What it is
Steareth-6 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol made by reacting stearyl alcohol with an average of six units of ethylene oxide, giving it both oil-loving and water-loving regions. This structure lets it emulsify oils into water and stabilize creams and lotions. In sunscreens it helps produce uniform emulsions with a smooth feel.
Safety & warnings
Steareth-6 is generally well tolerated as a nonionic emulsifier. As an ethoxylated ingredient it should be made from purified raw materials to limit trace impurities; this is a manufacturing-quality consideration rather than a typical user concern. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
A semi-synthetic ingredient produced by ethoxylating stearyl alcohol, which may be derived from plant or synthetic sources.
Questions everyone asks
What role does steareth-6 play in sunscreen?
It functions as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant, blending oil and water phases into a stable, smooth cream or lotion.
What is steareth-6 made from?
It is made by reacting stearyl alcohol with ethylene oxide, producing an ethoxylated fatty alcohol with about six ethylene oxide units.