Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner • For 2-5 year old children • Skin contact 🧴

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner

Product Images

Product Photo

Tap to enlarge

Ingredient List

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo - Ingredients

Tap to enlarge

Safe for preschoolers to use Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo?

🚫

NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 11 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo contains 37 ingredients. 1 concerning, 4 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Consider preschooler activity levels.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (37 found)

heliotropine

🚨6/10

Heliotropine also known as piperonal is a fragrance ingredient with allergen potential and limited safety data for young children

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: MEDIUM

fragrance

⚠️5/10

Perfume in baby products can cause skin irritation or allergies in 2-5 year olds. It is likely included for fragrance but should be used with caution.

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

cocamidopropyl betaine

⚠️4/10

For 2–5 year olds (preschool children), this ingredient is usually okay when it’s in products you rinse off, like kids’ shampoos and body washes. A small number of children can get skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

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

⚠️4/10

For children aged 2–5 years (toddlers and preschoolers), Laureth-4 is usually low in long-term toxicity but can cause skin or eye irritation. There are also worries about trace contaminants that can come from how it’s made. Overall, it can be used with care, but it’s better to be cautious with 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

⚠️4/10

For toddlers and preschoolers (2-5 years), this foaming ingredient is generally okay in rinse-off products like shampoos and washes but can irritate sensitive skin or eyes. There are also concerns about small amounts of manufacturing impurities that some safety reviews point out.

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: HIGH

dipropylene glycol

✅3/10

For toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5), dipropylene glycol in skin products is usually low risk when used the way the product says. Most safety notes are low level, but there are worries about possible contamination with harmful residues and a small chance of irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive children.

Confidence: HIGH

phenoxyethanol

✅3/10

For toddlers and young children (2–5 years): phenoxyethanol is commonly used as a preservative and is usually okay when products keep it at low levels (around 1% or less). The main risk is that it can irritate skin, eyes, or cause redness for some children.

Confidence: HIGH

propylene glycol

✅3/10

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years), propylene glycol in typical skin creams is usually low risk, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some children. It can also help other ingredients get into the skin, so be careful with strong medicines in the same product.

Confidence: HIGH

citric acid

✅2/10

For children aged 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), citric acid in small amounts found in wipes, lotions, and bath products is usually safe. It can sometimes cause mild stinging or irritation, especially on very sensitive or broken skin.

Confidence: HIGH

disodium laureth sulfosuccinate

✅2/10

For toddlers and young children (2–5 years): generally low risk when used in rinse-off products like shampoos and body washes. Not expected to cause long-term harm, but some children may notice mild irritation.

Confidence: HIGH

peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate

✅2/10

For toddlers and young children (ages 2–5), this ingredient is usually low risk and not likely to irritate skin. The main concern is not the ingredient itself but possible tiny amounts of manufacturing contaminants that some safety programs watch closely.

Confidence: HIGH

sodium benzoate

✅2/10

For children ages 2-5 (toddlers, preschoolers), sodium benzoate is usually safe in small amounts when it's in products made for kids. Big safety reviewers and government agencies generally see low risk at the low levels used in lotions and wipes, but there are rules that limit how much can be used.

Confidence: HIGH

sodium hydroxide

✅2/10

For toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5), this ingredient can be safe when it’s used in very small amounts and the final product is pH-balanced for skin. It is a strong chemical by itself and can irritate or burn if concentrated or not properly neutralized.

Confidence: HIGH

aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder

✅1/10

For children ages 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), this ingredient is generally safe to use on the skin in normal amounts. Serious concerns are uncommon, but there are some study notes and missing data that mean we stay cautious.

Confidence: MEDIUM

caprylyl glycol

✅1/10

For children ages 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), this ingredient is generally safe on the skin when it’s in everyday products like baby lotions, wipes, and creams. It helps keep skin moist and helps products stay free of unwanted germs. Most children won’t have a problem with it.

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 toddlers and young children (2-5 years) carbomer is usually safe when used on the skin. It is a thickener found in many lotions and wipes. Long-term health risks are not expected, but there are worries about possible contamination and occasional skin or eye irritation.

