Are Preservatives in Kids’ Skincare Safe? A Parent’s Guide

You pick up a moisturiser for your child. The label says ‘gentle,’ ‘natural’, and ‘made for kids.’ But when you turn the bottle around, you spot ingredients like sodium benzoate and phenoxyethanol.

Are these preservatives safe for your child’s skin? Should you look for a product without them?

It’s a common concern among parents who want to make informed choices for their little ones.

Let’s explore why skincare products need preservatives, which ingredients have reassuring safety evidence, which ones deserve extra attention, and how to choose suitable skincare for your child.

Are Preservatives in Kids’ Skincare Safe?

Yes, certain preservatives can be safe in kids’ skincare when used within applicable safety limits and in a properly formulated product. Their suitability depends on the ingredient, its concentration, the child's age and the product's intended use.

Preservatives help protect skincare products from microbial contamination, especially those that contain water.

You may come across two preservatives:

• Sodium benzoate: A preservative used in suitable cosmetic formulations to help control microbial growth.

• Phenoxyethanol: A widely used cosmetic preservative with activity against several types of bacteria and yeast.

Having a preservative on an ingredient list does not automatically make a product unsafe. The full formulation and its intended use matter.

Why do Kids’ Skincare Products Need Preservatives?

Imagine making a bowl of soup and leaving it out for several days. Even if it looks fine initially, bacteria and other microorganisms may multiply over time.

A water-based moisturiser can face a similar problem.

When you open a lotion, dip wet fingers into it, or store it in a warm, humid bathroom, you may introduce microorganisms. The water and other ingredients in the lotion can then help these microorganisms grow.

Preservatives help control this growth and keep the product protected throughout its intended shelf life. Without effective protection, a product may become contaminated before its expiry date, and it may not look, smell or feel different.

They are commonly used in products such as:

• Kids’ moisturisers and body lotions

• Baby creams

• Water-based shampoos and body washes

• Liquid cleansers

• Other skincare products containing water

This is why preservatives play an important role in protecting both the product and the person using it.

Which Preservatives are Considered Suitable for Kids’ Skincare?

Several preservatives have established uses in cosmetic products. Here are some ingredients parents may encounter.

These preservatives are not interchangeable. Manufacturers must choose a preservation system that works with the product’s ingredients, pH, packaging and intended use, then ensure the finished product is adequately protected.

Let’s look more closely at two preservatives parents often ask about.

Sodium Benzoate in Kids’ Skincare

Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products. It prevents certain microorganisms from growing.

You may find it in suitable creams, lotions, cleansers and other formulations.

How does sodium benzoate work?

Sodium benzoate works well in acidic formulations. A product’s pH affects how effectively this preservative controls microbial growth.

Think of it like a key that fits a particular lock. Sodium benzoate may work well in one formulation but offer less protection in another if the pH isn’t suitable.

That’s why manufacturers can’t simply add a preservative and expect it to work. They must design the entire formula to make ingredients work well together.

Is sodium benzoate safe for children's skin?

Sodium benzoate is used as a cosmetic preservative, but its suitability depends on how it is formulated and used.

It is also important to distinguish between an ingredient’s use in food and its use in cosmetics. Safety findings for food do not automatically apply to skincare because the amount used and the way the body is exposed to it can differ.

Can sodium benzoate irritate a child's skin?

Some children may react to particular preservatives, but that does not mean sodium benzoate will irritate every child’s skin.

If your child has sensitive skin, known allergies or recurring rashes, check the full ingredient list and consult a dermatologist if necessary.

Phenoxyethanol in Kids’ Skincare

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used cosmetic preservative. It helps protect products against several types of bacteria and yeast.

It may appear in moisturisers, lotions, shampoos and other personal care products.

Its name may sound unfamiliar, but an ingredient's name alone does not tell you whether it is safe.

Is phenoxyethanol safe for children?

A scientific review published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology examined the safety of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics.

The review discussed the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety's conclusion that phenoxyethanol is safe for cosmetic use at concentrations of up to 1%, including for children of all ages.

However, this general assessment does not mean that every product containing phenoxyethanol is suitable for every child or every body area.

Is phenoxyethanol safe for babies?

