For babies 6–12 months (infants, older babies): this ingredient is usually safe when it appears at low levels in baby lotions, creams or other skin products. Long‑term health risks are considered low. The thing to watch for is contamination from manufacturing byproducts, which can be avoided by choosing tested products.
Use products made for babies and from brands that say they test for manufacturing impurities. Do a small patch test on your baby’s inner arm and wait 24 hours before using more widely. Avoid using on broken or very red skin. Use the smallest amount needed and avoid getting the product in the eyes or mouth. If you notice irritation, stop use and check with your child’s doctor.
Watch for any redness, rash, swelling, fussiness, or breathing trouble after applying a product — stop use and contact your pediatrician if these occur. The main safety warning comes from possible manufacturing contaminants (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) noted by industry and regulatory reviews (for example, assessments by industry safety panels and government reviews). Also be aware that some product‑verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers show testing for those impurities; prefer brands that publish test results or say they limit these contaminants.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polysorbate 80 or its alternative names.
Yes, Polysorbate 80 is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. 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.
Polysorbate 80 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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