Triethylene Glycol

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Triethylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethylene Glycol 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), triethylene glycol in normal, finished skin products is generally low risk when used as intended. There are some official use limits and a government review noted possible effects on internal organs, so it’s best used only in products made and labeled for skin use.

What to Do

Use products that are made for children or clearly labeled for skin use. Follow the product directions. Don’t put products containing this ingredient on cuts, scrapes, or irritated skin. If your child has sensitive skin, do a small patch test first (apply a tiny amount to the inside of the forearm and watch for 24–48 hours). If you see redness, swelling, or irritation, stop use and talk to your child’s doctor.

⚠️Warnings

Pay attention to product labeling and avoid using on broken or damaged skin — this restriction comes from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). A government assessment (Environment Canada) has classified the ingredient as having the potential to harm some organ systems, so avoid excessive or repeated high-dose exposures and prefer products formulated with safe concentrations. There are also some missing safety data noted by reviewers, so if you’re unsure, choose products made for children and consult your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Industry safety reviewers have placed limits on this ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says its use is restricted in some products and it should not be used on injured or damaged skin. Some product-verification programs also require strong proof before allowing it.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies triethylene glycol as “expected to be toxic or harmful” and gives it a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or improper use could harm organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: The CIR specifically warns it is not safe for use on injured or damaged skin. That guidance means it can irritate sensitive or broken skin and could cause redness or worsening of skin problems.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Triethylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

triethylene glycol7813-EP2308858A17813-EP2272849A17813-EP2284165A1POLYETHYLENE OXIDE, M.W. >5,000,0007813-EP2292597A1ETHANOL,2'-[1,2-ETHANEDIYLBIS(OXY)]BIS-POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL),??-HYDRO-??-HYDROXY- ETHANE-1,2-DIOL, ETHOXYLATED 1 - 4.5 MOLES ETHOXYLATEDTRIETHYLENE GLYCOL, REAGENTPLUS(R), 99%FT-0652416FT-0659862

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

Common Questions About Triethylene Glycol

Is this kid-friendly to use Triethylene Glycol?

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

What are the banned risks of Triethylene Glycol for children?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the organ risk risks of Triethylene Glycol for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the irritant risks of Triethylene Glycol for children?

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

What products contain Triethylene Glycol?

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

When can kids start using products with Triethylene Glycol?

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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