PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol?

PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol is a synthetic derivative created by ethoxylating phytosterols extracted from rapeseed oil, sourced from the seeds of the Brassica napus plant. These plant sterols, structurally similar to cholesterol, gain water solubility through attachment of a chain of 10 ethylene oxide units, forming a non-ionic surface-active compound. Primarily featured in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on emulsions such as lotions and serums, it performs by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases. Its amphiphilic structure—one lipophilic sterol end and hydrophilic PEG chain—enables micelle formation for trapping oils and impurities during cleansing, stabilizes emulsions by creating protective films at interfaces, and disperses hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into aqueous bases for uniform, clear formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Solubilizing agent

Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Supports effective removal of dirt and excess oils through micelle formation.

Promotes stable blends of oil and water for smooth lotion textures.

Aids in dispersing fragrances and oils for clear, non-cloudy water-based products.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking gentle cleansing in daily washes and shampoos.	Those sensitive to polyethylene glycol compounds.
Users of lotions needing consistent emulsion stability.	Individuals concerned about ethoxylated ingredients.
People incorporating fragranced toners or sprays.	People with known allergies to rapeseed derivatives.

Safety Notes

Considered low comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.
Rated moderate concern by EWG, safe in typical cosmetic use.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol

What makes PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol effective in cleansers?

Its amphiphilic nature allows it to form micelles that lift away oils and impurities.

Is it suitable for emulsion-based products like lotions?

Yes, it stabilizes oil-water mixtures for even texture and consistency.

Does it pose pore-clogging risks?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk of blocking pores.