Ceteareth-2

Ceteareth-2 molecular structure

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Ceteareth 2?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Ceteareth 2 use with caution for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1–2 years): Ceteareth-2 is usually low risk but parents should be cautious because it can be contaminated during manufacturing and it can increase skin absorption of other ingredients. It is safer for a 1–2 year old than for a newborn, but it is not risk-free.

What to Do

Choose products made for toddlers or children, use them sparingly, and avoid applying them to broken, red, or very sensitive skin. Prefer rinse-off products (like shampoos or body wash) over leave-on creams if you want to reduce contact time. If you can, pick brands that state they test for or minimize 1,4‑dioxane/ethylene oxide. Do a small patch test on a thigh and wait 24 hours before wider use if you are unsure.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, rash, stinging, or any breathing difficulty after use and stop the product if you see any of these. Do not use on broken skin. Manufacturing contaminants — ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane — have been flagged as concerns, and some ingredient reviews recommend limits or testing for these byproducts (sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada assessments referenced in ingredient safety notes). Also note that some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless makers provide safety data; if this matters to you, look for products that avoid ethoxylated ingredients.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Those two contaminants are linked to cancer by public health authorities. Because Ceteareth-2 can be contaminated with them, there is a real cancer risk from contaminated product.
Long-Term Risk: The same contamination issues (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) are tied to health problems that appear after repeated or long-term exposure. The ingredient data warns these contaminants may be present, so there is a possible long-term health risk with repeated use.
Absorbed: A safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes Ceteareth-2 can act as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help other chemicals get through the skin and into the body, raising the chance that any contaminants will be absorbed.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Ceteareth-2

This ingredient may also be listed as:

ceteareth-2CETEARETH-2POLYOXYETHYLENE (2) CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPOLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 100 CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPEG-2 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER

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

Common Questions About Ceteareth-2

Is this toddler-safe to use Ceteareth-2?

Use caution with Ceteareth-2 for 1-2 year old toddlers. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the cancer risks of Ceteareth-2 for toddlers?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the long-term risk risks of Ceteareth-2 for toddlers?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of Ceteareth-2 for toddlers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Ceteareth-2?

Ceteareth-2 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can toddlers using products with Ceteareth-2?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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