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PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate

What PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is & what it does

An emulsifier that pairs with its non-PEG counterpart to stabilize smooth, light emulsions. It helps keep oil and water evenly blended.

What does PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate do in skincare?

PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant. In creams, lotions, and sunscreens it helps blend oil and water into a smooth, stable product. It is based on a sugar-derived methyl glucose structure combined with stearic acid esters.

Is PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate safe?

This emulsifier is commonly used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe at the concentrations found in finished products. It functions to keep formulas stable rather than acting as an active on the skin. This is general information and not medical advice.

Is PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate natural or synthetic?

PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is best described as nature-derived but synthesized. It combines methyl glucose from sugar and stearic acid with an ethoxylated PEG portion. Because of the ethoxylation and esterification steps, the finished ingredient is a processed, synthetic-style emulsifier.

Sunscreens with PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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