PEG-120 Distearate

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
OriginDerived from stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid typically sourced from animal fats or vegetable oils. Synthesized through esterification of stearic acid with polyethylene glycol containing approximately 120 ethylene oxide units.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2014 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR