For kids aged 2-5 (toddlers and preschoolers), Steareth-21 is generally considered low risk when used in small amounts on the skin. However, there are two main things to watch for: possible tiny amounts of unwanted contaminants (like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane) and the chance of skin or eye irritation.
Use products made especially for young children when possible. If a product lists Steareth-21, prefer rinse-off products (like shampoos or body washes) over leave-on creams if you are unsure about contamination testing. Patch-test a small area (arm) first, and stop use if you see redness, rash, or eye irritation. Choose brands that state they test for or limit contaminants, or that are formulated for kids.
Avoid using products with Steareth-21 on broken or chapped skin, and keep them away from eyes and mouth. Watch for redness, itching, swelling, or breathing changes and stop use if these occur. The irritation note comes from Cosmetic Ingredient Review; contamination concerns (possible traces of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) are flagged in ingredient data. If you have concerns, pick products that provide contamination testing information or are specifically marketed and tested for toddlers and preschoolers.
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 Steareth-21 or its alternative names.
Yes, Steareth-21 is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated 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-21 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