Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner • For 0-6 month old infants • Skin contact 🧴

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner

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Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials - Front

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Ingredient List

Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials - Ingredients

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Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 63 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials contains 37 ingredients. 9 concerning, 4 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (37 found)

heliotropine
🚨7/10
Heliotropine also known as piperonal is a fragrance ingredient with sensitization risk not recommended for infants under 6 months
Irritant - Piperonal can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially with repeated or prolonged topical exposure, which may be a concern for babies' delicate skin.
Confidence: HIGH
laureth-4
🚨7/10
For newborns and babies under 6 months, this ingredient can irritate skin and eyes and may carry trace contaminants from manufacturing. Because very young babies have very sensitive skin, it’s safer to avoid products that contain Laureth-4 when possible.
Irritant - A formal safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) found strong evidence that this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs in people. The same review flags moderate irritation as a real concern for topical use, so babies with sensitive skin may get redness, itching, or rashes.
Cancer - This ingredient can carry contamination from ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. International health agencies (IARC/WHO) list ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible carcinogen. Because these impurities can be present, there is a real cancer-related risk from contaminated product exposure.
Long-Term Risk - Regulatory and industry safety reviews note impurities and data gaps for this chemical and recommend limits on impurities and manufacturing methods (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Persistent exposure to the listed contaminants is tied to long-term health effects, so repeated use raises longer-term risk.
Absorbed - This is a topical, ethoxylated ingredient and industry reviews warn that manufacturing impurities can remain. Those impurities and the ingredient itself can be absorbed through skin, so some chemical can reach the body after use (noted in CIR assessments).
Confidence: HIGH
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
propylene glycol
🚨7/10
For newborns and babies (0–6 months): be cautious. Propylene glycol can irritate sensitive skin and helps other chemicals get through the skin. Babies’ skin is thinner, so they can be more affected.
Irritant - The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists this chemical as a skin, eye, and lung irritant. That means it can cause red, itchy skin, sting the eyes, or make breathing uncomfortable — risks that matter for babies and children with delicate skin and airways.
Immune system - A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found limited evidence of skin and immune-system effects. This means some people can get allergic or immune reactions after skin contact.
Organ Risk - Environment Canada has classified this ingredient as expected to be toxic or harmful and of medium human-health priority for non-reproductive organ effects. Repeated or heavy exposure could pose risks to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Absorbed - The Cosmetic Ingredient Review identifies this ingredient as a penetration enhancer. It can help itself and other ingredients pass through the skin into the body, so more of the substance may get into the bloodstream.
Asthma - Because it can irritate the lungs (noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine), inhaling sprays or vapors could make breathing problems or asthma worse in sensitive children.
Confidence: MEDIUM
cocamidopropyl betaine
🚨6/10
For infants (0–6 months) this cleansing ingredient is commonly used in washes and wipes but should be used with care. It can sometimes irritate or cause allergic reactions, and some batches can carry trace contaminants. Babies’ skin is more delicate, so caution is advised.
Immune system - Cosmetic safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and draft safety reports) report limited evidence that cocamidopropyl betaine can sensitize skin or trigger allergic reactions. That means it can affect the immune system in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.
Irritant - Industry safety assessments note limited evidence of skin sensitization and explicitly warn the ingredient may be unsafe in products left on the skin (not rinsed off). This shows it can cause redness, itching, or irritation for some users.
Eczema - Safety panels and reports observed cases of sensitization and recommend limits on use and product types. Because it can provoke skin reactions, it may trigger or worsen eczema in sensitive children.
Cancer - Regulatory and industry reviews flag contamination concerns for this ingredient, including nitrosamines and related amines. Nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic, so impurity risks raise a cancer concern unless impurities are controlled as industry reviewers recommend.
Banned - Expert panels and tentative regulatory reports recommend use, concentration, and manufacturing restrictions for this ingredient and note it is unsafe in some product types (leave-on). While not universally banned, it is subject to regulatory or industry limits in some contexts.
Environmental - A national environmental agency (Environment Canada) flagged this ingredient as a suspected environmental toxin, indicating possible harm to ecosystems if released into the environment.
Confidence: MEDIUM
fragrance
🚨6/10
Premium Fragrance Oil is a vague term for fragrance blends that may contain allergens or irritants not disclosed. Fragrances often cause skin sensitivity in babies under 6 months.
Irritant - Fragrance mixtures often contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation, redness, or rashes, especially on sensitive baby skin.
Eczema - Fragrances are known triggers for eczema flare-ups and can worsen symptoms in babies with sensitive or atopic skin.
Asthma - Fragrance chemicals can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may worsen asthma or breathing issues in babies and children.
Hormones - Some fragrance ingredients, such as certain phthalates, are suspected endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormone development.
Absorbed - Certain fragrance chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and detected in the bloodstream, raising concerns for systemic exposure.
Breast Milk - Some fragrance components, including phthalates, have been detected in breast milk, indicating they can pass from mother to baby.
Banned - Some fragrance ingredients are banned or restricted in the EU and other countries due to health concerns.
Builds Up - Certain fragrance chemicals, such as some phthalates and musks, can accumulate in the body over time with repeated exposure.
Long-Term Risk - Long-term exposure to some fragrance chemicals has been linked to chronic health effects, including hormone disruption and allergic diseases.
Confidence: HIGH
peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate
🚨6/10
For newborns and young babies (0–6 months) this ingredient is a mild skin cleanser/conditioner, but there is a concern about possible contamination by harmful chemicals during manufacture. Because babies’ skin is more delicate and absorbs more, I recommend being cautious.
Cancer - Safety reviewers note this ingredient can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those contaminants are linked to increased cancer risk, so reviewers recommend limiting impurities and exposure.
Organ Risk - One of the contaminants of concern, 1,4‑dioxane, has been tied to harm to internal organs (for example liver and kidneys) after repeated exposure; industry safety assessments call for strict impurity controls for that reason.
Long-Term Risk - Because contamination with these manufacturing by‑products can occur and they are the reason reviewers set limits or restrictions, experts treat this as a possible long‑term health concern and some product verification programs restrict its use unless companies provide safety data.
Confidence: MEDIUM
sodium hydroxide
🚨6/10
For infants and newborns (0–6 months): sodium hydroxide is a strong chemical that can burn or irritate when concentrated. In baby lotions and cleansers it is usually used in tiny amounts to set the product’s acidity and is neutralized in the finished product. Still, because babies have very thin, delicate skin, this ingredient is more worrisome for newborns than for older children or adults.
Banned - This ingredient is restricted for use in cosmetics in some regions. The EU cosmetics rules list limits on its use, and industry safety reviewers say it can only be used safely at certain low concentrations or when specially handled.
Organ Risk - Authorities have flagged possible harm to organs with repeated or high exposures. A national health agency classified it as expected to be toxic or harmful and gave it a medium human-health priority, and a U.S. assessment found toxic effects in animal studies. There is also limited evidence of breathing-related toxicity noted by a medical literature source.
Asthma - There is limited evidence that breathing in this chemical can hurt the lungs or airways. Medical literature notes possible respiratory toxicity, so it could make breathing problems worse if a child is exposed to vapor or mist.
Confidence: HIGH
sodium laureth sulfate
🚨6/10
For newborns and babies (0–6 months): this ingredient can irritate delicate skin and eyes and may carry small amounts of manufacturing impurities. It’s not the best choice for very young infants.
Irritant - A formal safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) found strong evidence that this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs in people. That means babies or children may get redness, stinging, or sore eyes if exposed.
Organ Risk - A government health assessment (Environment Canada) classifies this ingredient as likely to be harmful to body organs with a medium human-health priority. Repeated or heavy exposure could affect organs like the liver or kidneys.
Cancer - Safety checks flag the ingredient for contamination by ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. These contaminants are known cancer-linked chemicals in regulatory and safety assessments, so contamination raises a cancer concern if present.
Confidence: MEDIUM
dipropylene glycol
⚠️5/10
For newborns and babies (0–6 months) this ingredient is not the safest choice. It is usually low risk for adults, but baby skin is more sensitive and there are concerns about possible contamination during manufacturing.
Cancer - The ingredient data flags contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those two contaminants are recognized by health authorities as cancer-causing or likely cancer-causing chemicals, so a product tainted with them could raise cancer risk over time.
Long-Term Risk - Toxicology work on this chemical and the contamination concerns point to possible harms after repeated or long-term exposure. Animal toxicology studies and the presence of cancer-linked contaminants mean longer-term health effects are a real concern.
Organ Risk - Animal studies cited in the ingredient data showed kidney effects at high doses, and a human case report linked ingestion to acute kidney injury. These findings mean the substance has been tied to organ-level harm in some studies.
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
glycol distearate
⚠️4/10
For babies (newborns and infants 0–6 months), glycol distearate is probably low risk in small amounts, but safety tests are limited. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, it’s best to be careful and prefer products made specifically for infants.
Long-Term Risk - This ingredient is used in food and topical products and regulators note limited toxicity data and possible multiple, additive exposure sources (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). An industry safety review group also flagged gaps in how safety is assessed and relies on the maximum reported ‘as used’ concentration (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Because people may get small amounts from more than one source and the safety data are incomplete, there is a real chance of unknown effects after repeated use over time.
Environmental - Canadian regulators describe the ingredient’s effects on the environment as uncertain (Environment Canada). Although they do not currently suspect it to persist or build up, the lack of clear ecotoxicology data means there could be environmental harm that is not yet well understood.
Confidence: MEDIUM
hexyldecanol
⚠️4/10
For infants and newborns (0-6 months): this ingredient is generally low risk in adults but there is very little information for babies. Because babies have very soft, thin skin that absorbs more, we should be cautious.
Builds Up - The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) notes the ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people. That means it can stay in the body over time after repeated use.
Absorbed - Because ECHA found evidence the ingredient can accumulate in people, it is likely able to get past the skin and into the body when used topically.
Irritant - A published human case report from 2008 describes severe skin inflammation caused by hexyldecanol, showing it can cause strong local skin reactions in some people.
Eczema - The same clinical report described dermatitis severe enough to mimic other conditions, which means this ingredient can trigger or worsen eczema-like skin problems in sensitive users.
Immune system - A documented human case of dermatitis suggests the ingredient can provoke allergic or immune reactions in some people (case report, 2008).
Environmental - Environment Canada flagged the ingredient as a suspected environmental toxin, indicating possible harm to wildlife or ecosystems if it is released into the environment.
Confidence: MEDIUM
calendula officinalis flower extract
✅3/10
For infants (0–6 months): generally low risk when used in small amounts in baby lotions or wipes made for newborn skin. But because it’s a plant extract, some babies can get a skin reaction, especially if they or family members are allergic to daisies/marigolds.
No Known Risk - Safety reviews for this calendula flower extract show only low-level concerns for cancer, allergies, and effects on growth/reproduction. Industry safety panels note limits on how much can be used and say some data are missing, but there is no clear evidence of real harm when used on the skin. Some verified product programs restrict its use unless makers provide extra safety information.
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
disodium laureth sulfosuccinate
✅3/10
For newborns and infants (0–6 months) this is a mild cleansing ingredient that is generally considered low risk when used in rinse‑off baby products. However, infant skin is very sensitive and there are some concerns about irritation and possible contamination with other chemicals.
Confidence: MEDIUM
glyceryl caprylate
✅3/10
For infants (0–6 months): this ingredient is usually low risk in adults, but because newborn skin soaks up products more easily and there are notes from safety reviewers about possible hormone effects and increased absorption, it’s safer to be cautious with babies.
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
sorbitol
✅3/10
For infants (0–6 months) sorbitol used in small amounts in baby lotions or wipes is generally safe and unlikely to cause harm. It works like a gentle moisturizer and is considered low risk by food and safety authorities.
No Known Risk - Sorbitol is generally considered safe for topical use. U.S. food regulators have cleared it for limited use in foods, and Environment Canada has said it is not expected to be toxic, not persistent, and not likely to build up in the body or harm the environment. Industry safety reviewers note only routine limits on concentration or impurities. Taken together, these assessments show no clear health risks for typical topical use.
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
aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
✅2/10
For infants and newborns (0-6 months), this aloe vera powder is generally low risk when used in normal baby skin products. It’s often used to soothe and moisturize baby skin.
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
disodium cocoyl glutamate
✅2/10
For newborns and babies (0–6 months), this is generally a gentle cleansing ingredient with low safety concerns in adults, but babies’ skin is more sensitive and there’s limited data for this exact age. Use caution.
No Known Risk - A professional cosmetics review found this ingredient safe for use in personal care products when used in normal amounts. A European chemical agency noted only limited evidence of eye irritation, and overall expert reviews rate health concerns as low. Because experts consider the risks minor at typical use levels, there are no meaningful risks for children when the ingredient is used as intended.
Confidence: MEDIUM
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
glycine soja oil
✅2/10
Glycine soja soybean oil is a common emollient in baby care products but may rarely cause allergy in sensitive infants
