2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

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

ℹ️General Overview

For infants and newborns (0-6 months): this ingredient is generally low risk in adults but there is very little information for babies. Because babies have very soft, thin skin that absorbs more, we should be cautious.

What to Do

If you need to use a product that lists hexyldecanol on an infant: 1) choose a product made for babies or recommended by your pediatrician; 2) try a small patch test on a clean area (inner forearm or thigh) and wait 24–48 hours to check for redness or swelling; 3) avoid using it on broken or irritated skin; 4) use the smallest amount needed and do not apply repeatedly over large areas; 5) stop use and contact your pediatrician if you see a rash, swelling, blistering, or any changes in feeding or behavior.

⚠️Warnings

Things to watch for and avoid: 1) A published human case report linked hexyldecanol to a severe skin reaction — stop use and seek care if your baby develops sudden or severe rash (case report). 2) Some regulatory reviews note that possible effects on hormones have not been well studied (National Toxicology Program). 3) One agency reported the ingredient may build up in people, so repeated heavy use could increase exposure (European Chemicals Agency). 4) An environmental agency flagged possible environmental toxicity (Environment Canada). Because of these findings, avoid frequent or large-area use on infants and consult your pediatrician before regular use.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Builds Up: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) notes the ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people. That means it can stay in the body over time after repeated use.
Absorbed: Because ECHA found evidence the ingredient can accumulate in people, it is likely able to get past the skin and into the body when used topically.
Irritant: A published human case report from 2008 describes severe skin inflammation caused by hexyldecanol, showing it can cause strong local skin reactions in some people.
Eczema: The same clinical report described dermatitis severe enough to mimic other conditions, which means this ingredient can trigger or worsen eczema-like skin problems in sensitive users.
Immune system: A documented human case of dermatitis suggests the ingredient can provoke allergic or immune reactions in some people (case report, 2008).
Environmental: Environment Canada flagged the ingredient as a suspected environmental toxin, indicating possible harm to wildlife or ecosystems if it is released into the environment.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)

This ingredient may also be listed as:

hexyldecanolEINECS 219-370-1JARCOL I 16NJCOL 160BR2-OCTYL-1-OCTANOLQ27251672ISOFOL 16NSC 2399ACMC-20ANTVNJCOL 160BRARILANIT G 16

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

Products Containing 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) or its alternative names.

Common Questions About 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)?

Use caution with 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the builds up risks of 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) for newborns?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) 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 are the irritant risks of 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) 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 eczema risks of 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) for newborns?

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

What products contain 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)?

2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol) is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with 2-Hexyldecanol (aka hexyldecyl alcohol)?

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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