Steareth-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
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Effective at 11.51%
Formula
C24H50O4
Mol. Weight
402.70
CAS #
9005-00-9, 4439-32-1
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
Traditional Use
A nonionic surfactant synthesized by ethoxylating stearic acid, developed in the 1950s for cosmetic formulations. Created to replace traditional natural emulsifiers in modern skincare and haircare products.
EWG
4
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-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR