Stearate

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Stearate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Stearate 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, stearate (often called zinc stearate) is generally low risk when used on the skin in normal amounts. It rarely causes cancer, allergies, or developmental harm at the levels used in baby products. Some government reviews have raised environmental and limited animal safety questions, so we stay cautious.

What to Do

Use products made for babies that list stearate in small amounts. Do a small patch test on your baby's arm and watch for 24–48 hours before using widely. Don’t apply products with stearate to broken, red, or sore skin. Avoid heavy daily application over large areas for long periods. Keep products away from your baby’s mouth and eyes. If you’re unsure, ask your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Stop use and see a doctor if you notice redness, a rash, swelling, or breathing problems. Government reviews (Environment Canada, EPA) have noted persistence in the environment and some animal findings about organ effects—this is why we recommend limited, cautious use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review points out data gaps in safety studies, and the U.S. FDA lists zinc stearate as safe for limited food uses. These sources justify being careful, especially with frequent long-term use on young babies.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Builds Up: Environment Canada lists this substance as persistent and bioaccumulative, and notes it can build up in wildlife. That means the chemical can stay in the body or environment over time instead of breaking down quickly.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada and the U.S. EPA report signs of non-reproductive organ toxicity and describe the ingredient as expected to be toxic or harmful in some tests. Animal studies show harmful effects at moderate doses, so repeated topical use could pose organ-related risks.
Long-Term Risk: Because the ingredient is persistent and can accumulate, agencies flag moderate toxicity concerns in humans. The combination of staying in the body and evidence of harm raises the chance of effects after long-term or repeated exposure.
Environmental: Environment Canada flags this chemical as persistent in wildlife and suspects it can be an environmental toxin. That means it may harm animals or ecosystems if released into the environment.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

stearateMETASAP 576STEARIC ACID, ZINC SALTHYTECHHYDENSEDIBASIC ZINC STEARATECOADUNII-NNE1S98907 COMPONENT XOOUIPVCVHRTMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-LQ204923A830766D06370

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

Products Containing Stearate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Stearate or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Stearate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Stearate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Stearate

Can older babies safely use Stearate?

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

What are the builds up risks of Stearate for older babies?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Stearate 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 Stearate 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 Stearate 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 Stearate?

Stearate 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 Stearate?

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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