The European safety assessment considered children’s exposure, including that of younger children. However, recommendations may differ depending on the product’s intended use and the exposure involved.

For example, the French medicines and health products regulator, ANSM, recommended avoiding phenoxyethanol in products intended for the nappy area of children under three years of age. This recommendation was based on its exposure assessment.

Parents should therefore avoid applying a general safety conclusion to every baby product, especially products intended for the nappy area.

For newborns and infants, choose products designed for their age and intended use. If you are unsure about an ingredient in a product for your baby, ask your paediatrician.

Are all preservatives in kids’ skincare safe?

Different preservatives have different safety profiles. Some can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and isothiazolinones are two groups that parents should pay particular attention to.

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Some preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea, can release small amounts of formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde and certain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible people.

This does not mean that every ingredient in this group carries identical risks or that every exposure causes harm. If your child has a known formaldehyde allergy or keeps experiencing reactions to skincare products, consult a dermatologist to identify the ingredients they should avoid.

• Isothiazolinones

Methylisothiazolinone (MI or MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI or CMIT) are preservatives associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

Regulations governing these ingredients vary according to the preservative and product type.

When choosing leave-on skincare for children, check the ingredient list carefully, especially if your child has sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.

Are Natural Preservatives Safer Than Synthetic Preservatives?

‘Natural’ describes an ingredient's origin or how it is obtained. It does not automatically mean the ingredient is gentle or safe for every child.

Some plant extracts and essential oils can irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions. Synthetic ingredients, meanwhile, may have well-studied safety profiles when used appropriately.

For example, phenoxyethanol is synthetic, but scientific assessments support its use as a cosmetic preservative under specified conditions.

When choosing skincare for your child, look beyond labels such as ‘natural,’ ‘organic’ or ‘chemical-free.’ Instead, check the ingredient list, recommended age group and product safety information.

Are Preservative-Free Skincare Products Better for Kids?

This is not always the case. A product without conventional preservatives is not automatically safer than one that contains them.

Some products can skip conventional preservatives because their formulations create conditions that make microbial growth less likely than in water-based products. Others use ingredients that help preserve the formula but may not be labelled as conventional preservatives.

Here are three situations to understand.

1. Products that contain little or no water

Oils, anhydrous balms and certain butters contain little or no water. Because microorganisms generally need available water to grow, these products may not require the same preservation system as a water-based lotion.

However, they still need suitable manufacturing, storage and contamination controls.

2. Products that use alternative preservation systems

Some products rely on ingredients that help reduce microbial growth as part of a broader preservation system.

A product labelled ‘preservative-free’ may still contain ingredients that help protect it from microbial growth.

The claim alone does not tell you how the formula stays safe.

3. Water-based products without adequate protection

A water-based cream or lotion without an effective preservation system may be more vulnerable to contamination.

If a product contains water but claims to be ‘preservative-free,’ look for clear information about how the manufacturer controls microbial growth.

A properly protected moisturiser can be a better choice than an inadequately protected product marketed as preservative-free.

The Bottom Line

Before choosing skincare for your child, read the ingredient list, check the recommended age and consider your child’s skin needs. If your child has a history of skin allergies, ask a dermatologist which ingredients to avoid.

A preservative's presence doesn't automatically make a product unsafe, & its absence doesn't guarantee safety. Focus on the quality of the complete formula rather than marketing claims alone.

Looking for personal care products for your little one? Explore the Mishmash Naturals kids’ skincare collection to find products that suit your child’s needs.

FAQs

1. Are preservatives in kids’ skincare safe?

Some preservatives can be safe for children when used within applicable safety limits in properly formulated products. Their suitability depends on the ingredient, the child’s age and how the product is used.

2. Is sodium benzoate safe for kids’ skincare?

Sodium benzoate is a common cosmetic preservative. Its suitability depends on the formulation and intended use. Children with sensitive skin or recurring reactions may need individual advice from a dermatologist.

3. Is phenoxyethanol safe for babies under one year?

European safety assessments support the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics at concentrations of up to 1%, including products intended for children. However, ANSM recommended avoiding it in products intended for the nappy area of children under three.