Cetyl Stearate

Cetyl Stearate molecular structurePubChem

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Cetyl Stearate?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetyl Stearate is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For school-age children (5 years and older), cetyl stearate (used in creams and lotions to soften skin) is usually safe when used as directed. Serious harms are not expected, but some people can get irritation.

✅What to Do

Use it in regular creams or lotions (not sprays). Before using a new product on your child, put a small amount on the inside of their forearm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or irritation. If there is no reaction, use as directed on the product. Keep cream away from eyes, cuts, or broken skin. If your child has eczema, very sensitive skin, or breathing problems, check with your child’s clinician before using.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, itching, stinging, eye irritation, or any breathing changes — a cosmetic industry safety review (CIR) reports evidence of irritation. Avoid aerosol or spray forms that could be breathed in. Industry guidance (CIR) also notes limits on concentrations and product types. Environment Canada reports it is not expected to persist or build up in the body, but environmental effects are uncertain. If you see any reaction, stop use and consult your child’s clinician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found strong evidence this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs in people. That means it can cause redness, itching, rashes or eye or breathing irritation, especially on sensitive baby skin or with heavy use.
Environmental: Environment Canada flagged this chemical as an uncertain environmental toxin, meaning its effects on wildlife or ecosystems are not well known and there is concern it could be harmful to the environment.

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Alternative Names for Cetyl Stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

cetyl stearateOCTADECANOIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTERHEXADECYL STEARATE1190-63-2HEXADECYL OCTADECANOATE, 1-HEXADECYLOCTADECANOATE, STEARIC ACID CETYL ESTER, OCTADECANOIC ACIDSTEARIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTERPALMITYL STEARATEOCTADECANOIC ACID, 1-HEXADECYL ESTERN-HEXADECYL STEARATE1-HEXADECYLOCTADECANOATECETYL STEARATE

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

Common Questions About Cetyl Stearate

Is this kid-friendly to use Cetyl Stearate?

Yes, Cetyl Stearate is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Cetyl Stearate for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the environmental risks of Cetyl Stearate for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Cetyl Stearate?

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

When can kids start using products with Cetyl Stearate?

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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