CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream

skin protectant & rash ointment • For 0-6 month old infants • Skin contact 🧴

skin protectant & rash ointment

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Ingredient List

CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream - Ingredients

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Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream?

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NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 24 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream contains 34 ingredients. 3 concerning, 7 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (34 found)

phenoxyethanol

🚨7/10

For infants (0–6 months): be careful. This preservative can irritate delicate baby skin and some countries limit how it’s used. It is not known to cause cancer or birth defects at normal cosmetic levels, but irritation is the main concern.

Irritant - Official hazard listings show this chemical can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Regulators classify it as an irritant, so it can make skin red or itchy and bother the eyes or breathing passages.

Asthma - Because it can irritate the lungs, it may make asthma or breathing problems worse. Workplace and hazard listings note lung irritation and limits on inhalation exposure.

Organ Risk - There is limited evidence that it can affect the nervous system and it is listed as toxic/harmful in official hazard codes. That means repeated or high exposures could harm organs like the nervous system.

Absorbed - Safety reviews and workplace data note systemic effects tied to how it is used, and nervous-system findings suggest the chemical can get into the body after skin or workplace exposure.

Banned - Some governments set limits on its use in cosmetics (for example, concentration limits from national health authorities), and some product standards require special proof before it can be used.

Confidence: MEDIUM

PEG-100 stearate

🚨6/10

For infants (0-6 months): PEG-100 Stearate is an ingredient used to help oil and water mix in lotions. By itself it usually causes little irritation, but there is a risk that it can carry small amounts of harmful manufacturing impurities (like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane). Because babies' skin is thin and we have limited safety studies in newborns, it's best to be careful.

Cancer - The ingredient record lists contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. These contaminants are linked with cancer risk, and the ingredient's safety notes flag those contamination concerns (noted in industry safety review information).

Environmental - A government assessment named in the ingredient record flags this substance as a suspected environmental toxin, meaning it may harm wildlife or ecosystems if released.

Long-Term Risk - Industry safety reviews for this ingredient note data gaps and that safety assessments relied on related chemicals. Combined with the contamination concerns, this means there may be unknown long-term health risks from repeated use.

Confidence: MEDIUM

triethyl citrate

🚨6/10

For infants and newborns (0–6 months): this ingredient is not known to cause serious long-term harm, but it can cause allergic skin reactions. Because babies’ skin is very sensitive and there is limited baby-specific data, we recommend being cautious and avoiding regular use on infants when possible.

Immune system - A government health assessment finds strong evidence that triethyl citrate can act as a human allergen. Because it is applied to the skin, it can trigger immune reactions in sensitive children, so there is a real risk of an immune response for some users (source: EPA).

Irritant - Regulatory data identify triethyl citrate as a human allergen, which commonly shows up as skin irritation like redness, itching, or rashes when applied topically. This makes it a possible skin irritant for babies and children (source: EPA).

Eczema - Because the ingredient is documented as a human allergen, it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in sensitive individuals, including children who already have atopic skin (source: EPA).

Confidence: LOW

behentrimonium methosulfate

⚠️5/10

For infants (0-6 months) this ingredient is not clearly dangerous but we are cautious. It can be used in some rinse-off baby products, but babies’ skin and bodies are still developing, so extra care is advised.

Immune system - Some studies of quaternary ammonium compounds report effects on immune responses and signs of allergic or respiratory reactions. A 2021 human study found altered toxicological endpoints after exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants, which supports concern about immune effects.

Asthma - There is limited evidence that quaternary ammonium compounds can cause respiratory irritation or trigger allergic-type breathing problems. Human data showing altered toxicological endpoints after exposure raise concern that breathing issues or asthma could get worse in sensitive children.

Organ Risk - A human study reported changes in toxicological measures after exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants, indicating possible harm to non-reproductive organs (for example, lungs or other systems) with repeated exposure.

Fertility - Animal studies in mice have shown decreased fertility or subfertility after exposure to quaternary ammonium disinfectants at moderate doses (see studies: "Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice" and "Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants Cause Subfertility in Mice by Targeting both Male and Female Reproductive Processes"). This shows real reproductive risk in animals that may be relevant with significant exposure.

Confidence: MEDIUM

benzoic acid

⚠️4/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: benzoic acid is a preservative with low concerns in broad safety reviews, but expert panels limit how it can be used in products. Babies’ skin is delicate, so we should be cautious.

Banned - Some regulators limit how benzoic acid can be used in cosmetics. A national health agency in Japan sets concentration limits for its use, and a cosmetic safety review group says it can only be used under specific concentration or product-type rules. Because of these legal and industry limits, products may be restricted or not allowed unless makers follow those rules.

Confidence: MEDIUM

citric acid

⚠️4/10

For newborns and infants (0–6 months), citric acid is generally low risk for long‑term harm but can irritate sensitive baby skin or eyes. It is used to balance acidity in many products, but special care is needed for very young babies.

Banned - Health Canada has placed restrictions on the use, concentration, or manufacturing of citric acid in cosmetics in Canada. An industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) also says safe use depends on product concentration and notes data gaps, so makers must limit or document how they use it. Because of these government and industry limits, some safety-verification programs will not allow this ingredient in products without proof it is used safely.

Confidence: HIGH

dimethicone

⚠️4/10

Safety information not properly formatted for easy understanding

Builds Up - Regulators have said some forms are persistent and can bioaccumulate in people and wildlife. A REACH substance evaluation and Environment Canada findings name persistence and bioaccumulation as a concern, so this ingredient (or its related siloxanes) can build up over time.

Environmental - Environment Canada flagged this chemistry as suspected to harm the environment. The same evaluations note persistence in wildlife, meaning it can stay in nature and affect animals and ecosystems.

Organ Risk - An assessment by Environment Canada classified non-reproductive organ system toxicity as a concern, meaning repeated exposure may harm organs (for example, liver or kidneys) according to that regulator.

Banned - Some related siloxanes listed as contaminants (for example, cyclopentasiloxane / cyclotetrasiloxane and similar substances) have been heavily restricted by regulators under REACH and by other national reviews. Industry safety reviews also recommend limits or product-type restrictions.

Long-Term Risk - Because parts of this class are persistent and regulators and industry panels recommend use limits, there is a potential for long-term harms from repeated use or environmental build-up, as noted in REACH and Cosmetic Ingredient Review summaries.

Confidence: MEDIUM

niacinamide

⚠️4/10

Niacinamide is a mild form of vitamin B3 that is usually low risk. For newborns and babies (0–6 months) we recommend being careful because their skin soaks up things more easily.

No Known Risk - Major government and expert reviews find niacinamide to be low risk for normal topical use. A national environmental health agency classifies it as not expected to be harmful to organs or the environment. The U.S. food regulator allows limited uses in food, and an independent cosmetic safety panel has set recommended concentration limits after review. While a few animal studies at very high doses reported tumor findings and reviewers note some data gaps about maximum ‘as-used’ concentrations, the overall conclusion from these agencies and safety panels is that routine topical use poses no significant known health risks.

Confidence: MEDIUM

pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

⚠️4/10

Ingredient name is complex and uncommon. It may be an antioxidant or stabilizer but not typical in baby products. Possible misreading or typo.

No Known Risk - Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is considered a safe antioxidant for topical use in cosmetics, with no evidence of irritation, sensitization, or other health risks in current research and regulatory reviews.

Confidence: MEDIUM

trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

⚠️4/10

For newborns and young babies (0–6 months) this ingredient is generally considered low risk in adult tests, but we are cautious. Studies show it can make skin absorb more and has caused irritation in animals, so it’s best to avoid regular use on very young babies.

Absorbed - Peer‑reviewed studies identify this chemical as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help other ingredients pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream, which raises how much a child can absorb from a product.

Irritant - Animal studies in the peer‑reviewed literature show eye irritation at high doses and skin irritation at moderate doses. On sensitive baby skin this could cause redness, stinging, or a rash.

Cancer - Lab tests on mammal cells reported mutation‑positive results in peer‑reviewed work. That finding raises a possible cancer concern, though it comes from cell studies rather than human tests.

Organ Risk - Peer‑reviewed animal studies found effects on the pancreas at high doses. This shows the ingredient can harm internal organs under strong or repeated exposure in those studies.

Fertility - Peer‑reviewed animal studies report developmental or reproductive effects at high doses. That suggests a possible risk to development or future fertility with large or repeated exposures in those tests.

Long-Term Risk - Taken together, cell tests showing mutations and animal studies showing organ and reproductive effects (all from peer‑reviewed sources) point to possible long‑term health concerns if exposure is repeated over time.

Confidence: MEDIUM

ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

✅3/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: this ingredient is a man-made thickener that studies and industry reviews flag as low concern for cancer or allergy in general use. But there is little research specifically in infants, and baby skin is more sensitive, so we take a cautious approach.

No Known Risk - Safety reviewers found only low-level concerns for cancer, allergies/immune effects, and reproductive or developmental harm. Industry safety guidance notes limits on how the ingredient is made or used, and some product-certification programs do not allow it unless makers provide safety data. Because no concerns rose above low, no real child health risks were identified.

Confidence: MEDIUM

carbomer

✅3/10

For infants (0-6 months): Carbomer is a common ingredient used to thicken creams and wipes. By itself it is not known to be dangerous and does not easily get into the body, but babies have very delicate skin so we treat it cautiously.

