PEG-75 Stearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-75 Stearate?

PEG-75 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid, where stearic acid—a saturated fatty acid from vegetable oils or animal fats—is combined with 75 units of ethylene oxide to form a long hydrophilic polymer chain. This creates a versatile, water-dispersible molecule with both polar and non-polar regions. Primarily found in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on emulsions such as lotions and creams, it acts by lowering interfacial tension between oil and water phases. Its amphiphilic structure forms micelles that encapsulate hydrophobic substances, aiding their removal, while stabilizing emulsions to prevent phase separation and maintain product uniformity during storage and application.

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.

Benefits

Gentle surface tension reduction for effective dirt and oil removal in cleansers.

Emulsifies ingredients to create stable, smooth-textured lotions and creams.

Supports foaming action in shampoos and washes without harshness.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with normal to oily skin using daily cleansers.
Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients.
Users of emulsified moisturizers needing consistent formulas.
People preferring formulations without polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals seeking mild surfactants in hair and body care products.
Users concerned about potential trace impurities in lower-quality products.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic safety reviews deem it safe for use in typical concentrations.
  • Manufacturing processes minimize impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-75 Stearate

What does PEG-75 Stearate do in products?

It emulsifies oils into water-based formulas and aids cleansing by forming micelles to lift impurities.

Is PEG-75 Stearate irritating to skin?

Evidence from reviews indicates low irritation potential for most users.

Why is it rated moderately by some databases?

Due to general concerns over possible impurities in ethoxylated compounds, though controlled in cosmetics.