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PEG-40 ISOSTEARATE.

Valuable CAS 56002-14-3 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-40 Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol derivative primarily recognized for its role as an emulsifier, surfactant, and solubilizer in precision skincare formulations. It efficiently blends immiscible oil and water components, contributing to product stability and texture, and demonstrates a low risk of irritation or sensitization across various skin types.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant solubilizing viscosity controlling cleansing humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This PEG-derivative functions by significantly reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water phases, thereby enabling the formation and stabilization of emulsions. As a surfactant, it actively aids in cleansing by solubilizing and suspending oily residues for effective removal. Additionally, it contributes to the overall viscosity control of a formulation. Related polyethylene glycols are also known to exhibit humectant properties, drawing and retaining moisture to the skin surface, which can subtly support the skin's hydration and barrier function.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies, including Schwartz prophetic patch tests on human volunteers, confirm that PEG Stearates (a class including PEG-40 Stearate, a close analogue) are neither primary irritants nor skin sensitizers. These safety evaluations were performed at concentrations up to 60%.
  2. 02 Formulations containing the related ingredient PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil were concluded not to irritate human skin in dermal irritation tests conducted in mice and rats.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a key formulation auxiliary (emulsifier, surfactant), PEG-40 Isostearate is incorporated based on its functional necessity for product integrity and performance, rather than being an 'active' ingredient subject to dusting concerns.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene glycols and their derivatives generally exhibit robust skin tolerance and versatile solubility profiles. The non-ionic character of related PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil suggests that PEG-40 Isostearate maintains its emulsifying efficacy across a broad pH spectrum, with an optimal operational range specifically noted between pH 5.5 and 7.0.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has affirmed the safety of PEG Stearates, including PEG-40 Stearate, for use in cosmetic formulations under current practices. A related ingredient, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, was deemed safe at concentrations up to 100%. While ethoxylation processes can result in trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, this by-product is typically minimized or removed during the purification of the final ingredient.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-40 Isostearate is a valuable formulation ingredient, essential for creating stable emulsions and enabling uniform ingredient distribution, exhibiting a high safety profile with low irritation and comedogenicity potential for all skin types.

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