Snapshot
- Overview
- Helps creams glide on smoothly with less greasiness.
- Category
- Emulsifying
- Type
- Emulsifier
PEG-40 Stearate
PEG-40 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used in personal care formulations. It blends oil and water phases, stabilizes textures in creams and lotions, and improves spreadability in rinse-off and leave-on products.
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Our take
Is PEG-40 Stearate a Good Ingredient?
Rated Good as a reliable nonionic emulsifier that stabilizes oil-in-water systems and improves spreadability. It performs consistently across typical cosmetic pH ranges and is generally well tolerated, which supports the Good rating without pushing it higher.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Gives products a smoother glide and more elegant skin feel, helping reduce greasiness. Helps prevent uneven application for a more consistent finish.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Often included in sunscreens, makeup primers, and cleansing balms to keep textures refined and easy to apply.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally low irritation at usual use levels; may cause mild eye or skin stinging in very sensitive individuals. No common regulatory restrictions in leave-on or rinse-off cosmetics when properly formulated.
Products with PEG-40 Stearate
