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Moumoujus

STEARETH-4.

Valuable CAS 9005-00-9 (Generic) / 59970-10-4 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

STEARETH-4 is a polyoxyethylene stearyl ether that primarily functions as a surfactant and an emulsifying agent. It is crucial for creating stable formulations by enabling the uniform dispersion of oil and water phases, preventing product separation.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing

Science

Mechanism of Action

STEARETH-4 operates by significantly reducing the interfacial tension between immiscible liquids, such as oils and water. This allows them to blend stably into emulsions within cosmetic formulations. Additionally, it possesses cleansing properties, aiding in the effective removal of fat and soil from skin and hair surfaces.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed Steareth-20 nontoxic when applied dermally at 4%.
  2. 02 Chemically similar Steareth-2 and Steareth-10 were found to be at most mildly irritating to eyes and mild irritants in cosmetic formulations up to 60%. They did not act as primary irritants or sensitizers to human skin in water.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

STEARETH-4 is a functional excipient used for emulsion stability and texture, not typically an 'active' ingredient subject to dusting for efficacy claims.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As an emulsifier, STEARETH-4 is instrumental in forming and maintaining stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil mixtures, preventing phase separation. It is commonly incorporated into the oil phase and melted during formulation. While a specific optimal pH range is not detailed for STEARETH-4, related Steareth-2 has demonstrated emulsion stability across a broad pH spectrum.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Steareth ingredients, including STEARETH-4, are safe for cosmetic use when properly formulated to be non-irritating, a conclusion reaffirmed in 2006. This assessment leveraged data from chemically similar Steareth-2, -10, and -20. A known by-product of ethoxylation is 1,4-dioxane, but its presence can be effectively mitigated through purification during manufacturing. STEARETH-4 is not listed among ingredients prohibited or restricted by the FDA for cosmetic use.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

STEARETH-4 is a valuable formulation ingredient, critical for creating stable emulsions and effective cleansing in a wide range of cosmetic products, with a robust safety profile based on expert review.

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