For newborns and infants (0–6 months) this ingredient is best avoided when possible. It’s an ingredient used to mix oil and water, and there are notes from safety reviews about possible manufacturing residues and mild irritation. Babies’ skin is more sensitive and absorbs more, so extra caution is warranted.
If you can, choose products labelled for newborns that do not list Steareth‑100. If a product you already have contains it: use it sparingly, avoid applying on the face or near the mouth and eyes, do not put it on broken or sore skin, and do a small patch test on the arm and wait 24 hours. Prefer brands that test for and state limits for ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Stop use and talk to your pediatrician if you notice redness, rash, swelling, or unusual fussiness after application.
Main things to watch for: possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane (flagged in regulatory/industry safety reviews), and possible skin or eye irritation (noted by Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some quality/verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide extra safety testing. Do not use on broken skin or near the eyes, and stop use if irritation appears.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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Steareth-100 is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
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.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Steareth-100 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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