Is Synthetic Fragrance Safe for Babies 0–12 months?
For babies 0–12 months, Synthetic Fragrance is best avoided. A single term that may represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, allergens, and endocrine-disrupting compounds.
Why this rating?
A single term that may represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, allergens, and endocrine-disrupting compounds. EWG strongly recommends fragrance-free products for infants.
Editorial summary
This summary is editorial and is not part of the reviewed rating above. Ratings are unchanged.
At 0 to 12 months
The first year is when skin is most reactive to new products, and a fragrance adds nothing for a baby. Choose fragrance-free wipes, washes and lotions, and consider fragrance-free laundry products.
What the label means
On a cosmetic label, fragrance can stand in for many separate chemicals. Under FDA regulations (21 CFR 701.3), fragrance and flavor ingredients do not have to be listed individually because they are treated as trade secrets, so they may appear simply as fragrance, parfum or aroma. The consumer cannot tell from the ingredient list what is in the blend.
What is changing
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 directs the FDA to set rules for labeling fragrance allergens, but we could not confirm that the final rule is in effect. Until it is, the ingredient list alone will not tell a family with a fragrance sensitivity what a product contains. The FDA's guidance for people concerned about fragrance is to choose products labeled fragrance-free and to check the ingredient list.
Why this entry says avoid
A fragrance does nothing for a baby, and a skin reaction is a reason to leave it out. Fragrance-free is not always the same as unscented, since an unscented product can contain a masking fragrance, so read the list for fragrance, parfum, aroma and perfume. Wipes, lotions, washes, laundry products and diaper creams are the products that touch a baby's skin most.
In short
In short, a fragrance listing can hide many ingredients, the FDA advises choosing fragrance-free products if you are concerned, and a baby gains nothing from scent. Check the labels of wipes, lotions, washes and laundry products, and ask your pediatrician about any product that is followed by a rash.
How Synthetic Fragrance 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 Synthetic Fragrance.
| Age group | Rating |
|---|---|
| babies 0–12 months | Avoid |
| toddlers 12–24 months | Avoid |
Other age group
Is Synthetic Fragrance safe for toddlers 12–24 months?Sources
- EWG — regulatory_or_public_health_body
- IFRA — 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?
Scan a baby food label with LabelBaby to see every ingredient checked for your child's age. Learn about LabelBaby, or browse every 0–12 months ingredient guide.
