Ingredient Checker

PEG-40 Stearate

Polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid. Functions as an emulsifier and surfactant that helps water and oil mix in cosmetic formulations. The PEG modification improves solubility and reduces irritation compared to pure stearic acid.

Rating:
2

About This Ingredient

Learn more about this ingredient and how it affects your skin.

How It Can Clog Pores

Can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin due to its surfactant properties. This can be either beneficial or problematic depending on what other ingredients are present.

Where It's Found

Creams, lotions, cosmetics, cleansers

Risk

LOW

Alternative

Polysorbate-80, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-glucoside

Derived From

Stearic acid and polyethylene glycol (synthetic)