence of harms above a low level. Because reviews only flagged low-level issues, there are no higher-level risks identified.

Confidence: HIGH

soybean oil

✅1/10

Glycine soja soybean oil is a common emollient in baby care products and is generally safe for topical use in infants

No Known Risk - Soybean oil is widely used in topical products and is generally considered safe for baby skin. There is no strong evidence linking topical soybean oil to irritation, hormone disruption, or other health risks in babies based on current research.

Confidence: HIGH

synthetic beeswax

✅1/10

For a 6–12 month old baby (infant), synthetic beeswax is usually low risk when used on intact skin in small amounts, but there are contamination and data concerns so extra care is sensible.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Zinc oxide

✅1/10

Zinc oxide is a safe mineral ingredient for topical use on babies 6 to 12 months when in creams or lotions. It protects skin and acts as a physical sunscreen or barrier.

Confidence: HIGH

water

✅0/10

For babies 6-12 months (infants, older babies), plain water used on the skin is safe when it’s clean and part of a baby product. Official assessments say plain water is not expected to cause harm.

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 Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM

Safe for older babies? Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM

Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 22 ingredients in Balmex DIAPER RASH CREAM. 2 avoid, 2 concerning. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using skin protectant & rash ointment?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 6-12 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.