Stearalkonium Hectorite

Stearalkonium Hectorite molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Stearalkonium Hectorite?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Stearalkonium Hectorite 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): this ingredient itself is not marked as highly hazardous, but safety listings raise concerns about contamination during manufacturing. That means the ingredient can be safe in well‑made products, but there is extra risk if a product is poorly manufactured or not tested.

What to Do

If possible, choose baby products that do not list Stearalkonium Hectorite for newborns and younger infants. If you must use a product that contains it: 1) pick a reputable brand with clear safety or testing information, 2) use a small amount and avoid applying near the mouth or eyes, 3) do not use on broken or irritated skin, and 4) stop use and wash the area if your baby develops redness, rash, swelling, or breathing changes and seek medical care if symptoms are serious.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation, redness, swelling, or any breathing issues after use. The safety listing specifically warns about contamination with nitrosamines and free amines and notes the ingredient is restricted in some certified product programs; these are manufacturing/impurity concerns rather than effects of the ingredient itself. Because of limited data for young babies, avoid products from unknown brands or with unclear manufacturing controls.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns, specifically nitrosamines and free amines. Nitrosamines are a class of contaminants that are linked to cancer risk, and the ingredient assessment calls these contaminants out as a high concern. Industry safety reviewers also note gaps in how safe concentrations are set, which adds to the uncertainty.
Long-Term Risk: Contaminants named in the assessment (nitrosamines and free amines) can cause harm over repeated exposure, and an industry safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes data gaps and implicit limits based on past use rather than clear safety margins. That combination raises the chance of long-term health effects with repeated use.
Environmental: Environment Canada lists this substance as an uncertain environmental toxin, meaning it may harm wildlife or ecosystems and the environmental effects are not well understood.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Stearalkonium Hectorite

This ingredient may also be listed as:

stearalkonium hectoriteSTEARALKONIUM HECTORITEBENZYLDIMETHYLSTEARYLAMMONIUM HECTORITE

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

Products Containing Stearalkonium Hectorite

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Stearalkonium Hectorite or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Stearalkonium Hectorite

Can older babies safely use Stearalkonium Hectorite?

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

What are the cancer risks of Stearalkonium Hectorite 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 Stearalkonium Hectorite 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 environmental risks of Stearalkonium Hectorite for older babies?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Stearalkonium Hectorite?

Stearalkonium Hectorite 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 Stearalkonium Hectorite?

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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