Science
Mechanism of Action
As a nonionic mild fatty acid ester, PEG-50 Stearamide functions by reducing surface tension, enabling oil and water to blend harmoniously and stabilize emulsions within a formulation. On the skin, it acts as a lubricating agent to impart softness and smoothness, while also supporting effective cleansing by helping water mix with oily residues and dirt for easy rinsing.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Insufficient-data confidenceN/A
Key findings
- 01 Clinical safety studies, including Schwartz patch tests conducted on 50 individuals, have consistently shown PEG-50 Stearamide to be neither an irritant nor a sensitizer at concentrations of 25% or greater, with specific testing at 50% reaffirming these findings.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
General stability for PEG compounds, including PEG-50 Stearamide, can be affected by warm temperatures, light, and oxygen. Optimal stability for solutions is typically achieved when stored under refrigerated conditions (4°C) or frozen (-20°C). A related PEG exhibited an initial pH of 8.07 at 25°C in stability assessments.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has repeatedly affirmed PEG-50 Stearamide as safe for cosmetic use, with conclusions reaffirmed in 2002 and 2024. Animal tests at 100% concentration showed minimal skin and eye irritation. However, a broader caution for PEG-based preparations advises against use on damaged skin due to observed sensitization and nephrotoxicity in burn patients, though this is not specific to PEG-50 Stearamide. The FDA has approved related PEG-8 Stearate as an indirect food additive and defoaming agent, and PEG-50 Stearate is listed for safe use in textiles that contact food.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
PEG-50 Stearamide is a valuable ingredient for enhancing formulation stability, texture, and providing mild conditioning benefits, backed by a strong safety profile for healthy skin.
Related
Similar Ingredients
Finding similar ingredients…
References
Sources