What it is
PEG-2 Stearate is formed by reacting stearic acid with a short polyethylene glycol chain, producing a nonionic emulsifier. With only two ethylene oxide units it is relatively lipophilic, so it is often paired with higher-PEG co-emulsifiers to build stable oil-in-water creams and lotions. It helps create a uniform emulsion and contributes a conditioned skin feel.
Safety & warnings
PEG fatty-acid esters of this type are generally well tolerated and have a long record of cosmetic use. They are not recognized fragrance allergens; fatty-acid-derived emulsifiers are sometimes flagged for comedogenic potential, so they are typically balanced within the overall formula.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by esterifying stearic acid (a fatty acid) with polyethylene glycol.
Questions everyone asks
What is PEG-2 Stearate used for?
It is a nonionic emulsifier that helps combine oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion and adds a conditioned skin feel.
Is it usually used alone?
Not typically. Because it is fairly lipophilic, it is often combined with a higher-PEG emulsifier to balance the emulsion.