For adults (men and women, including teens), Steareth-2 is generally safe to use on skin in cosmetics. Most people won't have problems, but a few may get mild irritation around the skin or eyes. The biggest worry is small amounts of manufacturing impurities like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if the ingredient hasn’t been properly cleaned.
If you are an adult using a product that lists Steareth-2: choose products from reputable brands that say they test for or remove processing residues; do a small patch test on your inner arm before using widely; avoid applying to broken or irritated skin; stop use and rinse if you notice redness, stinging, or eye irritation.
Watch for skin or eye irritation — this concern comes from cosmetic safety reviewers. Also be aware of contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane reported in manufacturing-related assessments; prefer products that state they test for or limit these impurities. If you have very sensitive skin, eczema, or a history of reactions, consider avoiding products with this ingredient or consult your dermatologist.
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.
Yes, Steareth-2 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
Possible negative effects on the environment
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 adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product