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Peg-100 Stearate

In Skincare: Is Peg-100 Stearate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
2/5 — Low risk
Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

May raise concern only if contaminated with ethylene oxide or heavy metals; limited safety data available on long-term effects of PEG ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Peg-100 Stearate functions as an emulsifier and cleansing agent in cosmetic formulations.

  • 02

    Due to its emollient properties, Peg-100 Stearate can impart a soft, moisturized feel to the skin.

  • 03

    In cleansing products, Peg-100 Stearate contributes to foam generation.

  • 04

    The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel considers Peg-100 Stearate safe for use in cosmetics.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

PEG-100 stearate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent frequently used in cosmetics to combine water and oil-based ingredients. It also functions as an emollient, potentially contributing a smooth feel to the skin and aiding in foam formation within cleansing products. This ingredient is commonly found in a variety of beauty formulations, including lotions, cleansers, and hair care products, to improve texture. Safety assessments indicate that PEG-100 stearate is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 25%.
Classifications
Cleansing Agent
Emulsifier
pH Adjuster/Stabilizer

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

PEG-100 Stearate is derived from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. The “PEG” indicates that it’s based on polyethylene glycol, a polymer produced from ethylene oxide. The numerical value (in this case, “100”) represents the average number of ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene chain.

Common Uses

Formulation in Peg-100 Stearate

PEG-100 Stearate functions as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water phases together in cosmetic products like creams and lotions. It can also contribute to the product’s texture and viscosity.

Role of Peg-100 Stearate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and oil through surfactant action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.

Products

containing Peg-100 Stearate

7268 formulations
Olive Real Cleansing Foam
Olive Real Cleansing Foam
innisfree · cleanser
Liftactiv Supreme
Liftactiv Supreme
Vichy · moisturizer
Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
L'Oreal · body-skincare

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Cosmetics, June 2020, pages 1-12

[2]

Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, June 2007, pages 1-7

[3]

International Journal of Toxicology, 2005, pages 1-102

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peg-100 Stearate — common questions

What is Peg-100 Stearate in skincare?

PEG-100 Stearate is an ester formed from polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It’s a white to tan, soft to waxy solid used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier and viscosity modifier. The number following “PEG” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene chain – PEG-100 Stearate has 100 ethylene oxide units.

What does Peg-100 Stearate do? / Functions of Peg-100 Stearate?

Common functions: SURFACTANT - CLEANSING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Peg-100 Stearate? / Is Peg-100 Stearate comedogenic?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-100 Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Peg-100 Stearate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).

Is Peg-100 Stearate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-100 Stearate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: May raise concern only if contaminated with ethylene oxide or heavy metals; limited safety data available on long-term effects of PEG ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

Is Peg-100 Stearate good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-100 Stearate has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Peg-100 Stearate in skincare?

Known considerations: May raise concern only if contaminated with ethylene oxide or heavy metals; limited safety data available on long-term effects of PEG ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

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