murphySteareth-2
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-(2-octadecoxyethoxy)ethanol, Lipocol S-2, Procol SA-2, Genapol HS 020, PEG-2 Stearyl ether, BRIJ s2, STEARETH-2 [II], STEARETH-2 [VANDF]
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oils, which are natural sources of fatty alcohols and oils. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to stearyl alcohol to create the polyethylene glycol ether.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Formula
C22H46O3
Mol. Weight
358.60
CAS #
9005-00-9, 16057-43-5
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 581)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 153)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
6 studies / 3 irritating / 3 mixed / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 153)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
11 studies / 1 irritating / 4 mixed / 6 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 153 and 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.1–5%
Rinse-off0.008–10%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR