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PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE is a polyethylene glycol derivative acting as a primary emulsifier, crucial for creating stable oil-in-water cosmetic formulations. It also contributes to desirable product textures by controlling viscosity and supports skin hydration by attracting moisture.

Summary

Emulsifying Viscosity Controlling Emollient Humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE functions as an effective humectant, forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules to draw and retain moisture, thereby supporting long-term skin hydration and potentially reducing transepidermal water loss. Within a formulation, its surfactant properties enable the creation of stable emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, while its viscosity-controlling capabilities optimize product consistency and flow.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

25%

Key findings

  1. 01 Safety Assessment of PEG Diesters as Used in Cosmetics - CIR Report Data Sheet (assessed as part of broader PEG Stearates group)

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Possessing a high number of ethylene oxide units (n=175), PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE exhibits strong water solubility, which increases proportionally with longer PEG chains. It serves effectively as a viscosity builder in water-dominant systems such as shampoos and shower gels. Formulation protocols must ensure the final product is non-irritating, and considerations for potential trace amounts of ethylene oxide impurities are prudent.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that PEG diesters, including PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE, are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. While no specific maximum concentration was established for PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE itself, related PEG dilaurates and PEG stearates were deemed safe at concentrations up to 25%. It is noteworthy that an industry survey indicated a similar ingredient, PEG-175 distearate, is used at much lower concentrations, for example, up to 0.089% in shaving creams. Isolated instances of sensitization and nephrotoxicity have been observed in burn patients treated with PEG-based creams, indicating a potential risk only on severely compromised or damaged skin, not intact skin.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-175 DIISOSTEARATE is a valuable polyfunctional ingredient, effectively stabilizing emulsions, modulating viscosity, and offering humectant properties, deemed compatible with all skin types when precisely formulated to be non-irritating.

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