PEG-6 Stearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-6 Stearate?

PEG-6 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ester derived from stearic acid, a common fatty acid from plant or animal sources, with an average of six ethylene oxide units attached. This ethoxylation process makes it water-soluble and amphiphilic, allowing it to act at the interface between oil and water. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on skincare products like moisturizers, shampoos, and body washes, it functions as a surfactant by reducing surface tension to promote foaming and cleansing, and as an emulsifying agent by creating a protective film around oil droplets in water-based formulas. This results in stable emulsions that prevent separation, ensuring consistent product consistency and easy application. Its mild nature suits a range of formulations without overpowering other ingredients.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 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.
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 stable blending of oils and water for even-textured lotions and creams.

Facilitates gentle cleansing and foaming in washes and shampoos.

Enhances product spreadability and absorption on skin.

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 moisturizers seeking smooth application.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
Individuals with normal skin preferring stable emulsions.
Individuals preferring PEG-free formulations.
People using foaming cleansers for efficient rinse-off.
People with known reactions to fatty acid derivatives.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic safety reviews consider it safe for use in typical concentrations.
  • Potential trace impurities from manufacturing are regulated to low levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-6 Stearate

What does PEG-6 Stearate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, and an emulsifier to mix oil and water phases stably.

Is PEG-6 Stearate comedogenic?

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

How is its safety rated?

EWG scores range 1-3, reflecting low concern; safe per cosmetic review panels with impurity controls.