Cetyl Stearate

Cetyl Stearate molecular structurePubChem

6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Cetyl Stearate?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetyl Stearate 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 a 6–12 month old baby (infant), cetyl stearate is usually low risk when used in normal baby skin products. It helps soften and thicken creams. It is not linked to cancer or developmental harm, but some people can get irritation.

✅What to Do

Use products made for babies and follow the label. Before wide use, try a tiny patch on the baby’s inner forearm and watch for 24–48 hours. Don’t put the product on broken or very red skin. If the baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, ask your pediatrician before using products that contain this ingredient.

⚠️Warnings

Safety reviews from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review note a risk of irritation to skin, eyes, or lungs — watch for redness, rash, swelling, stinging, eye irritation or coughing. Also industry notes limits on how much may be safe in a product and some missing data — prefer products made for infants and stop use and call your doctor if you see a reaction. For severe reactions (breathing trouble or swelling), seek emergency care immediately. (Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Environment Canada)

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found strong evidence this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs in people. That means it can cause redness, itching, rashes or eye or breathing irritation, especially on sensitive baby skin or with heavy use.
Environmental: Environment Canada flagged this chemical as an uncertain environmental toxin, meaning its effects on wildlife or ecosystems are not well known and there is concern it could be harmful to the environment.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Cetyl Stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

cetyl stearateOCTADECANOIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTERHEXADECYL STEARATE1190-63-2HEXADECYL OCTADECANOATE, 1-HEXADECYLOCTADECANOATE, STEARIC ACID CETYL ESTER, OCTADECANOIC ACIDSTEARIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTERPALMITYL STEARATEOCTADECANOIC ACID, 1-HEXADECYL ESTERN-HEXADECYL STEARATE1-HEXADECYLOCTADECANOATECETYL STEARATE

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

Common Questions About Cetyl Stearate

Can older babies safely use Cetyl Stearate?

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

What are the irritant risks of Cetyl Stearate for older babies?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Cetyl Stearate 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 Stearate?

Cetyl Stearate 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 Stearate?

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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