Steareth-100
AKA: Polysorbate-like Steareth, Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Effective at 11.51%
CAS #
9005-00-9
Functions
Gel Forming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Traditional Use
A highly polyethylene glycolated derivative of stearyl alcohol developed as a solubilizing and emulsifying agent in modern cosmetic formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.02%
23.0%
0%32%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 18-23 | 0.02-0.4 | 0.2-1
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR