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Moumoujus

PEG-40 STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 9004-99-3 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-40 Stearate is a versatile polyethylene glycol ester, primarily functioning as a surfactant and emulsifier. It expertly blends oil and water to create stable emulsions, enhancing the overall texture and consistency of skincare formulations while remaining stable across a broad pH range.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Humectant Thickening Agent Texture Enhancer Solubilizer Dispersing Agent Lubricant Antistatic Agent Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient reduces surface tension, allowing oil and water to homogenously mix and form stable emulsions, crucial for product stability and effective cleansing. It also acts as a humectant to draw moisture, a thickening and texture-enhancing agent, a solubilizer, and a dispersing agent. Additionally, it demonstrates potential as a penetration enhancer for specific active compounds, aiding in their dermal delivery.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated efficacy as a delivery vehicle for Trans-resveratrol, forming smaller, more stable liposomes that could enhance skin lightening applications.
  2. 02 At concentrations of 5%, 10%, or 20%, it did not enhance the skin permeation of Ketoprofen (KTP) through hairless mouse skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Exhibiting chemical inertness and enhanced stability, PEG-40 Stearate is suitable for integration across a broad pH spectrum and with various active ingredients, emulsions, and solid dispersions. Its inherent resistance to microbiological degradation often negates the need for supplementary preservatives.

Synergies

  • Acts as a delivery vehicle and potential penetration enhancer for specific active ingredients, such as Trans-resveratrol.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel consistently affirms PEG-40 Stearate as safe for cosmetic use, reaffirming this conclusion in 2002 and again in September 2024. Clinical studies demonstrate it is neither irritating nor sensitizing at concentrations of 25% or greater. Even at 100% (undiluted), only minimal skin irritation was observed in 4 out of 147 subjects during a 24-hour occlusive patch test. The FDA has approved its use as an indirect food additive. However, due to its manufacturing process, PEGs may contain impurities like 1,4-dioxane.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-40 Stearate is a valuable formulation excipient, enhancing stability and texture across diverse product types with a strong safety profile and low irritation risk for all skin types.

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