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PEG-120 PROPYLENE GLYCOL STEARATE.

Valuable CAS - / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-120 Propylene Glycol Stearate is a polyglycol ether of stearic acid that functions primarily as a surfactant and skin conditioning agent. It skillfully aids in formulating stable emulsions and enhancing product textures, while contributing emollient and humectant properties to the skin.

Summary

Emulsifying Skin Conditioning (Humectant) Skin Conditioning (Emollient) Surfactant (Cleansing Agent) Surfactant (Solubilizing Agent) Solvent Penetration Enhancer (potential)

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts as a sophisticated multi-functional agent within formulations. As a surfactant, it effectively reduces surface tension, enabling its roles as a cleansing agent to lift impurities, a solubilizing agent to incorporate otherwise insoluble components, and an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil-in-water mixtures. Beyond its functional properties, it contributes to skin conditioning, offering both humectant (moisture-attracting) and emollient (skin-softening) effects, and serves as a solvent. Furthermore, it may facilitate the penetration of other active ingredients, a property influenced by its molecular structure, formulation specifics, and the overall health of the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

10%

Key findings

  1. 01 Studies on related PEG Propylene Glycol Stearate derivatives (e.g., PEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate) demonstrated non-allergenic properties in guinea pig sensitization tests.
  2. 02 Related ingredients, including PEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate and PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, yielded negative outcomes in human clinical patch tests.
  3. 03 At a 2.0% concentration, PEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate showed non-irritating to mildly irritating effects on rabbit eyes and practically non-irritating effects on rabbit skin in single-insult occlusive patch tests, supporting the broad safety profile of this ingredient class.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has confirmed the safety of PEG-120 Propylene Glycol Stearate and its related compounds for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%. A prior recommendation against its use on compromised skin was withdrawn in 2010 following re-evaluation, affirming its safety even on damaged skin. Manufacturers are advised to rigorously control potential impurities such as ethylene oxide (below 1 ppm), 1,4-dioxane (below 5 ppm), and total heavy metals (below 10 ppm) through effective purification processes.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-120 Propylene Glycol Stearate is a valuable, CIR-approved ingredient providing essential emulsifying and cleansing functions, alongside skin conditioning benefits, with a low irritation and sensitization risk across various skin types.

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