PEG-2 Stearate SE

Benefits
Cleansing

What is PEG-2 Stearate SE?

PEG-2 Stearate SE is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ester of stearic acid, a common fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils or animal fats. The 'PEG-2' denotes two ethylene oxide units attached, creating a hydrophilic head and lipophilic tail structure ideal for surface activity. The 'SE' suffix signifies its self-emulsifying property, allowing it to form stable emulsions without additional stabilizers. Primarily used in rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, body washes, and leave-on emulsions like creams and lotions, it functions by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases. This enables dirt and oil removal during cleansing while forming protective films around droplets to prevent separation, ensuring product texture remains smooth and consistent throughout use.

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.
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

- Aids in effective removal of dirt, oil, and impurities from skin.

- Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, uniform texture in creams and lotions.

- Supports foaming action in washes and shampoos for a satisfying cleanse.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
- People with normal skin types using daily cleansers or moisturizers.
- Users concerned about moderate EWG-rated ingredients.
- Those preferring stable, non-separating emulsion-based products.
- Those preferring PEG-free formulations due to potential impurities.
- Individuals seeking non-comedogenic cleansing options.
- People with known sensitivities to ethoxylated compounds.

Safety Notes

  • - Rated moderate concern by EWG due to possible contamination risks in production.
  • - Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews when properly purified.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-2 Stearate SE

What does PEG-2 Stearate SE do in products?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and an emulsifier to blend oil and water stably.

Is it safe for daily use?

Regulatory bodies deem it safe in cosmetics when used as typical concentrations, with moderate EWG rating.

Does it cause breakouts?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, suggesting low risk for pore clogging.