MEA-PPG-8-Steareth-7 Carboxylate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Surfactant, Cleansing Agent
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-2,1-propanediyl)poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-carboxymethoxy-, 2-aminoethanol salts (8 mol PO, 6 mol EO average molar ratio)
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.
Removes Impurities
Emulsifier
Removes dirt and impurities
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic surfactant developed for cosmetic formulations. Designed to provide gentle cleansing and emulsifying properties in personal care products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR