For toddlers (1–2 years), steareth is generally low risk when used in normal skin products. Most safety reviews say it is not likely to cause cancer or long-term harm, but there are occasional reports of irritation and a manufacturing impurity concern.
Choose products made for children or labeled for sensitive skin. Prefer wash-off products (shampoos, bath washes) or short-contact lotions when possible. Do a small patch test on the inner forearm before widespread use. Avoid using on rashes or broken skin. If you want extra caution, look for brands that state they test for or limit impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
Watch for new redness, itchiness, or rash after using a product with steareth — stop use if this happens. Safety reviews and regulatory assessments flag possible contamination by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing (reports from Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada), so avoid products from unknown sources or those that don’t disclose quality controls. Also be cautious around the eyes and mouth.
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.
Yes, Steareth is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Possible negative effects on the environment Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Steareth 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