A ultra-high-molecular-weight PEG ester (120 units) of propylene glycol and stearic acid. At this molecular weight, the ingredient functions primarily as a polymeric thickener and co-emulsifier rather than a primary emulsifier. It builds viscosity in surfactant-based cleansers and shampoos, improves foam quality, and provides a rich, creamy texture to rinse-off products.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Powerful thickener — builds viscosity in surfactant systems like body wash and shampoo
+ Improves foam creaminess — creates a richer, more luxurious lather
+ Mild conditioning — reduces the stripping feel of anionic surfactants
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — safe in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics
+ Non-comedogenic
+ Excellent for cleansing formulations — thickens without affecting clarity significantly
+ Water-soluble — easy to add to cold-process surfactant blends
Cons
− Very high PEG content — largest ethoxylation-related risk in this batch
− Limited benefit in leave-on products — primarily a rinse-off functional ingredient
− Synthetic — not natural
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Body wash / shower gel
0.5-3%
Shampoo
0.5-3%
Facial cleansers
0.5-2%
References
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Safety Assessment of PEG and PEG Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Published in International Journal of Toxicology.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) — INCI Monograph and Safety Data.