Steareth-2

Benefits
Softening

What is Steareth-2?

Steareth-2, known by its INCI name as polyethylene glycol (2) stearyl ether, is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating stearyl alcohol, typically derived from plant or animal fats, with two units of ethylene oxide. It belongs to the alkyl polyether alcohol family commonly used in personal care formulations like shampoos, body washes, lotions, and creams. In products, it functions by lowering surface tension to facilitate dirt and oil removal during cleansing and by creating a protective film at the oil-water interface to stabilize emulsions, ensuring smooth textures and consistent performance without separating over time. This makes it valuable in both rinse-off cleansers and leave-on moisturizers.

Comedogenic Rating 2/5 Moderate risk
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

Provides softening effect to improve skin feel after use.

Supports gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension for better removal of impurities.

Helps create stable emulsions for even distribution of active ingredients in creams and lotions.

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 dry skin needing mild cleansing and softening.
Those with acne-prone skin due to moderate comedogenic potential.
Users of shampoos and body washes for effective yet non-stripping wash-off.
People sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients may experience mild reactions.
Individuals preferring lotions and creams with consistent, non-separating textures.
Individuals preferring completely non-synthetic surfactants in their routines.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall with minimal irritation risk for most users.
  • Safe for use in cosmetics within typical formulation levels per expert reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Steareth-2

What does Steareth-2 do in skincare?

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

Is Steareth-2 comedogenic?

It has a moderate comedogenic rating, so caution advised for acne-prone skin.

How safe is Steareth-2 for daily use?

Rated low to moderate hazard, suitable for most with low irritation risk.