Isosteareth-20
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-[2-(16-methylheptadecoxy)ethoxy]ethanol, 52292-17-8, Agnique MMF, HETOXOL IS-2, PEG-12 Isostearyl ether, PEG-50 Isostearyl ether
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-isooctadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
Effective at 11.51%
Formula
C22H46O3
Mol. Weight
358.60
CAS #
52292-17-8
Form
Liquid
Functions
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier in the mid-to-late 20th century. Used extensively in modern cosmetics to solubilize and condition skin and hair.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.02%
23.0%
0%32%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 18-23 | 0.02-0.4 | 0.2-1
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR