PEG-32 Stearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-32 Stearate?

PEG-32 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester derived from stearic acid, a common fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils or animal fats, reacted with 32 units of ethylene oxide to create a water-soluble molecule. This structure gives it surfactant properties, making it ideal for use in lotions, creams, shampoos, body washes, and micellar waters. In formulations, it lowers surface tension to emulsify immiscible oil and water phases, forming stable blends that prevent separation. As a cleansing component, it forms micelles that encapsulate dirt and sebum for easy rinsing. Its solubilizing action disperses hydrophobic ingredients like essential oils and perfumes into aqueous systems, ensuring uniform distribution in clear toners and sprays. This versatile ingredient supports product stability and performance across rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 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.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Enables stable oil-in-water emulsions for smooth lotion textures.

Supports effective yet mild removal of surface dirt and oils.

Facilitates clear incorporation of fragrances into water formulas.

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 cleansers and shampoos needing gentle surfactants.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
Individuals with lotions or creams relying on emulsion stability.
People preferring non-synthetic or PEG-free products.
People using toners or sprays with solubilized active scents.
Individuals with very reactive skin prone to irritants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by ingredient safety panels when properly manufactured.
  • Potential for low-level impurities requires good manufacturing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-32 Stearate

What does PEG-32 Stearate do in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant to emulsify oils and water, cleanse impurities, and solubilize fragrances for stable products.

Is PEG-32 Stearate safe for daily use?

Safety reviews deem it suitable for cosmetics at common levels, with moderate overall concern ratings.

Does it clog pores?

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