Hydroxyethylcellulose

Hydroxyethylcellulose 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 Hydroxyethylcellulose?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Hydroxyethylcellulose is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (newborns, babies 0–6 months) this ingredient is usually safe. It’s a gentle, non-reactive thickener and is not linked to cancer, developmental harm, or strong allergy risk in government and industry reviews. Still, because data on exact concentrations and long-term infant exposure is limited, we treat it cautiously for the youngest babies.

What to Do

Choose baby-formulated products that list this ingredient rather than using adult products. Use a small amount the first time and do a quick patch test on a small area of the baby’s arm. Keep products away from the baby’s eyes and mouth and do not apply to broken, red, or inflamed skin. If your baby has very sensitive skin or a history of eczema, ask your pediatrician before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for any redness, swelling, rash, or persistent irritation after use and stop the product if these occur. Safety reviews from government reviewers (Environment Canada) and industry safety panels note that the ingredient is low concern but that there are recommendations about concentration limits and some data gaps (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Also be aware that some product verification programs may require extra safety documentation before allowing this ingredient in certified baby products, so prefer products labeled for infants and from reputable brands.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

No Known Risk: Government and industry reviews rate this ingredient as low concern for cancer, allergies, reproductive or developmental harm, and do not flag it as an environmental toxin. A national environmental health agency classifies it as not expected to be toxic and a low human-health priority, and an industry safety panel notes only that safe use depends on concentration and manufacturing controls. Taken together, these assessments indicate no known health risks for normal topical use at typical concentrations (sources: Environment Canada; Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Hydroxyethylcellulose

This ingredient may also be listed as:

hydroxyethylcelluloseCELLOSIZE QP 4400CELLOSIZE QP3CELLOSIZE QPHYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSEBL 15CELLULOSE HYDROXYETHYL ETHERWALOCEL HT 6.000 PFVCELLULOSE, 2-HYDROXYETHYL ETHERH. E. CELLULOSE2-HYDROXYETHYL ETHER CELLULOSE

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

Products Containing Hydroxyethylcellulose

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Hydroxyethylcellulose or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Hydroxyethylcellulose

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Hydroxyethylcellulose safety and effects.

Common Questions About Hydroxyethylcellulose

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Hydroxyethylcellulose?

Yes, Hydroxyethylcellulose is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.

What are the no known risk risks of Hydroxyethylcellulose for newborns?

No immediate health concerns found based on current research. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Hydroxyethylcellulose?

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

When can infants start using products with Hydroxyethylcellulose?

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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