2-ethylhexyl stearate

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Ethylhexyl Stearate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Ethylhexyl 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 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.

What to Do

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.

⚠️Warnings

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.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: A cosmetic safety review found strong human evidence that this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. That means it can cause redness, itching, or rashes on baby skin and bother the eyes or breathing when used on the skin.
Asthma: The same cosmetic safety review specifically notes lung irritation. Lung irritation can make breathing problems or asthma worse in children, so this ingredient could trigger coughing, wheeze, or tighter breathing in sensitive kids.
Environmental: A national environmental agency flagged uncertain effects to the environment. While that agency does not suspect the ingredient will persist or build up in the body, it still lists possible environmental toxicity, meaning it could harm aquatic life or ecosystems in some situations.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for 2-ethylhexyl stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

ethylhexyl stearateDTXSID1059367ZINC86050951AI3-31618EINECS 203-666-2772Y4UFC8BUNII-772Y4UFC8BOCTADECANOIC ACID, OCTYL ESTER109-36-4OCTYL OCTADECANOATESTEARIC ACID, OCTYL ESTER

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

Common Questions About 2-ethylhexyl stearate

Can older babies safely use 2-ethylhexyl stearate?

Yes, 2-ethylhexyl stearate is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of 2-ethylhexyl 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 asthma risks of 2-ethylhexyl stearate for older babies?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of 2-ethylhexyl 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 2-ethylhexyl stearate?

2-ethylhexyl 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 2-ethylhexyl 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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