For children aged 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), PEG-150 is likely okay in small amounts in well-made creams, but there are moderate concerns because it can contain leftover chemicals from manufacturing. It should not be used on broken or injured skin.
Use products made for children or from brands that test for impurities. Do a small patch test (inside forearm) before wider use. Avoid putting PEG-150 products on cuts, rashes, or irritated skin. If you see redness, swelling, or other irritation, stop use and rinse the area; talk to your pediatrician if it’s severe or covers a large area. Prefer products that state they test for and limit residual solvents like ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane.
Avoid using on injured or damaged skin (industry safety reviewers advise this). The main flagged hazards are manufacturing contaminants — ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane — and use restrictions called out by regulatory reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada). Watch for skin irritation and avoid daily full-body application on young children unless the product is specifically formulated and tested for that use.
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This list shows products that contain PEG-150 or its alternative names.
Use caution with PEG-150 for 2-5 year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
PEG-150 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.
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