Polyethylene

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Polyethylene?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyethylene is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years old), polyethylene is usually low risk. It’s a plastic used to make films or tiny solid particles. It’s not linked to cancer or long‑term harm, but it can irritate skin, eyes, or breathing in some people.

What to Do

Use products with polyethylene only as directed. Prefer products that are not dusty or powdery (avoid inhalation). Don’t put products on broken or chapped skin. If trying a new product, test a small patch on your child’s arm first and wait 24 hours. Rinse well if it gets in the eyes. Keep products out of reach so children don’t put them in their mouth.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, stinging, rash, eye watering, or coughing after use—these are signs of irritation (reported by cosmetic safety reviewers). Avoid powdered or abrasive forms around young children because breathing in small particles can irritate the lungs (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Regulators note some data gaps and recommend limiting concentrations and avoiding use where product may be inhaled or used on damaged skin (Cosmetic Ingredient Review; FDA; Environment Canada).

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: People have shown skin, eye, or lung irritation from polyethylene. A cosmetic industry safety review reports strong human evidence that it can irritate, and product safety notes list moderate irritation for skin, eyes, or lungs. For babies with very sensitive skin this could cause redness, itching, or rashes.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polyethylene

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polyethyleneDEUTEROETHYLENEETHENE-D (9CI)2680-00-4(1-2H)ETHENEDEUTERIOETHENEETHYLENE-D1, 98 ATOM % DDTXSID20181305ETHENE-DETHYLENE-D1CH2=CHD

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

Products Containing Polyethylene

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polyethylene or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polyethylene

Safe for preschoolers to use Polyethylene?

Yes, Polyethylene is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Polyethylene for preschoolers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Polyethylene?

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

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Polyethylene?

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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