Desitin Maximum Strength

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

skin protectant & rash ointment

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Can older babies use Desitin Maximum Strength?

🚫

NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 13 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Desitin Maximum Strength contains 10 ingredients. 1 avoid, 2 caution. Avoid - Contains Dangerous Ingredients 🚫 Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (10 found)

talc

🚫8/10

For infants 6–12 months (older babies), talc is not recommended. It can be breathed in and may be contaminated with asbestos-like fibers; some health agencies have raised cancer concerns and some countries restrict its use.

Cancer - Government and health review bodies have linked talc to cancer. The ingredient record includes listings of 'known human carcinogen' and notes evaluations by an international cancer research agency (IARC) that found evidence connecting talc exposure to cancer in some uses. This means using talc (especially powdered forms that can be inhaled or used in the genital area) has been tied to increased cancer risk in some studies.

Banned - Several regulators limit or restrict talc in cosmetics. The ingredient record shows use and manufacturing restrictions cited by the EU Cosmetics rules and Health Canada, meaning some governments have banned or tightly limited talc in certain products or concentrations.

Organ Risk - A national environmental health agency (Environment Canada) classifies talc as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and gives it a medium human-health priority. The record also flags contamination with asbestos-like (asbestiform) fibers, which can damage lungs after inhalation.

Long-Term Risk - The harms linked to talc (cancer and organ damage) are tied to repeated or long-term exposure. Agencies that reviewed talc list these long-term health concerns, so regular use over time raises added risk.

Absorbed - The ingredient record notes enhanced skin absorption for talc in some uses. That means talc or impurities in talc may more easily get past the skin and into the body in some product forms.

Confidence: HIGH

fragrance

⚠️5/10

Perfume can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in babies 6-12 months. It is used to provide fragrance in baby care products but should be used with caution.

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

petrolatum

⚠️4/10

For babies 6 to 12 months, purified white petrolatum is okay to use on small areas as a skin barrier and moisturizer.

Banned - In the EU, this ingredient is restricted unless it is very pure, because it can carry PAH leftovers from oil. This rule comes from the EU Cosmetics Directive.

Organ Risk - Canada’s environmental health agency lists it as expected to be harmful and a high health priority. With repeat use, it may stress organs like the liver.

Builds Up - Studies in people (2015) and in lab rats (2017) found mineral oil parts can collect in body tissues over time. Small daily amounts can add up.

Long-Term Risk - Because it can build up in the body and may carry PAH impurities, risks can grow with years of use. Purity limits in the EU were set to lower this risk.

Confidence: MEDIUM

tocopheryl acetate

✅3/10

Usually fine for most 6–12 month old babies when used sparingly on healthy skin. The main worry is a possible skin rash in sensitive babies.

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

lanolin

✅2/10

Lanolin is generally safe for babies but may cause allergic reactions in some sensitive infants used as a moisturizer or skin protectant

Confidence: HIGH

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

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

cod liver oil

✅1/10

For babies 6–12 months (infants, older babies), using a little cod liver oil on normal, unbroken skin is generally low risk. The safety information provided shows very low concern for harm when used on the skin.

No Known Risk - Available safety notes rate cancer, allergy, reproductive, and use-restriction concerns as low for topical use. Environment Canada classifies cod liver oil as not expected to be toxic, a low human-health priority, and not suspected to be an environmental toxin. Taken together, these findings show no identified health risks for topical use.

Confidence: HIGH

glycerin

✅1/10

Glycerin is a gentle, water-attracting ingredient used to moisturize skin. For 6-12 month old babies it is generally safe in typical baby lotions and wipes. Problems are rare but possible.

Confidence: HIGH

Common Questions About Desitin Maximum Strength

Safe for older babies? Desitin Maximum Strength

Desitin Maximum Strength is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 10 ingredients in Desitin Maximum Strength. 1 avoid, 2 caution. 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.