Cetyl Alcohol

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Cetyl Alcohol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetyl Alcohol is generally considered safe 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 (older infants), cetyl alcohol is usually safe in creams and wipes. It helps make lotions feel smooth and is not known to be harmful in the tiny amounts used in baby products. A few babies with very sensitive skin may get a rash.

What to Do

Use products made for babies and follow the product directions. Before using a new product, test a small amount on a tiny patch of skin (behind the ear or on the inner forearm) and watch for 24–48 hours. Don’t apply to broken, very red, or oozing skin. If your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, check with your pediatrician first. If redness, swelling, or a rash appears, stop use and talk to your child’s doctor.

⚠️Warnings

There are a couple of safety notes to be aware of: an environmental/health agency (Environment Canada) has flagged limited concerns about organ system effects, and a cosmetic safety review panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) points to data gaps and recommends limits on how it’s used and on impurities. These notes do not mean it’s dangerous for most babies, but they are why it’s best to stick to baby-formulated products, avoid using on broken skin, and stop use if any reaction appears. If you’re worried, consult your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: A government health review (Environment Canada) flags cetyl alcohol as “expected to be toxic or harmful” to non-reproductive organs and gives it a medium human-health priority. A separate industry safety review also notes gaps in how risk is assessed. Together these findings show a real risk that repeated or high exposures could harm organs (for example liver, kidneys, or lungs).
Environmental: Environment Canada lists cetyl alcohol as a suspected environmental toxin. This means the ingredient may harm wildlife or ecosystems if it gets into water or the environment.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Cetyl Alcohol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

cetyl alcoholCETYL ALCOHOLS4173TOX21_111609ZINC8214519CETYL ALCOHOL, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALHY-B1465ANW-28459KS-00000V9GLMFA05000061TOX21_300325EINECS 252-964-9

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

Products Containing Cetyl Alcohol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Cetyl Alcohol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Cetyl Alcohol

Can older babies safely use Cetyl Alcohol?

Yes, Cetyl Alcohol is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Cetyl Alcohol for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Cetyl Alcohol for older babies?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Cetyl Alcohol?

Cetyl Alcohol 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 Cetyl Alcohol?

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.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product