PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate

What is PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate?

PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ether of glyceryl stearate, where glyceryl stearate derives from glycerol and stearic acid, a common fatty acid. The 'PEG-200' indicates an average of 200 ethylene oxide units attached, creating a water-soluble molecule. Produced synthetically through ethoxylation, it serves primarily in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as some leave-on emulsions. It functions by lowering surface tension to promote foaming and micelle formation for dirt removal, stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions to prevent separation, and enhancing the solubility of lipophilic ingredients like fragrances or oils in aqueous formulas. This enables clearer, more stable formulations in micellar waters, toners, and creamy cleansers, improving product texture and performance without greasiness.

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

Benefits

Supports thorough cleansing by forming micelles that lift away oils and residues.

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, consistent product textures.

Facilitates incorporation of fragrances and oils into water-based formulas for clear solutions.

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 effective foaming cleansers for daily use.
Those with known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Users of micellar waters or toners needing solubilized ingredients.
Individuals preferring formulations free of ethoxylated ingredients.
People preferring non-comedogenic options in emulsion-based products.
Users concerned about potential impurities in PEG compounds.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews when formulated to minimize contaminants.
  • Non-comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone skin based on available ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate

What does PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse and foam, emulsifies to blend ingredients, and solubilizes oils in water-based formulas.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

It has low irritation potential, but patch test if sensitive to PEGs.

Why is it used in cleansers?

It lowers surface tension to enable micelle formation, effectively removing dirt and oils.