VeriMomShould I Avoid butylated xylenol During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
OECD SIDS (Japanese GLP OECD TG 422 study) reports reproductive/developmental effects in rats at 150 mg/kg/day (loss of litters, maternal deaths) with a reproductive NOEL of 30 mg/kg/day; no mechanistic reproductive data were located. No evidence of consumer/cosmetic topical exposure scenarios was found in the SIDS, and ECHA registration pages list industrial/antioxidant uses rather than cosmetic uses, so expected dermal exposure from cosmetics is not documented (exposure scored as 0). (Sources: OECD SIDS; ECHA registration dossier).
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H361
What to use instead
Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:
FAQ
- Is butylated xylenol safe during pregnancy?
- OECD SIDS (Japanese GLP OECD TG 422 study) reports reproductive/developmental effects in rats at 150 mg/kg/day (loss of litters, maternal deaths) with a reproductive NOEL of 30 mg/kg/day; no mechanistic reproductive data were located. No evidence of consumer/cosmetic topical exposure scenarios was found in the SIDS, and ECHA registration pages list industrial/antioxidant uses rather than cosmetic uses, so expected dermal exposure from cosmetics is not documented (exposure scored as 0). (Sources: OECD SIDS; ECHA registration dossier).
- Is butylated xylenol safe while breastfeeding?
- Same basis as pregnancy: the OECD combined repeat-dose/reproductive screening study showed pup viability losses and maternal fatalities at 150 mg/kg/day (reproductive NOEL 30 mg/kg/day); no breastfeeding-specific toxicokinetic or milk-transfer data were found, and no consumer dermal exposure data for cosmetic use were identified (exposure scored 0). (Sources: OECD SIDS; ECHA registration dossier).
- Is butylated xylenol safe for baby skin?
- Hazard scoring follows the animal reproductive findings (OECD SIDS) — suspected reproductive/developmental hazard. No infant-specific mechanistic or toxicokinetic data were located. Although consumer dermal exposure for cosmetics was not documented, infant skin has higher absorption potential; therefore exposure for baby skin is increased by +1 versus adult (adult exposure scored 0 → baby exposure scored 1). (Sources: OECD SIDS; ECHA registration/registration dossier).
- How does VeriMom score butylated xylenol?
- VeriMom scores butylated xylenol at 39/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to butylated xylenol?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to butylated xylenol based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.