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PEG-15 HYDROXYSTEARATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-15 Hydroxystearate is a highly versatile nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It efficiently integrates oil-soluble ingredients into water-based formulations, while also offering humectant properties to support skin hydration and barrier function.

Summary

Emollient Emulsifying Surfactant Solubilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating as a nonionic surfactant, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate functions by lowering the surface tension between immiscible liquids, thereby facilitating the creation of stable oil-in-water emulsions. Its primary action is to solubilize hydrophobic components, such as lipophilic active ingredients, fragrances, and essential oils, within aqueous systems. Additionally, as a polyethylene glycol derivative, it acts as a humectant by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin to enhance hydration and improve barrier function.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 20–30%
Optimal

20%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated efficiency in solubilizing fat-soluble vitamins and hydrophobic active ingredients, significantly enhancing their water solubility by 10 to 100 times.
  2. 02 Clinical studies found PEG Stearates, including PEG-15 Hydroxystearate, to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
  3. 03 As a vehicle, PEGs contribute to maintaining skin hydration and improving skin barrier function in dry skin conditions, exhibiting mild keratolytic properties without causing irritation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate exhibits good stability across a wide pH range and resists hydrolysis in neutral systems, ensuring stability under normal storage conditions. It performs effectively in both cold and hot processing, though its solubility in water decreases with increasing temperatures.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that PEG-15 Stearate, along with related PEG Stearates such as PEG-15 Hydroxystearate, are safe for use in cosmetic ingredients under current practices. Clinical studies at concentrations up to 25% have demonstrated its low potential for irritation and sensitization. It is noted to exhibit lower hemolytic activity, sensitization, and irritation compared to some other nonionic surfactants. While it has an FDA UNII (4DM325LW4Y), a specific 'GRAS' (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for direct cosmetic use is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, though general PEGs are known for their very good skin tolerance.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-15 Hydroxystearate is a highly valuable ingredient for its powerful solubilizing and emulsifying capabilities, broad skin compatibility, and confirmed low irritation potential, making it ideal for precision skincare formulations.

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