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PEG-120 STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 9004-99-3 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

PEG-120 Stearate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as a thickener and emulsifier, which aids in stabilizing formulations and refining product texture. It also contributes to skin health as an emollient and humectant, softening and hydrating the epidermal layer. This ingredient is widely recognized for its safety and efficacy in enhancing the overall performance of skincare and cosmetic products.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifier Cleansing Agent Humectant Skin Conditioning Agent Emollient Thickening Agent Rheology Modifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

PEG-120 Stearate operates multifactorially within cosmetic formulations. It acts as a surfactant, effectively reducing surface tension, and as an emulsifier, critical for creating stable blends of immiscible liquids like oil and water. This compound concurrently functions as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin, and an emollient, contributing to a softer, smoother skin feel. Furthermore, it aids in the cleansing process by facilitating the removal of oil and dirt, while also serving as a thickening agent and rheology modifier to influence product viscosity and stability. Its presence can additionally enhance the solubility and transdermal penetration of other active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies on PEG Stearates, including PEG-120 Stearate, demonstrated that these ingredients are neither irritants nor sensitizers at concentrations up to 25%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

PEG Stearates exhibit general stability, though their ether oxygens possess potential reactivity and their ester bonds are susceptible to enzymatic degradation. This ingredient demonstrates compatibility across a broad spectrum of cosmetic components.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has affirmed PEG-120 Stearate as safe for use in cosmetics at current concentrations and practices. While a previous caution concerning its application on damaged skin was rescinded in 2010, some industry perspectives still suggest prudence for compromised skin due to the potential for enhanced ingredient penetration. Furthermore, PEG compounds may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation, which formulators can mitigate through appropriate purification measures.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-120 Stearate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient that enhances formulation stability and texture while offering beneficial skin conditioning properties, with a strong safety profile.

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