PEG-4 POLYGLYCERYL-2 DISTEARATE

INCI: PEG-4 POLYGLYCERYL-2 DISTEARATE | Function: Emulsifier | Type: PEG Polyglyceryl

What Is PEG-4 POLYGLYCERYL-2 DISTEARATE?

PEG-4 polyglyceryl-2 distearate is a PEG-modified polyglyceryl ester of stearic acid. The polyglyceryl-2 backbone provides two glycerol units, while the distearate (two stearic acid chains) provides lipophilic character. PEG-4 adds water solubility. Functions as a versatile O/W emulsifier for creams and lotions.

Key Skin Benefits

+ 稳定乳液 — 帮助油相和水相均匀混合，形成稳定、质地光滑的乳液 (Helps blend oil and water phases into a stable, smooth emulsion)
+ 改善产品质地 — 增强涂抹感，使产品更易推开 (Improves spreadability and sensory feel of products)

Pros

+ 非离子型 — 与大多数化妆品成分兼容性好 (Non-ionic — good compatibility with most cosmetic ingredients)
+ 温和 — 通常皮肤刺激性低 (Generally mild with low skin irritation potential)
+ 多用途 — 可用于多种产品类型（驻留型和洗去型）(Versatile — suitable for leave-on and rinse-off products)

Cons

− 合成成分 — PEG化过程涉及石化衍生物 (Synthetic — PEG manufacturing involves petrochemical derivatives)
− 可能含微量1,4-二噁烷 — 需通过纯化工艺去除 (May contain trace 1,4-dioxane — requires purification to remove)
− 非活性成分 — 仅作为配方助剂，无直接护肤功效 (Non-active — functions only as a formulation aid, no direct skincare benefit)

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (low)
Comedogenic Rating	0-1/5
EWG Score	3/10

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 %
Cream	0.5 - 3%
Lotion	0.5 - 2%

References

CIR — Safety Assessment of PEG ingredients. PEGs considered safe as used in cosmetics.
EWG Skin Deep — PEG compound hazard database
EU CosIng Database — Listed as cosmetic ingredient

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