Steareth-20

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Steareth 20?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Steareth 20 is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children ages 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), Steareth-20 is usually low risk when used in normal skin products like lotions or wipes. Most safety reviews say it’s safe in small amounts, but there is a manufacturing contamination concern.

What to Do

Use products with this ingredient only on unbroken skin. Pick brands that test for manufacturing contaminants or that advertise contaminant testing. Do a small patch test (behind the ear or inside the elbow) before regular use. If your child’s skin becomes red, itchy, swollen, or if product gets in the eyes or mouth, rinse and stop using it and contact your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for irritation or allergic reaction. Manufacturers and reviewers have raised contamination concerns — possible traces of ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane during production (noted by Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada). Some safety reviews also point to limited data and use qualifications. This ingredient is restricted in certain verified product programs, so avoid products without clear testing if you are worried about contaminants. Never use on broken skin and keep products away from your child’s eyes and mouth.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record lists high contamination concerns with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Those contaminants are linked to cancer risk, so their possible presence makes this ingredient a cancer concern.
Environmental: A government assessment flagged this ingredient as a suspected environmental toxin, so it may harm wildlife or ecosystems if released.
Long-Term Risk: Safety review notes the assessment used data from a related chemical and there are contamination worries. Because of these data gaps and contaminant exposure, there is a real chance of harm with repeated or long-term use.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Steareth-20

This ingredient may also be listed as:

steareth-209005-00-92-OCTADECOXYETHANOL2136-72-32-(OCTADECYLOXY)ETHANOLETHANOL,2-(OCTADECYLOXY)-BB 0256761D08975CAS-9005-00-9DB-066492FT-0682442

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

Products Containing Steareth-20

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Steareth-20 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Steareth-20

Safe for preschoolers to use Steareth-20?

Yes, Steareth-20 is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of Steareth-20 for preschoolers?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the environmental risks of Steareth-20 for preschoolers?

Possible negative effects on the environment Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the long-term risk risks of Steareth-20 for preschoolers?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Steareth-20?

Steareth-20 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 Steareth-20?

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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