Polyethylene

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Polyethylene?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyethylene is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

As an adult, polyethylene in creams or scrubs is generally safe. Experts say it does not seem to cause cancer, allergies, or harm to reproduction, and it does not build up in the body. The main problem is that it can irritate the skin, eyes, or breathing in some people.

What to Do

Use products that list polyethylene the same way you would any other cosmetic: follow directions, avoid using on broken or very irritated skin, and do a small patch test if you have sensitive skin. If a product is a scrub or powder, avoid breathing in dust or particles. Stop use and rinse if you notice redness, stinging, or eye irritation. Keep all cosmetics out of reach of children.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin, eye, or breathing irritation — this concern is reported by cosmetic safety reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Note that some safety evaluations point out missing data and base safety on an assumption of very low skin absorption (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Authorities have also described allowable or limited uses in food-contact or other contexts (U.S. FDA), and other agencies classify it as low priority for general human health concerns (Environment Canada). If you have a known sensitivity or develop a reaction, stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: People have shown skin, eye, or lung irritation from polyethylene. A cosmetic industry safety review reports strong human evidence that it can irritate, and product safety notes list moderate irritation for skin, eyes, or lungs. For babies with very sensitive skin this could cause redness, itching, or rashes.

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Alternative Names for Polyethylene

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polyethyleneDEUTEROETHYLENEETHENE-D (9CI)2680-00-4(1-2H)ETHENEDEUTERIOETHENEETHYLENE-D1, 98 ATOM % DDTXSID20181305ETHENE-DETHYLENE-D1CH2=CHD

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

Products Containing Polyethylene

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Polyethylene

Is this safe for adults to use Polyethylene?

Yes, Polyethylene is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Polyethylene for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What products contain Polyethylene?

Polyethylene is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Polyethylene?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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