PEG-50 Distearate

AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Distearate, PEG-50 Stearic Acid Ester

Plant-Derived

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Plant Oil

Not Clean

PEG-50 Distearate is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.

Form

Liquid

Functions

Emulsifying

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Surfactant

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Traditional Use

A modern polyethylene glycol derivative of stearic acid developed in the mid-20th century as a thickening and emulsifying agent for cosmetics and creams.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Whole Foods Premium Body Care Beauty Heroes MADE SAFE EWG VERIFIED

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory0 listings

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR