5+ year old children • Skin contact product
For children aged 5 and up (school-age kids), Ceteareth-20 is usually low risk in finished skin products. The main issues are possible contamination with chemicals called ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, and the fact this ingredient can help other ingredients get through the skin. Overall it is safer for children 5+ than for babies or toddlers, but some caution is still wise.
If you use a product that lists Ceteareth-20 on a child’s skin: choose products from brands that test for contaminants or avoid this ingredient when possible; prefer rinse-off products (like shampoos or washes) over leave-on products (like lotions) when the ingredient is present; do a small patch test on the child’s forearm before wider use; avoid applying to broken, red, or irritated skin; if your child has eczema or very sensitive skin, pick products formulated without it.
Watch for new redness, itching, stinging, or rash after using a product — stop use if these occur. Be careful with products used frequently or left on the skin because Ceteareth-20 can increase absorption of other ingredients (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). There are also documented contamination concerns for ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane with ingredients in this class (source: public ingredient reviews and contamination testing). Some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless brands provide testing data — prefer brands that show contaminant testing.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Ceteareth-20 or its alternative names.
Yes, Ceteareth-20 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.
Ceteareth-20 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 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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