Triethylene Glycol

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Triethylene Glycol?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethylene Glycol use with caution for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For a 6–12 month old baby (infant), Triethylene Glycol should be treated with caution. It is sometimes used in skin products but industry reviews recommend limits and it is not advised for use on damaged skin. It is not one of the higher-risk ingredients for cancer or allergies, but there is limited safety data and some concern about effects on organs at certain exposures.

What to Do

If you see this ingredient on a baby product: choose items made for infants, avoid products that are strong or meant for adults, and do a small patch test on a tiny area (inner forearm) and wait 24 hours before broader use. Do not apply to cuts, rashes, or broken skin. If you can, prefer products that do not contain this ingredient for daily baby skincare. If the product is prescribed or recommended by a pediatrician, follow their instructions.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, rash, swelling, or any breathing trouble after use; stop the product right away and contact your pediatrician if those occur. Industry safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) specifically warn about restricting how this ingredient is used and advise it not be used on injured or damaged skin. A government review (Environment Canada) has reported potential non-reproductive organ system toxicity concerns, so avoid frequent or concentrated exposures. Note that cancer, allergy, and developmental risks are reported as low, but there are data gaps noted by industry reviewers—meaning we don’t have complete information on safety in young babies.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Industry safety reviewers have placed limits on this ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says its use is restricted in some products and it should not be used on injured or damaged skin. Some product-verification programs also require strong proof before allowing it.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies triethylene glycol as “expected to be toxic or harmful” and gives it a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or improper use could harm organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: The CIR specifically warns it is not safe for use on injured or damaged skin. That guidance means it can irritate sensitive or broken skin and could cause redness or worsening of skin problems.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Triethylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

triethylene glycol7813-EP2308858A17813-EP2272849A17813-EP2284165A1POLYETHYLENE OXIDE, M.W. >5,000,0007813-EP2292597A1ETHANOL,2'-[1,2-ETHANEDIYLBIS(OXY)]BIS-POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL),??-HYDRO-??-HYDROXY- ETHANE-1,2-DIOL, ETHOXYLATED 1 - 4.5 MOLES ETHOXYLATEDTRIETHYLENE GLYCOL, REAGENTPLUS(R), 99%FT-0652416FT-0659862

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

Common Questions About Triethylene Glycol

Can older babies safely use Triethylene Glycol?

Use caution with Triethylene Glycol for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Triethylene Glycol for older babies?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Triethylene Glycol 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 irritant risks of Triethylene Glycol for older babies?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Triethylene Glycol?

Triethylene Glycol 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 Triethylene Glycol?

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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