murphySteareth-40
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene glycol stearyl ether, PEG-40 Stearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Not Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid, typically sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm kernel oil. Produced through polyethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is chemically bonded to stearyl alcohol.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
CAS #
9005-00-9
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.
Gel Forming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Creates gel consistency
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR