murphyPEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Emulsifier
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid (a fatty acid) and propylene glycol, then ethoxylated with polyethylene glycol. Synthesized through ethoxylation reaction, adding ethylene oxide units to create a surfactant molecule.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-(1-oxooctadecyl)oxy-1-methylethyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (25 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-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating / plus 1 case report (CIR 724)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 294)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 294 and 724)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR