PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate?

PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate is a synthetic ingredient formed by ethoxylating sorbitan isostearate with 20 units of polyethylene glycol. It originates from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol), isostearic acid (a branched fatty acid from vegetable oils), and ethylene oxide. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like cleansers, lotions, creams, and shampoos, it functions as a surfactant by reducing surface tension to enable dirt removal and micelle formation. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures by creating a protective film at the interface. Its solubilizing action disperses hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into aqueous formulas, promoting clear, uniform products. This non-comedogenic agent supports gentle cleansing and smooth textures in diverse formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 2-4 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.

Emulsifying agent

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

Solubilizing agent

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

Benefits

Facilitates effective cleansing by lifting oils and impurities from skin.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Solubilizes fragrances and oils for clear, non-greasy 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 with oily or acne-prone skin seeking non-comedogenic cleansers.	Those sensitive to ethoxylated or PEG ingredients.
Users of lotions and creams needing stable, smooth formulations.	Individuals concerned about potential impurities in PEG compounds.
People preferring gentle surfactants in daily washes and toners.	People with very dry skin preferring non-surfactant heavy products.

Safety Notes

Rated low to moderate hazard by EWG due to possible contamination risks in PEGs.
Deemed safe for cosmetic use by Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate

What does PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to cleanse, blend oils with water, and disperse fragrances.

Is it safe for daily skincare use?

Cosmetic safety reviews consider it safe as used, with low comedogenic rating.

Does it cause breakouts?

Rated 0 for comedogenicity, suitable for pore-concerned skin.