For newborns and infants (0-6 months): this ingredient is commonly used in baby creams and lotions and is usually low risk, but it can cause skin irritation in some babies. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, I am extra cautious.
Choose baby products that are simple and made for sensitive skin. Before using a new cream or oil with this ingredient, try a small patch on your baby’s lower leg and wait 24–48 hours to check for redness or rash. Stop use if you see any irritation. Avoid applying to broken or red skin.
Watch for any redness, rash, swelling, fussiness when applying products with this ingredient — industry safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) have reported irritation in some people. Also note there are data gaps about safe concentrations in products, so prefer formulations made specifically for babies and avoid products that list many strong fragrances or alcohols alongside this ingredient.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Yes, 2-ethylhexyl stearate is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.
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.
Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
2-ethylhexyl stearate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product