Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

shampoo & bodywash & conditioner • For 6-12 month old babiesSkin 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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Can older babies use Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 34 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo contains 37 ingredients. 3 concerning, 5 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (37 found)

heliotropine
🚨7/10
Heliotropine also called piperonal is a fragrance ingredient with allergenic potential and not recommended for infants under 12 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
🚨6/10
For babies 6–12 months (older infants), Laureth-4 can cause skin or eye irritation and there are concerns about tiny amounts of manufacturing contaminants. It’s not ideal for regular use on baby skin.
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
sodium laureth sulfate
🚨6/10
For a 6–12 month old baby, this ingredient is a cleansing agent that can irritate sensitive skin or eyes and may carry tiny amounts of manufacturing impurities. It’s not banned, but it’s not the gentlest choice for 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
cocamidopropyl betaine
⚠️5/10
For babies 6–12 months old (infants, babies, little ones), this ingredient is commonly used in baby washes and shampoos and is generally okay when it is rinsed off. There are higher concerns about impurities and possible skin reactions, 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: HIGH
fragrance
⚠️5/10
Perfume can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in babies 6-12 months. It is used to provide fragrance in baby care products 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
propylene glycol
⚠️5/10
For babies 6–12 months old, propylene glycol is commonly used in wipes and lotions and is usually okay in the very small amounts found in baby products. However, it can irritate sensitive skin, especially if the skin is broken, red, or in the diaper area. Babies with eczema or very sensitive skin are more likely to react.
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
dipropylene glycol
⚠️4/10
For babies aged 6–12 months this ingredient is usually low risk when used on the skin in small amounts. Most safety notes are mild, but the main worry is possible contamination with two unwanted chemicals.
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
sodium hydroxide
⚠️4/10
For infants 6–12 months (older babies and crawlers), sodium hydroxide in tiny, well-formulated amounts used only to adjust product pH is usually low risk. It is dangerous if present in concentrated form or if a product is not made to avoid irritation.
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
hexyldecanol
3/10
For babies aged 6 to 12 months, Hexyldecanol is generally low risk when used in small amounts on the skin. It is an emollient (a skin-conditioning ingredient) and most data show low concern. However, there are a few reports and agency notes that mean we should be careful with infants.
Confidence: MEDIUM
phenoxyethanol
3/10
For babies 6–12 months old (infants and older babies), phenoxyethanol in lotions or wipes is usually low risk when the product is made for babies and the preservative is used at low levels. It can still irritate the skin or eyes in some babies, and very rarely cause an allergic reaction.
Confidence: MEDIUM
carbomer
2/10
For babies 6–12 months old (infants, babies, toddlers under 1 year), carbomer is usually safe when used in small amounts in baby lotions, creams, or wipes. It acts to thicken products and generally stays on the skin. Serious health risks are not expected, but tiny amounts of manufacturing impurities have been reported as a concern.
Confidence: MEDIUM
citric acid
2/10
For babies 6–12 months (infants), citric acid in small amounts in wipes and baby lotions is usually low risk. It can cause stinging if it gets in the eyes and can bother very sensitive or broken skin.
Confidence: HIGH
disodium laureth sulfosuccinate
2/10
For babies 6–12 months (infants, babies, little ones) this is a mild soap-like ingredient used to help clean skin and hair. On its own it’s usually low risk and often used in gentle baby washes, but there are some contamination and irritation concerns that mean you should be careful.
Confidence: MEDIUM
glycol distearate
2/10
For babies aged 6–12 months, glycol distearate is generally low risk when used in normal baby lotions or washes. It helps make products feel smooth and look pearly. Most safety reviews find little concern for serious harms, but there are gaps in some safety data and limits recommended by reviewers depending on product type.
Confidence: MEDIUM
octyldodecanol
2/10
For babies 6–12 months old, octyldodecanol is generally low risk for long-term or bodywide harm. It’s commonly used in baby creams and wipes to make skin feel soft. The main issue seen in people is irritation (redness, stinging or eye irritation), so it’s important to be careful with sensitive baby skin.
Confidence: MEDIUM
peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate
2/10
For infants and older babies (6–12 months), this ingredient is generally low risk when used in normal amounts on skin. The chemical itself is not known to cause cancer or developmental harm at the levels used in skin products. The main concern is that tiny amounts of harmful manufacturing contaminants (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) can be present if not properly controlled.
Confidence: HIGH
polyquaternium-10
2/10
For babies 6–12 months old, this ingredient is generally considered low risk, but direct safety testing in infants is limited. Because related chemicals have shown possible effects in animal and lab studies, we stay cautious for babies and keep the safety score low but not zero.
Confidence: MEDIUM
sodium benzoate
2/10
For babies 6–12 months old, sodium benzoate in small amounts is generally low risk when used in skin products. Babies this age handle it better than newborns, but it may irritate very sensitive or broken skin.
Confidence: MEDIUM
tocopherol
2/10
For babies 6–12 months (infants, baby, toddler): tocopherol (vitamin E) is usually safe in small amounts found in baby lotions and wipes. Most babies tolerate it fine, but a few can get a rash or irritation.
Confidence: HIGH
aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
1/10
For babies 6–12 months (older infants), this aloe powder used on skin is generally low risk and is often used to soothe and moisturize.
Confidence: MEDIUM
caprylyl glycol
1/10
For babies 6–12 months (infants), Caprylyl Glycol is usually low risk when used in small amounts in baby lotions and wipes. It is not thought to cause cancer or long-term harm based on government and industry reviews.
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: MEDIUM
disodium cocoyl glutamate
1/10
For a 6–12 month old baby, this is a very mild cleanser used in baby washes and shampoos. Overall it is low risk when used in baby products, but it can sometimes bother 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
Glycerin is a gentle, water-attracting ingredient used to moisturize skin. For 6-12 month old babies it is generally safe in typical baby lotions and wipes. Problems are rare but possible.
Confidence: HIGH
glyceryl caprylate
1/10
For babies 6–12 months (infants), this ingredient is generally low risk when used in normal baby skin products. It’s a mild helper that keeps products stable and may also help other ingredients work better on the skin.
Confidence: MEDIUM
glycine soja oil
1/10
Glycine soja soybean oil is a common emollient in baby care products and is generally safe for topical use in 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
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 babies 6-12 months.
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
hexyldecyl laurate
1/10
Hexyldecyl Laurate is an emollient with low irritation risk commonly used in baby care products
Confidence: HIGH
isopropyl palmitate
1/10
For a 6–12 month old baby (infant), isopropyl palmitate is generally considered safe when used in normal baby lotions and wipes. It helps soften and smooth skin and is not linked to major health risks at the low levels used in these products.
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 babies aged 6–12 months (infants, babies, little ones) when it is used in normal baby creams, lotions or wipes. Most babies tolerate it well and allergic reactions 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 babies aged 6–12 months (infants, little ones), this ingredient is low risk. It’s a gentle helper used to keep creams and lotions smooth. Most safety notes say the main issue could be mild irritation to skin or eyes, otherwise other serious concerns are considered low.
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
prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
1/10
Sweet almond oil is a common gentle emollient used in baby products. It is generally safe for topical use on babies 6-12 months with low risk of irritation or allergy.
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 babies aged 6–12 months (older infants), sodium chloride is basically table salt. In the small amounts used in baby wipes, lotions or saline it is usually safe and well tolerated.
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 babies 6–12 months old (older infants), sodium citrate used in small amounts in baby lotions and wipes is generally safe and low risk. It mainly helps keep product pH steady and stable.
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 moisturizing ingredient commonly used in baby wipes and lotions. For babies 6–12 months (infants, babies, young infants), it is generally safe and considered low risk when used on the skin in normal amounts.
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 infants (6–12 months old) squalane is generally considered safe when used on the skin. It’s a gentle moisturizer with a low chance of causing irritation or an allergic reaction in most babies.
Confidence: MEDIUM
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 topical use in babies 6 to 12 months.
Confidence: HIGH
water
0/10
For babies 6-12 months (infants, older babies), plain water used on the skin is safe when it’s clean and part of a baby product. Official assessments say plain water is not expected to cause harm.
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

Safe for older babies? Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 37 ingredients in Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo. 3 concerning, 5 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using shampoo & bodywash & conditioner?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 6-12 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.