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Moumoujus

PEG-50 STEARATE.

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

PEG-50 Stearate is a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester utilized in precision skincare for its multifunctional properties. It acts as an effective emulsifier, enabling the stable combination of oil and water-based ingredients, and functions as a nonionic surfactant to enhance product texture and performance.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Skin Conditioning Lubricating Agent Dispersant

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, PEG-50 Stearate operates by lowering the surface tension between immiscible phases, thereby stabilizing emulsions and preventing ingredient separation. As a surfactant, it facilitates the suspension and removal of oil-based impurities and dirt during cleansing processes. Additionally, it confers conditioning properties, contributing to a perceptibly softer and smoother feel on the skin's surface.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–5%
Optimal

1%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations at concentrations of 25% and above consistently demonstrated PEG-50 Stearate to be neither an irritant nor a sensitizer.
  2. 02 A Schwartz patch test involving 50 individuals found no irritation or sensitization at a 50% concentration.
  3. 03 A 48-hour patch test on 10 subjects showed no irritation or sensitization at a 30% concentration, reinforcing its skin compatibility even at high usage levels.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The available research does not indicate that PEG-50 Stearate is an ingredient commonly associated with consumer 'dusting' or a specific threshold for concern regarding its concentration beyond its well-established safety profile.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Polyoxyethylene stearates exhibit general stability in formulations containing electrolytes and mild acids or bases. However, exposure to strong acids or bases can induce gradual hydrolysis and saponification. Prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 50°C may lead to oxidation, suggesting the potential benefit of incorporating antioxidants in certain formulations for extended stability.

Conflicts

  • strong acids
  • strong bases
  • oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded PEG-50 Stearate is safe for cosmetic application, a finding reaffirmed in 2002. Animal studies indicated only minimal skin and eye irritation at 100% concentrations. For EU formulations using plant-derived stearic acid, manufacturers must control impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. This ingredient is also listed in the FDA's Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-50 Stearate is a valuable ingredient for its reliable emulsifying, surfactant, and conditioning properties, supported by extensive safety data and broad compatibility across skin types.

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