PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Distearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 20 methyl glucose distearate, PEG 20 methyl glucose distearate
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl d-glucopyranoside (4:1), dioctadecanoate (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
119831-19-5
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic sugar-derived emulsifier created by combining glucose derivatives with stearic acid and polyethylene glycol. Developed in the late 20th century as a gentler, plant-derived alternative to purely synthetic emulsifiers.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR