PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate?

PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate is a synthetic surfactant created by ethoxylating glyceryl stearate, which comes from reacting stearic acid—a fatty acid from plant or animal fats—with glycerol, then adding 20 units of ethylene oxide. This process makes it water-soluble with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance suited for oil-in-water emulsions. Commonly found in lotions, creams, shampoos, and body washes, it works by lowering surface tension between oil and water phases, forming a stable interfacial film that prevents separation. As an emollient, it provides a silky feel by mimicking natural skin lipids, while its surfactant properties support mild cleansing and foaming in rinse-off products. This multifunctional role ensures consistent product performance across various 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:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
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

Contributes to smooth, even textures in creams and lotions by stabilizing emulsions.

Softens skin surface for a comfortable feel during application.

Supports gentle cleansing in washes by aiding foam formation and ingredient dispersion.

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 stable moisturizers for daily hydration routines.
Those with sensitivity to ethoxylated compounds.
Users of emulsified products like lotions preferring non-greasy finishes.
Individuals preferring PEG-free formulations.
People incorporating mild surfactant-based cleansers into their regimen.
Users experiencing reactions to fatty acid derivatives.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic reviews deem it safe for use in typical concentrations.
  • Potential for trace impurities exists, but levels are regulated low in quality products.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate

What does PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate do in products?

It emulsifies oil and water for stable lotions, softens skin as an emollient, and aids cleansing as a surfactant.

Is it comedogenic?

It carries a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

What is its EWG rating?

EWG rates it 3, reflecting moderate concerns mainly from manufacturing impurities.