What it is
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is made from methyl glucose esterified with stearic acid (about 1.5 ester groups per molecule) and ethoxylated with around twenty ethylene oxide units. The sugar-derived backbone makes it a gentle, nonionic emulsifier well suited to mild lotions and creams. It helps form smooth, stable oil-in-water emulsions with a pleasant skin feel.
Safety & warnings
This sugar-based nonionic emulsifier is regarded as mild and well tolerated, with low irritation potential, and is commonly chosen for gentle formulations. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen. As an ethoxylated ingredient, residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane are controlled during manufacture.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic. It derives from methyl glucose (a sugar derivative) and stearic acid, with synthetically added polyethylene glycol units.
Questions everyone asks
What is PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate derived from?
It is based on methyl glucose, a sugar derivative, combined with stearic acid and polyethylene glycol units.
Why is it used in sunscreen?
It is a mild nonionic emulsifier that helps blend the oil and water phases into a smooth, stable cream or lotion.