PEG-12 Stearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Ethylene glycol monostearate, Glycol stearate, 111-60-4, 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecanoate, Monthybase, Monthyle, Parastarin, Ivorit, Sedetol, Glycol monostearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
Solubility POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL ESTERS AND ETHERS INCR THE WATER SOLUBILITY OF TYROTHRICIN.
Formula
C20H40O3
Mol. Weight
328.50
CAS #
9004-99-3
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester created by reacting polyethylene glycol with stearic acid (derived from animal or plant fats). Developed in the cosmetics industry as a water-soluble emulsifier and thickening agent.
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-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR