PEG-4 Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol-4 Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl),.alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with oxybis[propanediol]dioctadecanoate (2:1) (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
86360-24-9
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic hybrid emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol, polyglycerol, and stearic acid, developed mid-to-late 20th century. Created for improved stability and mildness in cosmetic emulsions.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR