PEG-2 Stearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-2 Stearate?

PEG-2 Stearate, also known as polyethylene glycol (2) stearate, is a non-ionic surfactant produced by esterifying stearic acid—a saturated fatty acid from vegetable or animal sources—with two units of ethylene oxide. This short-chain ethoxylated compound belongs to the PEG ester family commonly found in cosmetic formulations like creams, lotions, shampoos, and cleansers. It functions primarily by reducing surface and interfacial tension between immiscible oil and water phases, enabling the formation of stable oil-in-water emulsions. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance supports light, spreadable textures while also contributing to cleansing through mild surfactant action and providing opacity to enhance visual appeal by scattering light in translucent formulas. Typical concentrations allow it to stabilize emulsions without heaviness, making it suitable for everyday personal care products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

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.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Opacifying agent
Makes a formula less transparent to create a creamy, opaque look; can also help visually mask suspended particles and improve aesthetic uniformity.

Benefits

Helps form stable oil-in-water mixtures for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Supports gentle cleansing in washes and shampoos by lowering surface tension.

Adds a creamy, opaque appearance to products for improved aesthetics.

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 smooth, non-greasy emulsion-based moisturizers.
Those preferring completely PEG-free or natural-only products.
Users of daily cleansers wanting effective yet mild surfactant action.
Individuals with rare sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients.
People preferring visually appealing, uniform skincare formulas.
Users concerned about potential trace impurities in ethoxylated compounds.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low overall hazard (1-3) by Environmental Working Group assessments.
  • Reviewed as safe for cosmetic use by industry safety panels with limited irritation potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-2 Stearate

What is PEG-2 Stearate made from?

It is created by reacting stearic acid with two molecules of ethylene oxide to form a water-soluble emulsifying ester.

Is PEG-2 Stearate safe for sensitive skin?

It generally poses low irritation risk based on safety reviews, though patch testing is advisable for sensitivities.

What products commonly contain it?

Found in creams, lotions, shampoos, and cleansers to stabilize emulsions and improve texture.