Suitability and Dosage of Cooling Agents in Baby Wet Wipes
Question
I am planning to formulate wet wipes for infants (6 months and older) and would like to incorporate cooling agents. I am currently considering the following combination:
Menthyl PCAWS-23
Could you please provide guidance on the following points:
- Are these specific ingredients suitable and safe for use in products intended for children of this age group?
- What is the recommended dosage for these cooling agents in a wet wipe application?
- Are there any other safer or more appropriate alternatives that can provide a cooling or soothing sensation for baby wipes?
Answer
The use of chemical cooling agents like Menthyl PCA and WS-23 Cooling Agent in wet wipes for infants and young children (6 months and up) requires extreme caution, and Menthyl PCA is generally not recommended for this age group.
1. Suitability for Children (6 months+)
- Menthyl PCA (ID: 35407): This ingredient releases Menthol, which is a known respiratory irritant. Menthol and menthol-releasing compounds are generally advised against for use on infants and young children, especially in products that may be used near the face, due to the risk of respiratory distress (laryngospasm or apnea). We strongly advise against using Menthyl PCA for children under 3 years old.
- WS-23 Cooling Agent (ID: 2225): This is a non-menthol cooling agent and is considered milder. However, any strong cooling sensation can be irritating to a baby's sensitive skin. Use should be limited to the absolute minimum effective concentration.
2. Recommended Dosage
- Menthyl PCA: Not recommended for this age group.
- WS-23 Cooling Agent: If you choose to use it, start with a very low concentration, such as 0.05% to a maximum of 0.1%. Always perform a patch test first.
3. Recommended Alternatives
For children's products, it is safer to use ingredients that provide a soothing and mild cooling sensation through hydration and evaporation, rather than chemical cooling agents. A better option is to use soothing extracts:
- Aloe Vera Extract (ID: 76): Provides natural hydration and a mild, soothing cooling effect without the risks associated with menthol.
- Other Soothing Agents: Ingredients like Chamomile or Cucumber extracts are also excellent choices for baby wipes.
Follow-up Replies
Question:
I am developing a wet wipe formulation for infants aged 6 months and older. I would like to know if there are any additional cooling agents recommended for this specific age group, or if using WS-23 Cooling Agent in combination with natural soothing extracts is sufficient.
Specifically, I have the following questions:
- Is the use of
Menthyl PCAandWS-23 Cooling Agentsafe for infants? - What is the recommended dosage for cooling agents in baby products?
- Is the combination of
WS-23and natural extracts enough to provide a refreshing feel, or should I consider other potent cooling agents likeWS-10orWS-3? - Are there any other natural alternatives or soothing ingredients that can provide a fresh sensation safely for delicate infant skin?
Answer:
For formulating wet wipes for infants (6 months and older), safety and skin sensitivity are the top priorities. Here is the guidance regarding your selected cooling agents and safer alternatives:
1. Suitability and Safety for Infants
- Menthyl PCA (ID: 35407): This ingredient is not recommended for infants and children under 3 years old. Menthyl PCA releases Menthol, which is a known respiratory irritant. In young children, exposure to menthol can lead to respiratory distress (such as laryngospasm). It is best to avoid any menthol-releasing compounds in baby products.
- WS-23 Cooling Agent (ID: 2225): This is a non-menthol cooling agent and is generally considered milder and safer than menthol derivatives. However, because infant skin is much thinner and more permeable, any cooling sensation should be kept to a minimum to avoid discomfort or "cold-burn" sensations.
2. Recommended Dosage
- Menthyl PCA: Avoid use in this age group.
- WS-23 Cooling Agent: If you choose to use it, the dosage should be significantly lower than adult products. We recommend a range of 0.01% to 0.05%. This provides a very subtle refreshing feel without being overwhelming.
3. Is WS-23 + Natural Extracts Enough?
Yes, this combination is sufficient and much safer. For infants, a "cooling" sensation is often better achieved through hydration and soothing rather than intense chemical cooling. Adding more cooling agents like WS-10 or WS-3 is not recommended as they are too potent for baby skin.
4. Recommended Soothing Alternatives
Instead of adding more cooling chemicals, we recommend incorporating these soothing ingredients to provide a fresh, comfortable feel:
- Aloe Vera Extract: Naturally hydrates and provides a mild, soothing cooling effect.
- Cucumber Extract: Known for its refreshing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Natural Bisabolol: A powerful soothing agent from Chamomile that helps protect delicate skin.
- Allantoin: Helps reduce irritation and promotes skin healing.
Summary: Stick to a very low dose of WS-23 (max 0.05%) and focus on natural soothing agents like Aloe Vera and Bisabolol for a safe and effective infant wipe formula.
Related Products Mentioned
Menthyl PCA
Allantoin
Natural Bisabolol (Brazil Chamomile)
Aloe Vera Gel (Lite)
Cucumber Extract (France)
