Ceteareth-2

Ceteareth-2 molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Ceteareth 2?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Ceteareth 2 not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0–6 months): use extra caution. This ingredient can carry trace contaminants and can make the skin absorb other things more easily. Because babies’ skin is thin, it’s safer to avoid products with Ceteareth-2 when possible.

What to Do

Pick products made for newborns that list simpler ingredient lists or explicitly avoid Ceteareth-2. If you must use a product that contains it, apply a very small amount to a small area once and watch for any reaction for 24–48 hours. Don’t use on broken, irritated, or rash-prone skin, and avoid the face and diaper area. If you see redness, swelling, blistering, or if your baby seems uncomfortable, stop use and call your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Main things to watch for: 1) Contamination risk: trace ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane have been noted as concerns (Environment Canada data). 2) Increased absorption: this ingredient can act as a penetration enhancer (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Because of these issues, avoid routine or full-body use on infants under 6 months, keep products away from eyes and mouth, and stop use if any irritation appears. If you have concerns, choose products labeled for newborns or ask your child’s pediatrician.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Those two contaminants are linked to cancer by public health authorities. Because Ceteareth-2 can be contaminated with them, there is a real cancer risk from contaminated product.
Long-Term Risk: The same contamination issues (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) are tied to health problems that appear after repeated or long-term exposure. The ingredient data warns these contaminants may be present, so there is a possible long-term health risk with repeated use.
Absorbed: A safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes Ceteareth-2 can act as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help other chemicals get through the skin and into the body, raising the chance that any contaminants will be absorbed.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Ceteareth-2

This ingredient may also be listed as:

ceteareth-2CETEARETH-2POLYOXYETHYLENE (2) CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPOLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 100 CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPEG-2 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Common Questions About Ceteareth-2

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Ceteareth-2?

Ceteareth-2 is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of Ceteareth-2 for newborns?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Ceteareth-2 for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Ceteareth-2 for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Ceteareth-2?

Ceteareth-2 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Ceteareth-2?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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