For children 5 years and older (school-age kids and up), this ingredient is low risk when used in normal lotions and wipes. It helps keep creams mixed and stable. Most health reviews say it is not likely to cause long-term harm, though a small number of reports show it can irritate skin or eyes in some people.
Use products made for children when possible. Before using a new product on your child, do a small patch test on the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or itching. Avoid using on broken, red, or inflamed skin. Keep products away from the eyes. If your child has eczema or very sensitive skin, ask your pediatrician before regular use.
There is limited evidence of skin and eye irritation (reported by the European Chemicals Agency). Regulatory review from Environment Canada did not find systemic toxicity or bioaccumulation concerns. Also note that some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers provide supporting safety data — this means some child-specific products may avoid it. Stop use and wash the area if you see redness, blistering, swelling, or your child complains of burning. If a reaction is severe or does not improve, contact your pediatrician.
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polyhydroxystearic Acid or its alternative names.
Yes, Polyhydroxystearic Acid is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
No immediate health concerns found based on current research.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid 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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