For babies 6–12 months: Laureth-2 is commonly used in cleansers and similar products and is generally considered low risk. However, small amounts of harmful impurities (called ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) can sometimes be present if the ingredient isn’t well purified. Baby skin is delicate, so we take a cautious approach.
Choose products made for infants and from brands that state they purify or test for impurities. Prefer rinse-off baby washes over leave-on lotions that list this ingredient. Do a small patch test on your baby’s thigh or arm before regular use. If you can, pick products labeled specifically for babies or that state they are free of 1,4-dioxane or have been tested for contaminants.
Watch for redness, rash, stinging, or dry patches after use — stop and rinse if these appear. Avoid using on broken or inflamed skin. The warning about possible contamination (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) comes from ingredient contamination listings; safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) note use limits and a possible irritation risk. Some product verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers can show it is properly purified.
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.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Laureth-2 or its alternative names.
Use caution with Laureth-2 for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
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.
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Laureth-2 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