For babies 6–12 months, this ingredient is usually low risk but not completely without concern. It can be mildly irritating and may carry tiny traces of manufacturing contaminants (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane).
If you use a product that lists Steareth-2 on a baby (6–12 months): use sparingly, avoid putting it on broken or irritated skin, do a small patch test on a shoulder or inner arm and wait 24–48 hours, and stop use if you see redness, swelling, or a rash. Prefer products labeled as tested for low contamination or that specifically say they avoid ethoxylated residues or 1,4-dioxane. For whole-body daily use, choose simpler formulas made for infants.
Watch for skin irritation, redness, or rashes and stop use if these appear. The main concern comes from possible manufacturing residues (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) noted by Environment Canada and industry safety reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review); the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recognizes limits and testing for related uses. Some product verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers show it is free of problematic residues.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Steareth-2 or its alternative names.
Use caution with Steareth-2 for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Steareth-2 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.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product