Laureth-2

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Laureth 2?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Laureth 2 use with caution 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: 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.

What to Do

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.

⚠️Warnings

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.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: This ingredient can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Public health and chemical safety reviews list those contaminants as carcinogenic or probable carcinogens, so their presence raises a cancer risk if they are in a product applied to skin.
Organ Risk: The same contaminants named for this ingredient are linked by health reviewers to harm to organs (for example liver, kidneys, or lungs) after repeated or high exposure. Because contamination was flagged, there is a real organ-harm concern if those impurities are present.
Long-Term Risk: Contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane is associated with health effects that appear after repeated or long-term exposure. The flagged contamination means regular use could raise long-term health risks.
Absorbed: This ingredient is used on skin and the listed contaminants can get through skin and into the body. That means contamination can lead to internal exposure, not just surface contact.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Laureth-2

This ingredient may also be listed as:

laureth-2ETHANOL,2-[2-(DODECYLOXY)ETHOXY]-SBB060181MCULE-7043512916Q27276087D1233AKOS024390813SC-87194FT-0651086MFCD00042658ZINC59622400

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

Products Containing Laureth-2

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Laureth-2 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Laureth-2

Can older babies safely use Laureth-2?

Use caution with Laureth-2 for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the cancer risks of Laureth-2 for older babies?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Laureth-2 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 long-term risk risks of Laureth-2 for older babies?

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.

What are the absorbed risks of Laureth-2 for older babies?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Laureth-2?

Laureth-2 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 Laureth-2?

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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