What it is
PEG-75 Stearate is stearic acid esterified with a long polyethylene glycol chain of about seventy-five ethylene oxide units. The large PEG portion makes it strongly water-loving, so it functions as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in aqueous systems and can add a soft, conditioning feel. It is typically used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and disperse small amounts of oil.
Safety & warnings
PEG stearates are widely used and generally well tolerated, with low irritation and sensitization potential at customary levels. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen. As an ethoxylated ingredient, manufacturers control residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during production.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic. It combines stearic acid, a fatty acid that can be plant- or animal-derived, with synthetically added polyethylene glycol units.
Questions everyone asks
What is PEG-75 Stearate?
It is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and conditioning agent.
What does the 75 indicate?
It reflects the approximate number of ethylene oxide units on the polyethylene glycol chain, which makes it strongly water-loving.