No Known Risk - Soybean oil is widely used in topical products and is generally considered safe for baby skin. There is no strong evidence linking topical soybean oil to irritation, hormone disruption, or other health risks in babies based on current research.
Confidence: HIGH
hexyldecyl laurate
✅2/10
Hexyldecyl Laurate is an emollient with low irritation risk but limited data for infants under 6 months caution advised
Confidence: MEDIUM
isopropyl palmitate
✅2/10
For infants (0–6 months): generally considered low risk and used to make skin feel soft and spread products easily. Because baby skin is very thin and more absorbent, use it with care.
No Known Risk - Reviews and government assessments did not find health hazards above a low level for normal topical use. Safety panels note use limits and some data gaps, but regulators have called it low priority for human health, do not expect it to build up in the body or the environment, and allow limited food uses. Taken together, current evidence does not show any health risks above low for typical use.
Confidence: MEDIUM
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
✅2/10
For infants (0-6 months) this ingredient is generally low risk when used on the skin. It’s commonly used in baby creams and wipes to keep oil and water mixed and smooth.
No Known Risk - Available safety reviews and screenings report only low-level concerns for cancer, allergies, reproductive effects, and use limits. A cosmetic ingredient review flagged possible skin/eye/lung irritation but said the evidence is unassessed. Taken together, current data show no clear health risk from normal topical use.
Confidence: MEDIUM
polyquaternium-10
✅2/10
For newborns and babies (0-6 months): Polyquaternium-10 is usually considered low risk in rinse-off baby products like shampoos, but there is limited information specifically for very young infants. Because babies’ skin is more delicate, we stay cautious.
Confidence: MEDIUM
sodium citrate
✅2/10
For infants and newborns (0–6 months) sodium citrate is likely safe when used in small amounts. It’s used to keep products at the right acidity and to help them stay stable. Most safety data show very low concern for long-term health risks, but baby skin can be extra sensitive.
No Known Risk - Reviewed safety information shows only low-level concerns. U.S. food regulators say it is allowed for some food uses, a cosmetic safety panel notes allowed limits and some data gaps but does not show hazards at normal use, and a national environment agency finds it unlikely to harm organs, build up in the body, or persist in the environment. Because no health concern was reported above low, there are no specific risks identified for typical topical use.
Confidence: HIGH
squalane
✅2/10
Squalane is a mild oil that helps moisturize a newborn’s skin and is usually well tolerated. For most babies it is low risk, but because infants are very small and still developing, we recommend cautious use.
Confidence: MEDIUM
helianthus annuus seed oil
✅1/10
Sunflower Seed Oil is generally safe for infant skin and is used as a moisturizer in baby products
No Known Risk - Sunflower seed oil 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, or other health risks in babies when used on intact skin. It is not associated with hormone disruption, cancer, or other long-term health effects according to current research.
Confidence: HIGH
panthenol
✅1/10
Panthenol (provitamin B5) is generally safe for infants and newborns. It helps moisturize and soothe baby skin and is rarely irritating. Studies and government reviews do not show it to be toxic when used on skin.
No Known Risk - Health and regulatory reviews (including Canadian and U.S. assessments and industry safety panels) find panthenol has no reported hazards above a low level for topical use. It is not expected to harm organs, does not appear to build up in the body or the environment, and common concerns (cancer, allergies, reproductive effects) were rated low. There are some industry notes about safe use levels and a few data gaps, but no higher-level health risks were identified.
Confidence: HIGH
prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
✅1/10
Sweet almond oil is commonly used in baby products for its moisturizing properties and is generally safe for 0-6 month babies in topical use.
No Known Risk - Sweet Almond Oil is widely used in baby skincare products and is generally considered safe for topical use on babies. There is no strong evidence linking it to irritation, allergies, or other health risks in the general population, except in rare cases of nut allergies. For most babies, it does not pose any known health risks based on current research.
Confidence: HIGH
sodium chloride
✅1/10
For infants and newborns (0-6 months) this ingredient is generally safe when used in the small amounts found in baby wipes, creams, and saline drops. It is the same simple salt used in food and is not considered toxic in these low amounts.
No Known Risk - Regulatory reviews flag no meaningful health hazards for topical use. Food and health authorities list it as safe for limited use, and environmental assessments find it unlikely to harm organs, build up in the body, or damage wildlife. Overall expert sources rate concerns as low across cancer, allergies, development, and use restrictions.
Confidence: HIGH
octyldodecanol
✅1/10
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in baby products. It is generally safe for 0-6 month babies in topical use.
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 Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials

Is this newborn-safe? Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials

Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 37 ingredients in Cetaphil Baby Healthy Skin Essentials. 9 concerning, 4 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can newborns start using shampoo & bodywash & conditioner?

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.