murphyGlycol Stearate
AKA: Ethylene glycol monostearate, 111-60-4, 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecanoate, Monthybase, Monthyle, Parastarin, Ivorit, Sedetol, Glycol monostearate
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the primary starting materials. Synthesized through esterification of stearic acid with ethylene glycol under controlled chemical conditions.
Polyoxyl 40 stearate is an octadecanoate ester composed of repeating 8-40 ethyleneoxy units. It is an ingredient used in cosmetics and beauty products primarily as a surfactant and emulsifier. It has a role as a nonionic surfactant, an emulsifier and a food emulsifier. It is a hydroxypolyether and an octadecanoate ester.
Solubility POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL ESTERS AND ETHERS INCR THE WATER SOLUBILITY OF TYROTHRICIN.
Formula
C20H40O3
Mol. Weight
328.50
CAS #
111-60-4
Form
Wax
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Opacifying
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 237)
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 237)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 237)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.04–5%
Rinse-off0.0002–4.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR