Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner • For 1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact 🧴

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner

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Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo - Front

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Ingredient List

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo - Ingredients

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Is this toddler-safe to use Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 27 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo contains 37 ingredients. 2 concerning, 3 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (37 found)

fragrance
🚨6/10
Perfume in baby products can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in 1-2 year olds. It is often added for scent but should be used cautiously.
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
heliotropine
🚨6/10
Heliotropine also known as piperonal is a fragrance ingredient with sensitization risk not recommended for baby skin
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
cocamidopropyl betaine
⚠️5/10
For toddlers (1-2 years old), this ingredient is commonly used in baby shampoos and washes to create foam and help clean. It is moderately safe in rinse-off products when manufacturers control impurities, but it can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
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: HIGH
laureth-4
⚠️5/10
For toddlers (1–2 years), Laureth-4 can help clean skin but it can also irritate sensitive skin and eyes. There are also concerns about small amounts of manufacturing impurities, so it’s not the best choice for everyday products for young children.
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: MEDIUM
sodium laureth sulfate
⚠️5/10
For toddlers (1-2 years), this ingredient is a common cleanser used in shampoos and body washes. It can irritate sensitive skin or eyes and there are possible contamination byproducts from manufacturing that are a concern, so use with care.
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
3/10
For toddlers (1–2 years old), dipropylene glycol in creams or lotions is generally considered low risk when used in small amounts. Most safety reviews find low concern, but some manufacturing impurities and rare skin reactions have been reported.
Confidence: HIGH
phenoxyethanol
3/10
For toddlers (1–2 years) phenoxyethanol is usually safe in skin products when used at the low levels manufacturers follow (around 1% or less). It helps prevent germs in creams and lotions. The main issue is that it can sometimes cause skin irritation or, rarely, allergic reactions.
Confidence: HIGH
propylene glycol
3/10
For toddlers (1–2 years) propylene glycol is usually low risk at small amounts. It can cause skin or eye irritation in some children and may help other chemicals soak into the skin more easily.
Confidence: HIGH
sodium hydroxide
3/10
For toddlers (1–2 years), small amounts of this ingredient in finished, well‑formulated products are usually low risk. It becomes dangerous if present at high strength because it can burn or strongly irritate skin and eyes.
Confidence: HIGH
citric acid
2/10
For toddlers (1-2 years), citric acid in normal skin products is usually safe at the low levels used. It helps control product pH and keep products stable. The biggest concern is skin or eye irritation, not long-term disease.
Confidence: HIGH
disodium laureth sulfosuccinate
2/10
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a mild cleanser found in many baby and toddler shampoos and washes. For toddlers (1–2 years) it is usually low risk when used in products that are rinsed off, but safety reviews note small risks from contamination and from irritation in some studies.
Confidence: MEDIUM
peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate
2/10
For toddlers (1-2 years) this ingredient is usually gentle and not linked to cancer or strong allergic reactions, but there are worries about tiny contaminants that can come from how it’s made.
Confidence: HIGH
sodium benzoate
2/10
For toddlers (1–2 years old) sodium benzoate is usually low risk when used in small amounts in wipes, lotions or shampoos made for children. It helps prevent germs in products, but can sometimes bother sensitive skin.
Confidence: MEDIUM
aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years), aloe vera leaf juice powder is generally safe on the skin when used in products made for children. It is commonly used to soothe and moisturize and carries a low level of concern for cancer or allergy. There are some animal studies and industry reviews that raise modest concerns about reproductive effects at high doses, but that is not the same as normal topical use in kids.
Confidence: HIGH
caprylyl glycol
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years) Caprylyl Glycol is generally low risk. It’s used to help moisturize skin and to boost preservation. Most children won’t have problems, but a small number can get skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
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
carbomer
1/10
For a 1-2 year old toddler, Carbomer (a common thickener in lotions and wipes) is generally considered safe for topical use. It’s not linked to cancer or developmental problems at usual levels, but there are some manufacturing-related contamination worries and a small chance of irritation.
Confidence: MEDIUM
disodium cocoyl glutamate
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years): this is a gentle cleaning ingredient commonly used in baby shampoos and washes. It’s considered low risk for long‑term harm, but like any cleanser it can sometimes irritate eyes or very sensitive skin.
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: HIGH
glycerin
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years), glycerin is commonly used and considered low risk when included in normal baby products like lotions, wipes, and diaper creams. It helps skin stay hydrated and is rarely a problem.
Confidence: HIGH
glyceryl caprylate
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years old): this ingredient is usually safe in skin products at normal levels. It’s used to help preserve products and soften skin. Most large reviews rate major concerns like cancer or allergy as low.
Confidence: MEDIUM
glycine soja oil
1/10
Glycine soja soybean oil is a common emollient in baby care products with low risk of irritation or allergy in 1-2 year olds
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
glycol distearate
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years old) Glycol Distearate is generally safe to use on the skin. It is used to make creams and shampoos feel and look better and is not known to cause cancer or strong allergic reactions at normal levels.
Confidence: HIGH
helianthus annuus seed oil
1/10
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is sunflower seed oil commonly used as a gentle emollient in baby products. It is very safe for topical use on 1-2 year olds.
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
hexyldecanol
1/10
For toddlers (1–2 years), hexyldecanol is generally low risk when used on the skin in normal amounts. It is an ingredient that smooths and softens skin. Serious problems are uncommon but have been reported in rare cases.
Confidence: HIGH
hexyldecyl laurate
1/10
Hexyldecyl Laurate is an emollient used in baby care products with low irritation risk and good safety profile for topical use
Confidence: HIGH
isopropyl palmitate
1/10
For toddlers (1–2 years) isopropyl palmitate is commonly used in lotions and wipes and is generally low risk when used in typical products. It is not linked to major long-term health problems, but it can sometimes irritate sensitive skin or contribute to clogged pores.
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
panthenol
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years) panthenol is generally safe when used in normal baby creams, lotions or wipes. It helps skin hold moisture and supports the skin barrier. Problems are uncommon.
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
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years), this ingredient is generally safe in skin creams and lotions. Most safety checks show low concern for long-term harms. The only possible issue listed is irritation (redness, stinging), but that appears uncommon.
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: HIGH
polyquaternium-10
1/10
For toddlers (1–2 years), polyquaternium-10 is usually safe in small amounts in shampoos, conditioners and lotions. Most safety summaries show low concern when it is used at the usual small levels in personal care products.
Confidence: MEDIUM
prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
1/10
Sweet Almond Oil is commonly used in baby products for its moisturizing properties and is generally safe for topical use on 1-2 year olds with low risk of irritation.
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
Sodium chloride is ordinary salt. For toddlers (1–2 years) it is generally safe in the tiny amounts used in skin products. It is a low-risk ingredient and is not thought to cause long-term harm.
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
sodium citrate
1/10
For toddlers (1–2 years), sodium citrate in small amounts in wipes or lotions is generally safe. It is low risk for serious harm but can sometimes cause mild irritation, especially on broken or very sensitive skin.
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
sorbitol
1/10
Sorbitol is a gentle moisturizing ingredient that is usually safe for toddlers (1-2 years). It has a low risk of causing long-term harm and is often used in baby wipes and lotions.
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: HIGH
squalane
1/10
For toddlers (1-2 years) squalane is generally safe and gentle. It’s a common moisturizing oil that rarely causes irritation and is used in baby lotions and wipes.
Confidence: HIGH
tocopherol
1/10
For toddlers and young children (1–2 years old), tocopherol (vitamin E) used on the skin is usually safe. It helps protect oils and soften skin. Most children will not have problems, but a small number can get a rash or irritation.
Confidence: HIGH
octyldodecanol
1/10
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in baby products. It is generally very safe for topical use on 1-2 year old babies.
Confidence: HIGH
calendula officinalis flower extract
1/10
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is commonly used in baby skincare for soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally safe for 1-2 year olds in topical products.
Confidence: HIGH
water
0/10
Water is very safe for toddlers (1-2 years old) to have on their skin. It is the main base in wipes and baby lotions and is not considered harmful when used as intended.
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 Wash & Shampoo

Toddler-friendly? Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is not recommended for 1-2 year old toddlers due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 37 ingredients in Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo. 2 concerning, 3 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can toddlers using shampoo & bodywash & conditioner?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. 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.