What it is
PEG-30 Phytosterol combines a plant-derived sterol with a polyethylene glycol chain, creating a nonionic surfactant that pairs an oil-loving sterol portion with a water-loving PEG portion. This structure lets it emulsify and stabilize formulas while contributing conditioning benefits from the phytosterol. It is useful in sunscreens for keeping oil and water phases well blended.
Safety & warnings
PEG-30 Phytosterol is generally well tolerated as a mild nonionic emulsifier. As with other PEG derivatives, considerations relate mainly to manufacturing purity rather than the ingredient itself, and it is widely used in cosmetic formulas without notable concern.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic: it is made by attaching a polyethylene glycol chain to phytosterols, which are sterols derived from plant sources such as vegetable oils.
Questions everyone asks
What is PEG-30 Phytosterol used for?
It works as a nonionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in a formula, while also providing conditioning benefits from the plant sterol portion.
Is it derived from plants?
The sterol portion comes from plant sources, and it is then combined with a polyethylene glycol chain, making it a plant-based emulsifier derivative.