murphySteareth-3
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 4439-32-1, Triethylene glycol monooctadecyl ether, Trioxyethylene stearyl ether, PEG-3 stearyl ether, C18EOx, TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL STEARYL ETHER
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from stearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-derived synthetic compounds. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is chemically bonded to stearyl alcohol molecules.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Formula
C24H50O4
Mol. Weight
402.70
CAS #
9005-00-9, 4439-32-1
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR