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Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Steareth 21?
ℹ️General Overview
For newborns and babies 0-6 months: use caution. The ingredient itself is not strongly linked to cancer or long-term harms, but there are concerns about contamination during manufacturing and it can sometimes irritate skin or eyes. Baby skin is very delicate, so avoiding this ingredient when possible is safest.
✅What to Do
If you can, choose a product made for newborns that does not list Steareth-21. For unavoidable use (for example it is in a needed lotion): use a very small amount, avoid broken or red skin, do not use on the face of very young babies, rinse off after short contact, and stop if you see redness, rash, or irritation. Consider doing a small patch test on a tiny area of the leg and watch for 24–48 hours before wider use.
⚠️Warnings
Watch for skin redness, rash, swelling, or eye irritation after use — irritation concerns come from cosmetic safety reviews. There is also a contamination risk with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane reported by regulatory and environmental reviews; these contaminants are the main reason to avoid routine use on infants. Some product-certifying programs limit or require proof for use of this ingredient in verified products — look for products explicitly labeled safe for newborns and check ingredient lists.
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Safety Risk Labels
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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Alternative Names for Steareth-21
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Products Containing Steareth-21
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Steareth-21 or its alternative names.
Common Questions About Steareth-21
Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Steareth-21?
Steareth-21 is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
What are the cancer risks of Steareth-21 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 environmental risks of Steareth-21 for newborns?
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
What products contain Steareth-21?
Steareth-21 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
When can infants start using products with Steareth-21?
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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