Steareth-2

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Steareth 2?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Steareth 2 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children 5 years and older (school-age kids), Steareth-2 is usually low risk when used in lotions, creams or wipes on normal, unbroken skin. It can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive kids. The biggest concern in the ingredient file is contamination from manufacturing byproducts, not the ingredient itself.

What to Do

Choose well-known brands that test for or report low levels of manufacturing contaminants (look for statements about 1,4‑dioxane or ethylene oxide testing). Do a small patch test on your child’s inner forearm before regular use. Don’t put products containing this ingredient on broken, chapped or irritated skin. If your child has sensitive skin, pick products labeled for sensitive skin or consider a simpler formula.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, stinging or rashes after first uses — stop use and rinse if these occur. The ingredient file flags contamination concerns (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) as the main issue, so prefer products that test for those impurities or state “not detected.” Avoid applying on open wounds or broken skin. If you need advice for a younger child (infant or toddler), be more cautious and ask a pediatrician.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient is flagged for contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those contaminants are known to be linked with cancer risk, and they are listed in the ingredient's contamination notes.
Environmental: An environmental agency review (Environment Canada) lists this ingredient as a suspected environmental toxin, meaning it may harm wildlife or waterways if released.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Steareth-2

This ingredient may also be listed as:

steareth-2steareth 2DSSTOX_RID_78754DSSTOX_CID_92996-TETRACHLORO-2-PICOLINED08975DSSTOX_GSID_29299AMTGC009POLYOXYL STEARYL ETHER (NF)3-OXAHENICOSANE-1-OL2-(OCTADECYLOXY) ETHANOL2-(OCTADECYLOXY)-ETHANOL

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

Products Containing Steareth-2

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Steareth-2 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Steareth-2

Is this kid-friendly to use Steareth-2?

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

What are the cancer risks of Steareth-2 for children?

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

What are the environmental risks of Steareth-2 for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Steareth-2?

Steareth-2 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can kids start using products with Steareth-2?

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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