PEG-20 Stearate is a soft-waxy solid used in cosmetics and personal care products such as skin creams, conditioners, shampoos, body cleansers and soapless detergents. It is a hydroxypolyether and an octadecanoate ester. It functions as an emulsifier, cleanser, non-ionic surfactant, and a moisturizer.
What is PEG-20 STEARATE used for?
PEG-20 Stearate works as an emulsifier, cleanser, surfactant, and a moisturizer in cosmetics and personal care products. It also functions as a lubricant and antistatic agent. It is used in dentifrices, creams, lotions, ointments, etc.
- Skin care: It cleans the skin by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away. It is also used as a lubricant to make creams, lotions and ointments. It is used in sunscreen products as a moisturizing base. It is used in shaving creams, hand creams, face makeup, bath products, etc. It is used at a concentration of >1% in skincare products, hair dyes, moisturizers, and styling gels
Origin
PEG-20 Stearate is manufactured by the polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) with water, monoethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, under alkaline conditions.
Safety profile
The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that PEG-2, -6, -8, -12, -20, -32, -40, -50, -100 and -150 Stearates are safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. The PEGs, their ethers, and their fatty acid esters produce little or no ocular or dermal irritation and have extremely low acute and chronic toxicities. They do not readily penetrate intact skin according to available data.