PEG-30 Soy Sterol

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-30 Soy Sterol?

PEG-30 Soy Sterol originates from sterols extracted from soybeans, which are plant lipids similar to cholesterol. These sterols undergo ethoxylation, bonding with 30 polyethylene glycol units to become water-dispersible. This modification creates an amphiphilic molecule with a lipophilic sterol tail and hydrophilic PEG head. Primarily featured in shampoos, body washes, moisturizers, and hair conditioners, it operates by lowering surface tension for better spreading and penetration. As a surfactant, it lifts dirt and oils during cleansing while generating foam. Its emulsifying action forms protective films around oil droplets in water, preventing separation and ensuring uniform product consistency across rinse-off and leave-on formulas.

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

Supports gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension to remove impurities.

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, non-separating lotions and creams.

Helps solubilize oils into water-based formulas without pore clogging.

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, foamy cleansers for daily use.
Those with known soy allergies.
Users of lotions needing consistent texture from oil-water blends.
People sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
People preferring non-comedogenic surfactants in routine skincare.
Individuals avoiding PEG compounds due to purity concerns.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low comedogenic potential, suitable for acne-prone skin.
  • May contain trace impurities from manufacturing; opt for vetted suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-30 Soy Sterol

What does PEG-30 Soy Sterol do in products?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, and emulsifier for mixing oils and water stably.

Is PEG-30 Soy Sterol comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk of pore clogging.

Are there safety concerns with PEG-30 Soy Sterol?

EWG scores range 1-6; watch for manufacturing impurities in lower-quality products.