A PEG-25 ester of propylene glycol and stearic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid commonly found in shea butter and cocoa butter. This water-dispersible ingredient functions as a non-ionic emulsifier and opacifying agent, helping to create rich, white creams and lotions. It also provides emollient and thickening properties, contributing to a luxuriously creamy texture.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Creamy texture builder — imparts body and richness to emulsions
+ Opacifying effect — creates the desirable white, opaque appearance in creams
+ Emollient — softens and smooths the skin
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — PEG stearates widely used and considered safe
+ Non-comedogenic — will not clog pores
+ Partially natural — stearic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid
+ Multi-functional — emulsifier, thickener, opacifier, and emollient in one ingredient
+ Good heat stability — maintains emulsion integrity across temperature ranges
Cons
− PEG content — ethoxylation byproduct risk
− May leave a slight residue at high concentrations
− Not for crystal-clear products — opacifying nature makes formulations opaque
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Semi-synthetic
Natural Level
Semi-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 %
Rich creams
1-5%
Body butters
1-5%
Conditioning lotions
1-4%
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.