Confidence: MEDIUM

PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate

✅3/10

For newborns and babies 0-6 months this ingredient is commonly used in skin creams and is not thought to be directly harmful. Still, because babies have very sensitive skin and because tiny amounts of unwanted chemicals can come from how this ingredient is made, I recommend being cautious.

Confidence: MEDIUM

sodium benzoate

✅3/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: sodium benzoate is a preservative that is generally considered low risk at the small amounts used in skin products, but infant skin is delicate so we take extra care.

Confidence: MEDIUM

tocopherol

✅3/10

For newborns and babies (0–6 months): tocopherol (vitamin E) is usually low risk when used in small amounts on the skin, but baby skin is very delicate. There are some safety notes about possible contamination and a rare chance of skin allergy, so take extra care with infants and newborns.

Confidence: MEDIUM

caprylyl glycol

✅2/10

For infants (newborns and babies 0–6 months), Caprylyl Glycol is usually low risk when it’s in baby lotions, wipes, or creams at low amounts. Most babies won’t have a problem, but newborn skin is more sensitive so we recommend extra caution.

No Known Risk - Government and industry safety reviews found no clear health hazards for skin use. Tests say it is not likely to build up in the body, not persistent in the environment, and not harmful to organs. Industry reviewers do note limits on how much can be used and some data gaps, but overall the ingredient is rated low concern for topical use.

Confidence: HIGH

cetearyl alcohol

✅2/10

For infants and newborns (0–6 months): Cetearyl alcohol is a common ingredient that helps creams and lotions feel smooth. When it is used in products made for babies it is usually low risk, but baby's skin is delicate so be a little cautious.

Confidence: MEDIUM

cetearyl isononanoate

✅2/10

For infants (0–6 months) this ingredient is generally low risk. It is a moisturizing ingredient that usually does not cause long-term harm, but there is limited data specifically for newborns and some reports of mild irritation.

No Known Risk - Reviewed safety information finds no health concerns above a low level for topical use. An industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) notes limited data and recommends safe-use limits, and possible mild skin/eye irritation has not been shown to be a confirmed hazard. Because no concerns above low were identified, there are no specific higher-level risks flagged.

Confidence: MEDIUM

colloidal oatmeal

✅2/10

Colloidal oatmeal is generally safe for newborns and infants (0–6 months) when used on the skin. It’s commonly used to calm dry, itchy or irritated baby skin and the safety information provided shows low concerns.

No Known Risk - The ingredient's safety review shows only low-level concerns for cancer, allergies or immune effects, developmental/reproductive harm, and use limits. No hazards above low were identified for topical use in the available review, so no significant health risks were found.

Confidence: HIGH

glycerin

✅2/10

For newborns and infants (0–6 months): glycerin is a common, mild moisturizer found in many baby lotions and wipes. When used at normal levels in products made for babies, it is usually safe and well tolerated.

Confidence: HIGH

glyceryl stearate

✅2/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: this ingredient is commonly used in baby lotions and is usually low risk. Still, baby skin is thinner and soaks up things more easily than older children, so extra care is wise.

Confidence: MEDIUM

phytosphingosine

✅2/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: this ingredient is a natural skin lipid and looks low risk in safety listings. However, studies specifically in very young babies are limited, so we recommend being careful.

No Known Risk - Public safety reviews and ingredient profiles for this topical ingredient rate cancer, allergies/immunity, developmental and reproductive effects, and use restrictions as low. No higher-than-low hazards or specific organ, hormone, brain-development, or long-term risks were found in the available assessments for normal topical use, so there are no identified health risks at this time.

Confidence: MEDIUM

shea butter

✅2/10

Shea butter is generally safe as a moisturizer but rare allergies are possible in infants under 6 months

No Known Risk - Shea butter is widely used in baby skincare products and is generally considered safe for topical use. There is no strong evidence linking it to irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, or other health risks in babies. Rare allergic reactions may occur, but these are uncommon and not specific to infants. Current research and regulatory guidance do not identify any significant risks for babies when shea butter is used topically.

Confidence: HIGH

sodium lauroyl lactylate

✅2/10

For infants and newborns (0–6 months), this is a mild cleaning and stabilizing ingredient used in wipes and lotions. It is generally considered low risk, but very young baby skin is delicate and may be a bit more likely to get mild irritation or absorb more of a product.

No Known Risk - Cosmetic safety reviews note only low-level concerns for this topical ingredient. Experts recommend limits on concentration and monitoring impurities, and some product-verification programs require extra proof before they allow it, but no moderate or high health hazards were identified for typical topical use on children.

Confidence: HIGH

sorbitan tristearate

✅2/10

For newborns and babies under 6 months: this ingredient is commonly used to stabilize baby creams and is considered low risk, but baby skin is delicate so use it carefully.

Confidence: MEDIUM

caprylic/capric triglyceride

✅1/10

This ingredient is a gentle, lightweight oil used to moisturize skin. For newborns and babies (0–6 months) it is generally safe when used in normal baby lotions or wipes.

Confidence: HIGH

ceramide AP

✅1/10

Ceramide AP is a gentle, skin-helping ingredient commonly used to repair and protect the skin barrier. For infants and newborns (0–6 months), it is considered low risk when used in baby products made for sensitive skin.

No Known Risk - Available safety information shows low concern for cancer, allergies, and reproductive or developmental harm for typical skin use. A cosmetic safety review panel notes only that manufacturers should follow limits on concentration, impurities, and product types — a guidance step, not evidence of harm. Based on this, no clear health risks have been identified for normal topical use.

Confidence: HIGH

ceramide EOP

✅1/10

Ceramide EOP is a natural skin lipid that helps protect and repair the skin. For babies and newborns (0-6 months) it is generally safe when used in baby creams and moisturizers, though a small number of people may get mild skin irritation.

No Known Risk - Regulatory and industry safety reviews found only very minor concerns. A European chemical authority noted limited evidence of skin irritation, and an industry cosmetic review points to use restrictions and impurity controls, but neither found stronger hazards (like cancer, hormone, organ, or developmental harm). Because no concerns above low were reported, no specific health risks have been identified for normal topical use.

Confidence: HIGH

ceramide NP

✅1/10

For newborns and babies (0–6 months), Ceramide NP is generally very low risk. It is a skin-like fat that helps moisturize and repair the skin, and most safety notes rate it as low concern. However, infants have thinner, more sensitive skin, so we should be careful.

No Known Risk - Authoritative reviews and studies do not identify any health hazards above a low level for typical topical use. A cosmetic safety review notes only guidance/restrictions for use, a European chemicals authority reported limited evidence of mild irritation, and scientific papers note this ingredient can increase skin penetration and produced allergenic responses only at high doses in animal tests. Taken together, there are no higher-than-low concerns for children when this ingredient is used as intended.

Confidence: HIGH

cholesterol

✅1/10

For infants (0-6 months) cholesterol is generally safe. It is a natural fat the skin already uses to stay healthy and is often included in baby creams to help the skin barrier. Major safety reviews find low concern for cancer, allergies, or harm to growth.

Confidence: HIGH

sodium hyaluronate

✅1/10

For newborns and babies 0–6 months, sodium hyaluronate is usually safe. It helps skin hold water and is not commonly linked to allergies, cancer, or growth problems.

No Known Risk - Major safety reviews and government checks report low concern for this ingredient when used on the skin. Industry safety reviewers note some data gaps and recommend limits on how much may be used in products, and a government environmental review flagged uncertain effects on the environment. Some product-verification programs also require extra proof before allowing it. Taken together, there are no clear health risks above a low level in the available assessments.

Confidence: MEDIUM

xanthan gum

✅1/10

For babies 0–6 months (newborns and infants): xanthan gum is generally very safe when used in skincare like wipes or lotions. It’s a thickener that usually sits on the skin and rarely causes problems.

No Known Risk - Safety reviews and regulatory assessments find no health hazards above a low level for topical use. It is approved for limited use in food, classified as not expected to be toxic and a low human-health priority, and not suspected to be an environmental toxin. Cosmetic industry reviewers note only guidance on concentrations or purity. Because no concern was rated above low, no specific risks were identified for babies or children.

Confidence: HIGH

octyldodecanol

✅1/10

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It is generally safe for topical use on babies 0-6 months in skin protectants.

Confidence: HIGH

water

✅0/10

Water is very safe for a newborn’s or baby’s skin. Tests and regulatory reviews find no meaningful health risks from water used on the skin.

No Known Risk - Regulatory reviews (Environment Canada) find plain water is not expected to be toxic, not bioaccumulative, and not an environmental toxin. Safety summaries list no concerns above a low level for organ harm, reproductive effects, or other long‑term risks for topical use, so no specific health risks are identified for use on skin.

Confidence: HIGH

Common Questions About CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream

Is this newborn-safe? CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream

CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 34 ingredients in CeraVe BABY Eczema Relief Cream. 3 concerning, 7 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can newborns start using skin protectant & rash ointment?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

Product Recognition: Product names are identified programatically and may be incorrect. Always verify product identity yourself.

Safety Analysis: Evaluations are for research only - consult pediatricians for medical decisions. Do not rely solely on this analysis.

No Guarantees: Results may be incomplete or inaccurate. Do not rely solely on this analysis.