PEG-8 Stearate

PEG-8 Stearate molecular structurePubChem

0-6 month old newborns • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Peg 8 Stearate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 8 Stearate not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and young babies (0-6 months), PEG-8 Stearate is something to avoid when you can. It’s generally considered low-hazard for adults, but baby skin is more sensitive and there are concerns about possible contamination during manufacturing.

✅What to Do

If possible, choose products made for newborns that do not list PEG-8 Stearate. Avoid applying products with this ingredient to infants under 6 months, especially on large areas, irritated or broken skin. If you must use a product that contains it, pick one that states it tests for impurities or is certified by a trusted third party, and use it sparingly.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for any redness, rash, swelling, or irritation after applying a product — stop use and call your pediatrician if you see these. The main reason for caution is possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane noted in safety reviews and industry assessments (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and related public safety evaluations). Also be aware some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers provide extra safety data.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient data flags high contamination concerns: ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane were listed as possible impurities. Those contaminants are known to be linked to cancer risk by public health assessments, so the product could carry a cancer risk if those impurities are present.
Absorbed: This ingredient is used on skin (topical). The report specifically calls out contamination by small, hazardous chemicals (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane), which can be absorbed through skin when present as impurities — so harmful contaminants could get into the body from topical use.
Long-Term Risk: Because the ingredient can be contaminated with carcinogenic impurities, repeated or long-term use raises the chance of harm over years. The safety notes also point to data gaps and assessment limits in industry safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), which adds uncertainty about long-term safety.
Environmental: The file cites an environmental assessment (Environment Canada) that flagged possible ecotoxicology concerns for this substance. That means it may pose a risk to the environment if released during manufacture, use, or disposal.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-8 Stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg-8 stearateTOX21_1130363954DT14A6NSC-31811AKOS015843173UNII-YHX98F77PB COMPONENT RFVNOJDQRGSOEL-UHFFFAOYSA-NUNII-6YLY96TQL6 COMPONENT RFVNOJDQRGSOEL-UHFFFAOYSA-NPOLYOXYETHYLENE MONOSTEARATE ESTER, POE(9) MONOSTEARATEPOLYOXYETHYLENE MONOSTEARATE ESTER, POE(90) MONOSTEARATEPOLY(OXY-1, 2-ETHANEDIYL), .ALPHA.-HYDRO-.OMEGA.-HYDROXY-, OCTADECANOATEPOLY(OXY-1, .ALPHA.-HYDRO-.OMEGA.-HYDROXY-, OCTADECANOATE

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

Common Questions About PEG-8 Stearate

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

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

What are the cancer risks of PEG-8 Stearate 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 absorbed risks of PEG-8 Stearate 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 long-term risk risks of PEG-8 Stearate 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 are the environmental risks of PEG-8 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 PEG-8 Stearate?

PEG-8 Stearate 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 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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