For toddlers (1-2 years), polyethylene is usually low risk for serious health problems, but it can irritate skin or eyes. Use with care on young children who can have sensitive skin.
If you see polyethylene listed, try it first on a small area (inner forearm or leg) and wait 24 hours. Don’t use it on cuts, rashes, or eczema. If you prefer, choose baby products labeled without polyethylene or choose simple moisturizing ingredients like plant oils. Keep products away from your child’s mouth and eyes.
Main concern: irritation to skin, eyes, or breathing — this comes from cosmetic safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and government assessments (Environment Canada). Also note some product certification programs restrict this ingredient. Stop use and rinse well if you see redness, swelling, or your child seems uncomfortable. If your child has breathing trouble after using a product, seek medical help right away.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polyethylene or its alternative names.
Yes, Polyethylene is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers based on current research.
Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Polyethylene 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 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product