Steareth

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Steareth?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Steareth 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, Steareth is generally low risk and commonly used in baby lotions and wipes. It can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive infants. The main concern is possible tiny amounts of manufacturing contaminants (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) if a maker does not control them.

What to Do

Use products made for babies from companies that test or state they control residues. Before full use, do a small patch test: put a little product on the inside of the baby’s forearm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or irritation. Apply only to intact skin, avoid eyes and mouth, and stop use if your baby develops a rash or persistent redness. If irritation occurs, rinse the area with water and consult your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid using products with Steareth on broken, chapped, or inflamed skin. Watch for signs of irritation (redness, swelling, persistent fussiness at the area). The warning about possible contaminants comes from formal safety reviews and environmental/health assessments (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada) that noted concerns about ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane as possible manufacturing residues.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record shows high contamination concerns and specifically lists ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane as possible contaminants. Those contaminants are linked with cancer risk, so their presence as impurities makes this ingredient a potential cancer risk if contaminated.
Long-Term Risk: A formal safety note (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) says the safety assessment relied on related chemicals, and the ingredient record lists high contamination concerns. That uncertainty plus possible carcinogenic impurities raises the chance of health problems after repeated, long‑term use.
Environmental: Environment Canada flagged this substance as a suspected environmental toxin. That means it may harm wildlife or ecosystems if released into the environment.

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Alternative Names for Steareth

This ingredient may also be listed as:

DSSTOX_RID_78754DSSTOX_CID_92996-TETRACHLORO-2-PICOLINED08975DSSTOX_GSID_29299AMTGC009POLYOXYL STEARYL ETHER (NF)3-OXAHENICOSANE-1-OL2-(OCTADECYLOXY) ETHANOL2-(OCTADECYLOXY)-ETHANOL

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

Common Questions About Steareth

Can older babies safely use Steareth?

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

What are the cancer risks of Steareth 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 Steareth 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 Steareth 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 Steareth?

Steareth 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 Steareth?

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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