Stearalkonium Hectorite

Stearalkonium Hectorite molecular structure

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Stearalkonium Hectorite?

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

ℹ️General Overview

For children aged 5 years and up, this ingredient is generally low risk when used in normal skin creams and lotions. It is a thickening ingredient rather than an active drug.

What to Do

Choose products made for kids or from brands that check for impurities. Do a small patch test on the inner forearm before regular use. Don’t apply to cuts, sores, or very red or inflamed skin. If using on the face, avoid the eye area and mouth. Stop use and talk to a doctor if the child gets a rash, swelling, or other worrying reaction.

⚠️Warnings

There are reported contamination concerns (nitrosamines and free amines) and some safety data gaps noted by industry reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). An environmental review (Environment Canada) also raised uncertainty about environmental effects. Because of those notes, avoid using products that don’t list safety testing or that are not intended for children, and avoid use on broken skin. If a product causes irritation, discontinue and seek medical advice.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns, specifically nitrosamines and free amines. Nitrosamines are a class of contaminants that are linked to cancer risk, and the ingredient assessment calls these contaminants out as a high concern. Industry safety reviewers also note gaps in how safe concentrations are set, which adds to the uncertainty.
Long-Term Risk: Contaminants named in the assessment (nitrosamines and free amines) can cause harm over repeated exposure, and an industry safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes data gaps and implicit limits based on past use rather than clear safety margins. That combination raises the chance of long-term health effects with repeated use.
Environmental: Environment Canada lists this substance as an uncertain environmental toxin, meaning it may harm wildlife or ecosystems and the environmental effects are not well understood.

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Alternative Names for Stearalkonium Hectorite

This ingredient may also be listed as:

stearalkonium hectoriteSTEARALKONIUM HECTORITEBENZYLDIMETHYLSTEARYLAMMONIUM HECTORITE

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

Products Containing Stearalkonium Hectorite

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Stearalkonium Hectorite or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Stearalkonium Hectorite

Is this kid-friendly to use Stearalkonium Hectorite?

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

What are the cancer risks of Stearalkonium Hectorite for children?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the long-term risk risks of Stearalkonium Hectorite for children?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What are the environmental risks of Stearalkonium Hectorite for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Stearalkonium Hectorite?

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

When can kids start using products with Stearalkonium Hectorite?

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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