PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol?

PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol originates from sterols extracted from rapeseed (Brassica napus) oil, primarily including brassicasterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol. These plant sterols, structurally similar to cholesterol, undergo ethoxylation with five ethylene oxide units to form a water-soluble derivative. This modification enhances its amphiphilic properties, allowing it to act at oil-water interfaces. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and micellar waters, it functions by reducing surface tension to facilitate dirt and oil removal during rinsing. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures by forming protective films around droplets, preventing separation. Its solubilizing action disperses lipophilic ingredients like fragrances into aqueous bases, promoting clear formulations without cloudiness.

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.

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 effective removal of oils and impurities in cleansers.

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth textures in lotions and washes.

Enables incorporation of fragrances into water-based products.

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 needing mild surfactant action.	Those sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
People formulating or using stable rinse-off emulsions.	People avoiding PEG ingredients due to contamination concerns.
Individuals preferring plant-based solubilizers in toners.	Users with extreme skin sensitivity preferring non-surfactant cleansers.

Safety Notes

Considered safe in cosmetic use by regulatory reviews, with low comedogenic potential.
Potential for trace impurities common to PEGs; choose purified products.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol

What is PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol?

A ethoxylated derivative of sterols from rapeseed oil, used as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetics.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated 0 for comedogenicity, unlikely to clog pores.

Safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation, but test if sensitive to PEGs.