For newborns and babies (0–6 months), polyethylene glycol is not shown to be highly dangerous on its own, but because baby skin absorbs more and there are known manufacturing contamination risks, it is safer to be cautious and limit exposure.
If possible, choose skincare made specifically for infants that avoids polyethylene glycol. If you need to use a product that contains it: use a very small amount, avoid applying to broken or irritated skin, choose products labeled for baby use or that state they test for and limit impurities, and avoid daily or large-area use. Always wash your hands after applying and keep products out of baby’s mouth and eyes.
Watch for any redness, rash, swelling, or irritation and stop use right away — if symptoms continue, contact your pediatrician. There are documented contamination concerns during manufacturing, specifically ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane, and some regulatory/industry reviews note possible organ-related effects at higher exposures (sources: Environment Canada and industry safety reviews such as Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Because infants absorb more through their skin, those contamination concerns are the main reason to prefer products without polyethylene glycol for babies under 6 months.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polyethylene Glycol or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Polyethylene Glycol safety and effects.
Polyethylene Glycol is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
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.
Polyethylene Glycol 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.
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