For babies 6–12 months (infants and older babies), this ingredient is usually low risk when used on the skin in small amounts. It helps soften and smooth skin but can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, eyes, or breathing.
If you try a product with this ingredient, put a tiny amount on a small area of your baby’s inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction; avoid using it on broken or chapped skin; do not spray it near your baby’s face or nose; use a small amount and choose products with simple ingredient lists; stop use and wash the area if you see redness, rash, or swelling.
A cosmetic industry safety review found evidence that this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs in some people, so watch closely for redness, rash, watery eyes, coughing, or breathing changes. There are also some safety data gaps and product-use restrictions noted by industry reviewers, so prefer products formulated for babies and avoid frequent or large-area use until you know your baby tolerates it. If your baby has a strong reaction or trouble breathing, stop use and seek medical care right away.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Yes, 2-ethylhexyl stearate is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.
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.
Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
2-ethylhexyl stearate 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.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product