Check for Different Age (6 available)
Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Polysorbate 80?
ℹ️General Overview
For infants (newborns and babies 0–6 months) Polysorbate 80 is not usually linked to serious long-term harm, but there are worries about tiny amounts of contaminants and the chance it could irritate sensitive baby skin. Because babies have very thin, sensitive skin, we are more careful with this ingredient in this age group.
✅What to Do
If your baby is 0–6 months: try to choose products that do not list Polysorbate 80 when you can, especially for moisturizers, lotions, or products used on the face or diaper area. If you must use a product that contains it, do a small patch test on a tiny area of skin and wait 24–48 hours to check for redness or irritation. Avoid using it on broken or inflamed skin. If your baby has eczema or very reactive skin, avoid it. Always stop use and contact your pediatrician if you see a rash, swelling, or breathing problems.
⚠️Warnings
Watch for skin redness, rash, swelling, or any breathing changes (stop use and seek medical advice). Ingredient reviews flag possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane as a concern, and industry safety reviews recommend limits on concentration to avoid irritation (sources cited in ingredient assessments include Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada). Also note some product-certification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers show extra safety data — that means you may see it absent from some baby-specific or verified products.
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Safety Risk Labels
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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Alternative Names for Polysorbate 80
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Products Containing Polysorbate 80
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polysorbate 80 or its alternative names.
Common Questions About Polysorbate 80
Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Polysorbate 80?
Use caution with Polysorbate 80 for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
What are the cancer risks of Polysorbate 80 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 Polysorbate 80 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 Polysorbate 80?
Polysorbate 80 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
When can infants start using products with Polysorbate 80?
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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