Cetyl Stearate

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Cetyl Stearate?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetyl Stearate use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies (0–6 months): cetyl stearate is a skin‑softening ingredient that generally has low risk for long‑term health problems, but it can irritate skin or eyes in some people. Because infant skin is very delicate, we recommend extra caution.

What to Do

Choose products formulated specifically for babies and newborns. If a product contains cetyl stearate, test it on a small patch of your baby’s skin (for example the inner forearm or leg) and wait 24 hours before using widely. Avoid using it on broken or inflamed skin and keep it away from the eyes and mouth. If your baby has eczema, extremely sensitive skin, or is a newborn under 1 month, consider picking products without this ingredient. Stop use and gently wash the area if you see any redness, rash, swelling, or if your baby seems uncomfortable.

⚠️Warnings

Safety reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) report evidence that cetyl stearate can irritate skin, eyes, or airways; they also note that safe use is tied to how much is used and in what product. Government assessment notes it is not expected to cause systemic toxicity or to build up in the environment. Watch for signs of irritation (redness, stinging, tearing, rash) and avoid aerosolized or spray products that could be breathed in. If irritation occurs, stop use and consult your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found strong evidence this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs in people. That means it can cause redness, itching, rashes or eye or breathing irritation, especially on sensitive baby skin or with heavy use.
Environmental: Environment Canada flagged this chemical as an uncertain environmental toxin, meaning its effects on wildlife or ecosystems are not well known and there is concern it could be harmful to the environment.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Cetyl Stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

cetyl stearateOCTADECANOIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTERHEXADECYL STEARATE1190-63-2HEXADECYL OCTADECANOATE, 1-HEXADECYLOCTADECANOATE, STEARIC ACID CETYL ESTER, OCTADECANOIC ACIDSTEARIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTERPALMITYL STEARATEOCTADECANOIC ACID, 1-HEXADECYL ESTERN-HEXADECYL STEARATE1-HEXADECYLOCTADECANOATECETYL STEARATE

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

Common Questions About Cetyl Stearate

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Cetyl Stearate?

Use caution with Cetyl Stearate for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the irritant risks of Cetyl Stearate for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Cetyl Stearate for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Cetyl Stearate?

Cetyl Stearate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Cetyl Stearate?

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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