Confidence: MEDIUM

disodium cocoyl glutamate

✅1/10

For children ages 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), this ingredient is generally safe when used in rinse-off products like gentle shampoos and body washes. Serious risks are very unlikely, but it can sometimes cause mild irritation, especially if it gets in the eyes.

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 and young children (2–5 years old), glycerin used in lotions and wipes is generally safe. It helps skin hold moisture and rarely causes harm.

Confidence: HIGH

glyceryl caprylate

✅1/10

Safety information not properly formatted for easy understanding

Confidence: MEDIUM

glycine soja oil

✅1/10

Glycine soja soybean oil is a common emollient in baby products and is generally safe for topical use in 2-5 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 and preschoolers (ages 2-5), Glycol Distearate is usually safe when used in normal amounts in skin and hair products. It softens skin and gives products a pearly look. Major reviews find low concern for cancer, allergies, or effects on growth.

Confidence: HIGH

helianthus annuus seed oil

✅1/10

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is sunflower seed oil commonly used in baby products for moisturizing. It is very safe and gentle for 2-5 year old skin.

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 and preschoolers (2–5 years), hexyldecanol is generally considered low risk when used on the skin in normal amounts. Serious problems are rare, but a few reports show it can cause skin reactions in sensitive people.

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 2-5 years

Confidence: HIGH

isopropyl palmitate

✅1/10

For toddlers and young children (2-5 years), this ingredient is usually safe. It helps moisturize and soften skin and is not linked to serious health risks. A small number of children may get mild irritation or pimples on sensitive skin.

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: HIGH

panthenol

✅1/10

Panthenol is generally safe for children aged 2-5 (toddlers and preschoolers). It’s used to hydrate and soothe skin and usually does not cause harm.

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 children aged 2-5 (toddlers and preschoolers), this ingredient is generally low risk when used on the skin. It is a mild ingredient used to help mix oils and water in creams and lotions.

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

Polyquaternium-10 is generally safe for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5) when used as part of normal skin and hair products. It rarely irritates and is commonly used to make hair soft and skin feel smooth.

Confidence: HIGH

prunus amygdalus dulcis oil

✅1/10

Sweet almond oil is a common gentle emollient used in baby products. It is safe for topical use in 2-5 year olds and helps moisturize skin.

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 kids aged 2–5 (toddlers and preschoolers), sodium chloride (table salt) used on the skin in normal product amounts is very low risk. It is commonly used to make solutions gentle and to adjust product thickness, and health authorities consider it safe for limited use.

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 and preschoolers (2–5 years) sodium citrate is generally safe. It’s a mild ingredient used to balance product pH and doesn’t tend to build up in the body or harm the environment. Problems are uncommon.

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

For children ages 2-5 (toddlers and preschoolers): sorbitol is generally safe in skin creams and lotions. It helps the skin hold moisture and is considered low risk for long-term harm or cancer. Most children will not have a problem with it.

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 and preschoolers (ages 2-5) squalane is usually safe. It’s a moisturizing oil that rarely irritates skin or causes allergies.

Confidence: HIGH

octyldodecanol

✅1/10

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in baby products. It is very safe for topical use in 2-5 year olds.

Confidence: HIGH

calendula officinalis flower extract

✅1/10

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is a common soothing botanical used in baby products. It is very safe for topical use in 2-5 year olds and likely included for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Confidence: HIGH

tocopherol

✅0/10

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years), vitamin E (tocopherol) used in normal skin products is generally safe and gentle. It helps protect skin and oils and rarely causes problems.

Confidence: MEDIUM

water

✅0/10

For children aged 2-5 years (toddlers and preschoolers), plain water used on the skin is very safe. Water by itself does not cause harm and is commonly the main ingredient in wipes and lotions.

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

Preschooler-safe? Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is not recommended for 2-5 year old children due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 37 ingredients in Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo. 1 concerning, 4 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using shampoo & bodywash & conditioner?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. 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.