Ceteareth-2

Ceteareth-2 molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Ceteareth 2?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Ceteareth 2 use with caution for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

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.

What to Do

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.

⚠️Warnings

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).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Those two contaminants are linked to cancer by public health authorities. Because Ceteareth-2 can be contaminated with them, there is a real cancer risk from contaminated product.
Long-Term Risk: The same contamination issues (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) are tied to health problems that appear after repeated or long-term exposure. The ingredient data warns these contaminants may be present, so there is a possible long-term health risk with repeated use.
Absorbed: A safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes Ceteareth-2 can act as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help other chemicals get through the skin and into the body, raising the chance that any contaminants will be absorbed.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Ceteareth-2

This ingredient may also be listed as:

ceteareth-2CETEARETH-2POLYOXYETHYLENE (2) CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPOLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 100 CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPEG-2 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER

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

Common Questions About Ceteareth-2

Can older babies safely use Ceteareth-2?

Use caution with Ceteareth-2 for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the cancer risks of Ceteareth-2 for older babies?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Ceteareth-2 for older babies?

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.

What are the absorbed risks of Ceteareth-2 for older babies?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Ceteareth-2?

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

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Ceteareth-2?

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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