PEG-45 Stearate Phosphate is an anionic phosphate ester of PEG-45 stearate. The phosphate group provides anionic charge, enhancing emulsification properties for oil-in-water systems. It functions as a primary emulsifier and dispersant for pigments and particulates, commonly used in cream foundations and sunscreens.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Pigment dispersion — helps suspend and distribute pigments evenly
+ Emulsion stability — maintains cream texture over time
+ Sunscreen compatibility — disperses mineral UV filters effectively
Pros
+ Excellent pigment wetting properties
+ Stable emulsions at high internal phase ratios
+ Good electrolyte tolerance in formulations
Cons
− Synthetic — petroleum-derived
− Can be incompatible with cationic ingredients
− Potential 1,4-dioxane trace contamination
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
2/5
Comedogenic Rating
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 %
Foundation creams
1 - 3%
Sunscreens
1 - 2%
Body lotions
0.5 - 2%
References
CIR (2010) — Safety Assessment of PEGs. https://www.cir-safety.org/
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/