INCI name

PEG-100 STEARATE

PEG-100 stearate

An emulsifier, often paired with glyceryl stearate.

What it is

PEG-100 stearate is an ester of stearic acid and polyethylene glycol. Combined with glyceryl stearate it forms a widely used emulsifier system that keeps creams and lotions stable.

Where it is used

Found in creams, lotions, sunscreens and conditioners.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

PEG ingredients are permitted in EU cosmetics; the number refers to the average length of the polyethylene glycol chain.

Functions

Surfactant – cleansing: Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

EU regulation

This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.

Products with this ingredient (668)

Check a full ingredient list