PEG-5 Stearate

PEG-5 Stearate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Ethylene glycol monostearate, Glycol stearate, 111-60-4, 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecanoate, Monthybase, Monthyle, Parastarin, Ivorit, Sedetol, Glycol monostearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (5 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
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
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Stearic acid itself has been used in traditional soap-making for centuries; the PEG-5 version was developed in the 20th century to create a more soluble emulsifier for modern cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
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: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR