For infants (6–12 months): overall low concern for long‑term harm, but it can irritate sensitive baby skin, eyes or breathing in some people. It is not commonly linked to serious health effects, but irritation is the main worry.
Use products made for babies and avoid items that list polyethylene as an exfoliating bead or in spray forms. If you try a product with polyethylene, do a small patch test on your baby’s inner arm and wait 24 hours. Don’t put products with this ingredient on broken, red, or inflamed skin. If your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, choose formulas that avoid this ingredient altogether.
Watch for redness, increased rash, swelling, fussiness, or breathing changes — stop use and rinse the area if you see these. The irritation concern comes from industry safety reviews that report human evidence of irritation (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some government reviews note low general toxicity but also flag limited safety data for certain uses (Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Environment Canada; FDA notes restricted uses for some food-contact applications). Also note that some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety data.
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Yes, Polyethylene 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.
Polyethylene 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.
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