PEG-4 Stearamide
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 4 Stearamide
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydroxy-.omega.-[(1-oxooctadecyl)amino]- (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing Surfactant
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
Synthetic surfactant created from stearic acid and polyethylene glycol in the mid-20th century. Developed as a conditioning agent and emulsifier for cosmetics and personal care products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 772).
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