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PEG-150 STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 9004-99-3 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

PEG-150 Stearate is a polyoxyethylene ester of stearic acid, primarily functioning as a multi-purpose ingredient in skincare formulations. It excels as a surfactant, emulsifier, and viscosity enhancer, contributing to product stability, texture, and cleansing efficacy. This versatile compound ensures stable emulsions and a desirable user experience across various product types.

Summary

surfactant/cleansing emulsifying viscosity-increasing agent thickener humectant solvent binder

Science

Mechanism of Action

PEG-150 Stearate operates through several mechanisms within cosmetic formulations. As a surfactant, it reduces the surface tension between different phases, allowing oil and water to mix, effectively lifting and rinsing away dirt and sebum from the skin. Its emulsifying capability, characterized by an HLB of approximately 18.9, stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures, preventing the separation of ingredients over time. Furthermore, its molecular structure allows it to attract and retain water molecules, significantly enhancing product viscosity and improving the overall texture of surfactant-based cleansers. It may also offer mild humectant properties, contributing to skin moisture, and can serve as a solvent and binder.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

0.5-5%

Key findings

  1. 01 The CIR Expert Panel found PEG Stearates, including PEG-150 Stearate, to be neither irritant nor sensitizer at concentrations of 25% or greater.
  2. 02 It is typically incorporated into cosmetic formulations at levels ranging from 0.5% to 5%, with specific applications like baby shampoos utilizing concentrations around 0.7% for its functional benefits.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The provided research data does not indicate that PEG-150 Stearate is a commonly 'dusted' ingredient or provide thresholds for such concerns.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

PEG-150 Stearate demonstrates excellent stability across a broad range of pH conditions. For optimal integration into formulations, it typically requires heating to approximately 60°C (140°F) to ensure complete dissolution. Its solubility and performance are further enhanced in the presence of other surfactant systems.

Synergies

  • Other surfactants (enhances solubility and functional performance)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
33.2%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has repeatedly affirmed the safety of PEG-150 Stearate and other related PEG Stearates for use in cosmetics and personal care products, including reaffirmations in 2002 and 2024. Studies indicate it is neither an irritant nor a sensitizer, even at concentrations of 25% or higher. While potential impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane are sometimes a concern for PEG derivatives, manufacturing specifications limit these to very low, safe levels (e.g., 1 ppm and 5 ppm respectively for related PEG-150 compounds). The maximum reported use concentration for related PEG-150 Distearate in skin cleansing products was 33.2%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-150 Stearate is a valuable ingredient for its robust performance as an emulsifier, surfactant, and texture enhancer, offering excellent safety and broad skin compatibility across diverse formulations.

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