murphyPEG-120 Propylene Glycol Stearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 120 Propylene Glycol Stearate, Emulsifier
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid (typically from vegetable oils like palm or coconut) and propylene glycol. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to create a polyethylene glycol chain.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-(1-oxooctadecyl)oxy-1-methylethyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (120 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
-
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-assessed3 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 lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2016
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR