Is Meijer Baby Shampoo Carcinogenic? No. PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate and PEG-150 Distearate in the shampoo are safe.

A social media post claiming that the presence of two petroleum by-products in the Meijer baby shampoo is carcinogenic is going viral. Users are raising concern over the use of these above-mentioned chemicals in the baby shampoo. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Although Meijer baby shampoo have PEG-80 sorbitan Laurate and PEG-150 Distearate, but these are considered safe by Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel.

What’s the claim? 

Social media users are claiming that Meijer Baby Shampoo uses PEG-80 sorbitan Laurate and PEG-150 Distearate as ingredients to manufacture the shampoo. These chemicals are by-products of petroleum and are carcinogenic. 

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Fact Check- 

What is PEG-80 Sorbitan laurate? 

PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is an ingredient made from coconut oil and sugar alcohol. It is combined with ethylene oxide to make a water-based solution and is used in products like lotions, creams, and shampoos. It helps in mixing oil and water and prevents them from separating.  It’s also very mild, meaning it doesn’t irritate the skin, and can actually reduce irritation from other ingredients, making it ideal for sensitive products like baby baths and shampoos. It is often used with PEG-150 Distearate which gives shampoo a thicker consistency and makes it more effective at cleaning without causing irritation.

Is PEG-80 Sorbitan laurate Carcinogenic?

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed the safety of Polysorbates, Sorbitan Esters, and PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols) used in cosmetics. These ingredients were found to have low toxicity in both short and long-term studies. Although some studies noted effects like growth retardation, organ weight changes, and mild irritation in high-dose tests, most studies reported minimal to no adverse effects. 

They also demonstrated no carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity under normal use conditions, though PEGs caused kidney toxicity in burn patients treated with PEG-based ointments. Small amounts of the byproduct 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen, may occur in PEGs but can be removed during production. The CIR panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 25%, with the recommendation to avoid use on damaged skin. 

According to another website, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is made through a chemical reaction between Sorbitan monolaurate and ethylene oxide, resulting in the formation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains attached to the sorbitan monolaurate molecule. It is good for skin and hair and is considered safe for use up to concentrations of 10%. This ingredient does not have any carcinogenic effect and it does not cause breakouts or acne. Allergic reactions to this ingredient are rare. PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is also safe for use during pregnancy, but it’s always advisable to consult a physician before using any cosmetic products during this time.

As per CIR report, PEG-80 Sorbitan laurate has been declared as safe in a product when the concentration is less than 10%. You can see it in the table given below. 

What is PEG-150 Distearate? 

PEG-150 Distearate is a gentle ingredient made from polyethylene glycol and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It is produced by the esterification of stearic acid which is derived from palm kernel oil or other vegetable oils. It comes as solid, white or off-white waxy flakes. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products thicker and helps in mixing ingredients that don’t usually blend well. 

According to CIR Expert Panel there’s limited toxicity information specifically for PEG Distearates, but similar ingredients (like PEGs, PEG Stearates, and Stearic Acid) have been reviewed before. Generally, PEG ingredients are low in toxicity, whether swallowed or used on the skin.

These ingredients cause little to no eye irritation and haven’t shown any signs of causing cancer, genetic issues, or problems with reproduction or development. However, PEG-containing antibiotic ointments used on large, burned skin areas have sometimes affected the kidneys. This was only seen with frequent use over large, damaged areas. 

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), products containing PEG-150 Distearate are permitted in EWG-verified products. This is considered as safe and not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful when it is used as per guidelines. 

According to another report, a similar ingredient PEG-150 Stearate along with others like PEG-2, -6, -8, -12, -20, -32, -40, -50, -100 are considered as safe as cosmetic ingredients when followed proper practices of concentration and use.  

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Both PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate and PEG-150 Distearate are considered safe when used as ingredients in cosmetics, skin care products and shampoos. CIR found both the PEG substance mentioned to be non-carcinogenic when used as per guidelines.