Triethylene Glycol

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Triethylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethylene Glycol 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 (ages 2–5), this ingredient is not flagged for cancer or allergy concerns but some reviewers have put limits on how it should be used and noted possible effects on organs. Because there is limited safety data for young children, we recommend being careful.

What to Do

If you can, choose products made for young children or avoid products that list triethylene glycol. If you do use a product with it: use it sparingly, do not put it on injured or broken skin, avoid covering large areas of the body, and stop use if the child’s skin becomes red, itchy, or irritated. Consider a small patch test on one area before regular use. If in doubt, choose a product without this ingredient or check with your child’s pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Do not use on broken or damaged skin (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Limit how much and how often you use products with this ingredient on young children because a government review (Environment Canada) noted possible harm to non-reproductive organs. Watch for any skin irritation or other unusual symptoms and seek medical advice if they occur. Also be aware that industry reviewers note gaps in safety data, which is why extra caution is recommended.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Industry safety reviewers have placed limits on this ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says its use is restricted in some products and it should not be used on injured or damaged skin. Some product-verification programs also require strong proof before allowing it.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies triethylene glycol as “expected to be toxic or harmful” and gives it a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or improper use could harm organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: The CIR specifically warns it is not safe for use on injured or damaged skin. That guidance means it can irritate sensitive or broken skin and could cause redness or worsening of skin problems.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Triethylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

triethylene glycol7813-EP2308858A17813-EP2272849A17813-EP2284165A1POLYETHYLENE OXIDE, M.W. >5,000,0007813-EP2292597A1ETHANOL,2'-[1,2-ETHANEDIYLBIS(OXY)]BIS-POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL),??-HYDRO-??-HYDROXY- ETHANE-1,2-DIOL, ETHOXYLATED 1 - 4.5 MOLES ETHOXYLATEDTRIETHYLENE GLYCOL, REAGENTPLUS(R), 99%FT-0652416FT-0659862

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

Common Questions About Triethylene Glycol

Safe for preschoolers to use Triethylene Glycol?

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

What are the banned risks of Triethylene Glycol for preschoolers?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of Triethylene Glycol for preschoolers?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the irritant risks of Triethylene Glycol 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 Triethylene Glycol?

Triethylene Glycol 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 Triethylene Glycol?

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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