PEG-25 Soy Sterol

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-25 Soy Sterol?

PEG-25 Soy Sterol originates from soy sterols, which are natural lipid compounds extracted from soybeans, primarily consisting of plant sterols like beta-sitosterol. These sterols undergo ethoxylation, a process adding an average of 25 ethylene oxide units, creating a water-soluble, amphiphilic molecule. This modification enhances its ability to interact with both oil and water phases. Commonly found in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on emulsions like lotions and creams. In formulations, it works by reducing surface tension at interfaces, enabling effective dirt and oil removal during cleansing while stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions for smooth, uniform textures. Its structure supports mild detergency and foam generation without harshness.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-6 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

Enhances cleansing by lowering surface tension to remove oils and impurities effectively.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Promotes foaming in shampoos and washes for a satisfying lather.

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 gentle, non-comedogenic surfactants in daily cleansers.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients may experience mild reactions.
Users of shampoos and body washes needing reliable foam and rinse-off.
People preferring fully natural, non-synthetic product components.
People with lotions or creams benefiting from stable, smooth formulations.
Individuals concerned about potential impurities in PEG compounds.

Safety Notes

  • Non-comedogenic with a rating of 0, suitable for acne-prone skin.
  • EWG scores range from 1 to 6 based on purity and formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-25 Soy Sterol

What is PEG-25 Soy Sterol made from?

It derives from soy sterols, plant lipids from soybeans, modified with polyethylene glycol for solubility.

Is PEG-25 Soy Sterol comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

What products commonly contain it?

Found in shampoos, body washes, cleansers, and emulsified lotions for surfactant and stabilizing effects.