Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

STEARETH-1.

Valuable CAS - / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Steareth-1 is a synthetic polymer functioning primarily as a surfactant and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It stabilizes oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by reducing interfacial tension, thereby ensuring a uniform mixture of immiscible liquids. Additionally, its surfactant properties allow it to assist in cleansing by facilitating the removal of oily impurities.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant/cleansing

Science

Mechanism of Action

Steareth-1 acts by lowering the surface tension between disparate phases, such as oil and water, enabling their stable dispersion to form an emulsion. As an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, it features both lipophilic and hydrophilic parts, allowing it to bridge the oil and water phases. This mechanism also underpins its function as a cleansing agent, where it encapsulates and lifts oil and dirt from surfaces, allowing them to be rinsed away.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No specific data regarding 'dusting' properties of Steareth-1 is available in the research. As a surfactant and emulsifier, this concept is less commonly applied to its functional role.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Steareth-1, like other ethoxylates, is susceptible to hydrolysis under extreme acidic or alkaline conditions. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Due to its low degree of ethoxylation, Steareth-1 exhibits greater oil solubility and is frequently co-formulated with more water-soluble emulsifiers to achieve robust emulsion stability across various systems.

Synergies

  • more water-soluble emulsifiers (for enhanced emulsion stability)

Conflicts

  • strong acids
  • strong bases
  • strong oxidizers

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Steareth ingredients safe for use in cosmetic products, provided they are formulated to be nonirritating. Studies on developmental, reproductive toxicity, and mutagenicity for these compounds have shown negative results. Trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of the ethoxylation process, may be present but are manageable through rigorous purification standards. Its use is permitted under general provisions in the European Union's Cosmetics Regulation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Steareth-1 is a valuable functional ingredient, essential for creating stable emulsions and aiding in skin cleansing, with a low safety risk when properly formulated.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…