murphyPEG-5 Soy Sterol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Soy Sterol, PEG-5 Soybean Sterol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from soybean oil sterols, a plant-derived lipid fraction from Glycine soja seeds.
Produced through ethoxylation of soy sterols, adding polyethylene glycol chains via reaction with ethylene oxide.
Sterols, soya (Glycine soja), ethoxylated (5 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61791-24-0
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Soy
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Reviewed by CIR
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 264)
Not a Skin Irritant
5 studies / 5 not irritating (CIR 264)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 264)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 264)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off0.5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2020 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR