6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product
For babies 6–12 months old, this ingredient is somewhat worrisome. The ingredient itself is not shown to be highly harmful, but tests show it can contain tiny amounts of unwanted impurities (like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) and it can help other substances get into the skin. Because babies’ skin is thinner and more absorbent, we should be cautious.
If possible, choose products for your 6–12 month old that do not list Ceteareth-2 or other ethoxylated ingredients. If you must use a product with it, pick brands that state they test for and limit ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, use it only on small areas, avoid broken skin, and do a patch test on a small area first. Stop use if you see redness, rash, or irritation. Prefer simple formulations for baby skincare.
Watch for skin redness, rash, or eye irritation after use — the ingredient can irritate sensitive skin (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Also be aware of contamination concerns — small amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane have been reported in products containing this ingredient (source: ingredient contamination data). Because it can increase skin absorption, impurities may penetrate more easily (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review).
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Use caution with Ceteareth-2 for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Ceteareth-2 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 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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