Triethylene Glycol

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Triethylene Glycol?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethylene Glycol use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0-6 months): there is low evidence of cancer or allergy risk, but because experts note limits on how it should be used and there is some evidence of harm to organs, it's safer to be cautious with newborns and young babies.

What to Do

Try to avoid nonessential lotions or creams that list triethylene glycol for babies under 6 months. If a baby product made for infants includes it, follow the product directions, do not apply it to broken or irritated skin, and stop use right away if you see redness, swelling, rash, or if your baby seems unusually fussy. For babies under 6 months, instead of doing a patch test, err on the side of avoiding the product and talk to your pediatrician before use.

⚠️Warnings

Do not use on injured or damaged skin (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Environment Canada listed it as expected to be harmful to some organs — this is why extra caution is advised for infants. There are also data gaps noted by industry reviewers, so watch for any skin reaction or unusual behavior and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Industry safety reviewers have placed limits on this ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says its use is restricted in some products and it should not be used on injured or damaged skin. Some product-verification programs also require strong proof before allowing it.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies triethylene glycol as “expected to be toxic or harmful” and gives it a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or improper use could harm organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: The CIR specifically warns it is not safe for use on injured or damaged skin. That guidance means it can irritate sensitive or broken skin and could cause redness or worsening of skin problems.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Triethylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

triethylene glycol7813-EP2308858A17813-EP2272849A17813-EP2284165A1POLYETHYLENE OXIDE, M.W. >5,000,0007813-EP2292597A1ETHANOL,2'-[1,2-ETHANEDIYLBIS(OXY)]BIS-POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL),??-HYDRO-??-HYDROXY- ETHANE-1,2-DIOL, ETHOXYLATED 1 - 4.5 MOLES ETHOXYLATEDTRIETHYLENE GLYCOL, REAGENTPLUS(R), 99%FT-0652416FT-0659862

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

Common Questions About Triethylene Glycol

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Triethylene Glycol?

Use caution with Triethylene Glycol for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Triethylene Glycol for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Triethylene Glycol for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Triethylene Glycol for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Triethylene Glycol?

Triethylene Glycol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Triethylene Glycol?

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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