PEG-20 Stearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-20 Stearate?

PEG-20 stearate is a nonionic surfactant formed by reacting stearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid from plant or animal sources, with 20 units of ethylene oxide to create a polyethylene glycol ester. Commonly found in lotions, creams, shampoos, and cleansing products, it acts as an emulsifier by aligning at the boundary between oil and water phases. This reduces interfacial tension, forms a stabilizing barrier, and prevents separation for uniform texture and spreadability. As a surfactant, it lowers surface tension to produce foam and lift away soils through micelle formation. Its solubilizing properties allow incorporation of oils and scents into watery formulas, yielding clear solutions ideal for sprays and micellar waters. The balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic nature supports diverse formulation needs without altering skin feel significantly.

Comedogenic Rating 1/5 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.
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

Stabilizes emulsions in moisturizers and lotions for even consistency.

Enhances cleansing in washes by trapping and removing impurities.

Enables clear, stable water-based products like toners with added oils.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily creams and lotions seeking smooth application.
Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated compounds.
People with normal skin using gentle foaming cleansers.
People avoiding potential trace impurities in PEG ingredients.
Individuals preferring spray toners or micellar waters.
Very reactive skin types prone to contact dermatitis.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review supports safety in typical use levels.
  • Low potential for skin or eye irritation per safety assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-20 Stearate

What does PEG-20 Stearate do in skincare?

It emulsifies oils and water, cleanses by forming micelles, and solubilizes fragrances for stable, effective formulas.

Is PEG-20 Stearate comedogenic?

It has a low comedogenic rating, unlikely to clog pores in most formulations.

Are there safety concerns with PEG-20 Stearate?

Authoritative reviews confirm safety for cosmetic use, with low irritation risk.