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PEG-2 STEARATE SE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-2 Stearate SE is a non-ionic emulsifier and opacifying agent derived from stearic acid and polyethylene glycol. It is indispensable for creating stable formulations by facilitating the harmonious blending of oil and water phases in skincare products.

Summary

emulsifying opacifying skin conditioning humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This non-ionic surfactant functions primarily by bridging immiscible oil and water components, thereby forming and stabilizing emulsions. Beyond its emulsifying capabilities, it contributes an opacifying effect to cosmetic preparations and may offer mild skin conditioning and humectant benefits as part of the broader PEG family.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations of PEG Stearates, including PEG-2 Stearate, demonstrated no irritant or sensitizing effects at concentrations of 25% or greater.
  2. 02 Testing at 100% concentration revealed only minimal skin and eye irritation for PEG Stearates, including PEG-2 Stearate.
  3. 03 Studies indicated no evidence of phototoxicity or photosensitization for PEG-2 or -8 Stearates.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As an emulsifier, PEG-2 Stearate SE is designed to stabilize oil and water phases effectively. It exhibits broad compatibility with cationic, amphoteric, anionic, and non-ionic surface-active agents, offering formulation flexibility.

Synergies

  • Compatible with cationic surface-active agents
  • Compatible with amphoteric surface-active agents
  • Compatible with anionic surface-active agents
  • Compatible with non-ionic surface-active agents

Conflicts

  • Should not be applied to damaged skin.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has consistently reaffirmed PEG-2 Stearate's safety for cosmetic use, with reviews as recent as 2023/2024, concluding it is safe in current practices and concentrations. The European Union permits its use, advising manufacturers to ensure the removal of impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. EWG Skin Deep rates PEG-2 Stearate SE as 'LOW' for common concerns including cancer, allergies & immunotoxicity, and developmental & reproductive toxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-2 Stearate SE is a valuable ingredient for its emulsifying and opacifying properties, offering robust formulation stability with a comprehensively proven low risk of irritation and sensitization for various skin types.

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