Polyethylene Glycol

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Polyethylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyethylene Glycol 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 old, PEG is usually okay in small amounts in skin products from trustworthy brands. It can sometimes irritate sensitive skin and there is a small risk from impurities that come from how it is made.

What to Do

If you use a product with PEG: pick brands that say they test or purify their ingredients, do a small patch test on your baby’s inner forearm first, do not put it on broken or sore skin, use it sparingly and not every day over large areas, and check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, swelling, itching, or a rash after use — stop use and talk to your pediatrician if these happen. Some government reviews (for example Environment Canada) and industry guidance note possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane in PEG from manufacturing; look for products that state they test for or remove these impurities. Also note some certification programs restrict use of PEG unless manufacturers provide extra safety data.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: The ingredient entry cites a government assessment that classifies this chemical as likely to be toxic or harmful to organ systems (non-reproductive) and as a medium human-health priority. That means repeated topical use could pose risks to organs such as the liver or kidneys.
Cancer: The ingredient data flags high contamination concerns because polyethylene glycol can contain impurities named ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those contaminants are the reason cancer risk is raised by regulators and ingredient reviewers, so their possible presence makes cancer a real concern.
Long-Term Risk: Because the ingredient is noted to carry harmful contamination risk and is assessed for organ toxicity by government reviewers, ongoing or repeated exposure over years could increase chance of long-term health problems.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polyethylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polyethylene glycol27283-EP2287162A127283-EP2281823A227283-EP2287160A127283-EP2284160A127283-EP2292612A227283-EP2308510A127283-EP2308562A227283-EP2305673A127283-EP2287161A1RESIDUAL SOLVENT CLASS 2 - ETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARD

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

Products Containing Polyethylene Glycol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polyethylene Glycol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polyethylene Glycol

Can older babies safely use Polyethylene Glycol?

Yes, Polyethylene Glycol is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Polyethylene Glycol 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 cancer risks of Polyethylene Glycol 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 long-term risk risks of Polyethylene Glycol 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 products contain Polyethylene Glycol?

Polyethylene Glycol 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 Polyethylene Glycol?

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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