PEG-8

PEG-8 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 Peg 8?

🚨
NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 8 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), PEG-8 is best treated with caution. The ingredient itself is often used to help products spread and stay moist, but the main worry is that it can carry small amounts of harmful manufacturing impurities. Because babies’ skin is thin and more absorbent, those impurities could be more of a concern for newborns and young babies.

What to Do

Try to avoid products containing PEG-8 on newborns and babies under 6 months. Use products made for infants or labeled safe for newborn skin. If you must use a product with PEG-8 (for example a prescribed ointment), choose brands that state they test for impurities or are made for baby skin. Only apply to intact, clean skin and use the smallest amount needed. If your baby has very dry or broken skin, talk to your pediatrician before using a product with PEG-8.

⚠️Warnings

A safety database flagged contamination concerns (specifically ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) with PEG-8 from manufacturing—this is the main reason for extra caution with infants. Don’t use products with PEG-8 on babies younger than 6 months unless a doctor recommends it. Watch for any redness, swelling, rash, or unusual irritation after use and stop use right away if these occur. Prefer products labeled free of PEGs or that state they are tested for impurities, and check for recalls or manufacturer safety statements.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Industry safety reviewers have flagged PEG-8 for contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those two impurities are linked to cancer risk, and their possible presence in PEG-8 means there is a real cancer concern if contaminated material is used on the skin.
Long-Term Risk: Because the contamination concerns involve chemicals tied to cancer, safety panels note that repeated or long-term use could raise health risks. Industry reviews and product-safety assessments call out data gaps and recommended limits, which shows this is a long-term exposure issue to watch.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-8

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg-8PEG-8POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400OCTAETHYLENE GLYCOL

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

Products Containing PEG-8

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain PEG-8 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About PEG-8

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use PEG-8?

PEG-8 is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of PEG-8 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 PEG-8 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 products contain PEG-8?

PEG-8 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with PEG-8?

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.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product