PEG-120 Distearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 9005-08-7, Ethane-1, 2-diol;heptadecanoic acid, Ethylene glycol;heptadecanoic acid, QYJQHDWGURXGNL-UHFFFAOYSA-N, C19H40O4, Protamate 200-DS(TM), PEG-4 Distearate(TM)
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-[(1-oxooctadecyl)oxy]- (120 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C19H40O4
Mol. Weight
332.50
CAS #
9005-08-7
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
Locks In Moisture
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier created in the mid-20th century by PEG conjugation with distearate compounds. Formulated to improve stability and viscosity in creams and lotions without traditional herbal precedent.
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-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