murphyPEG-20 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
Humectant
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid typically sourced from animal fats or vegetable oils like palm. Synthesized through ethoxylation of stearic acid with polyethylene glycol, adding twenty ethylene oxide units.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (20 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
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
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.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.1–10.1%
Rinse-off0.1–0.45%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2023 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR