Is Parabens in baby products Safe for Babies 0–12 months?
For babies 0–12 months, Parabens in baby products is best avoided. Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics.
Why this rating?
Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics. The FDA says it has no evidence that parabens as used in cosmetics are harmful. The European Union is more cautious for the youngest children: Regulation (EU) 2014/1004 prohibits butylparaben and propylparaben in leave-on products designed for the nappy area of children under 3, because a risk could not be excluded given their immature metabolism and the possibility of damaged skin. This entry follows that precaution for infants and the diaper area.
Editorial summary
This summary is editorial and is not part of the reviewed rating above. Ratings are unchanged.
At 0 to 12 months
The European restriction covers leave-on products for the nappy area of children under 3, which describes the creams and wipes used most in the first year.
What parabens are
Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products to stop bacteria and mold growing. The FDA says it has no evidence that parabens as used in cosmetics are harmful, notes that they have much weaker estrogenic activity than the body's own estrogen, and says its scientists continue to review the research. The FDA applies no separate rules to preservatives in cosmetics.
What the European Union decided
The European Union takes a more cautious position for the youngest children. Under Regulation (EU) 2014/1004, butylparaben and propylparaben are prohibited in leave-on products designed for the nappy area of children under 3, because its scientific committee could not exclude a risk given the immature metabolism of young children and the possibility of damaged skin in that area. For other products the committee judged these parabens safe within set limits, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel found 20 of the 21 parabens it reviewed safe at current use levels, with insufficient data on butylparaben.
Why this entry is precautionary
Our rating follows the cautious approach for infants and the diaper area. Look for propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and ethylparaben on lotions, creams and wipes, and note that paraben-free products use other preservatives, which have their own considerations.
In short
In short, the FDA has not found parabens harmful as used in cosmetics, while the European Union restricts two of them for the nappy area of children under 3. If you prefer the cautious approach, choose products without propylparaben and butylparaben for the diaper area, and ask your pediatrician about any product that irritates your baby's skin.
How Parabens in baby products is rated by age
The same ingredient can carry a different rating as a child grows. These are the ratings for each age group that has a guide for Parabens in baby products.
| Age group | Rating |
|---|---|
| babies 0–12 months | Avoid |
| toddlers 12–24 months | Avoid |
Other age group
Is Parabens in baby products safe for toddlers 12–24 months?Sources
- FDA: Parabens in Cosmetics — regulatory_or_public_health_body
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014 — regulatory_or_public_health_body
Reviewed by Morvarid Nikousokhantayar, MSc Nutrition, Certified Naturopath & Nutritionist — last reviewed September 27, 2026.
This is general feeding information, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about your child's allergies and needs.
Checking a whole product?
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