2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product
For children aged 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), hydroxyethylcellulose is generally safe when used in creams, lotions, shampoos and similar skin products. Safety reviews have found low concern for long-term health risks.
Use products that list the ingredient at normal concentrations and follow the product directions. For young children, use only as intended (for example, a small amount of lotion or shampoo), rinse off shampoos and soaps after use, and avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin. If your child has very sensitive skin, try a small patch on the arm first.
Watch for signs of irritation such as redness, rash, itching or swelling and stop use if these appear. Some safety reviews and industry panels (for example, Cosmetic Ingredient Review) note limits on concentration and the need for clean manufacturing to control impurities — products that carry a verification program may require documentation before using this ingredient. Government reviews (for example, Environment Canada) classify it as low concern, but they also point out data gaps. If you see persistent skin problems or suspect a reaction, consult your pediatrician.
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 Hydroxyethylcellulose or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Hydroxyethylcellulose safety and effects.
Yes, Hydroxyethylcellulose is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.
No immediate health concerns found based on current research. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Hydroxyethylcellulose 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 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product