PEG-20 Stearate
What PEG-20 Stearate is & what it does
PEG-20 Stearate is an ester of stearic acid combined with polyethylene glycol. It functions as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping oil and water blend into a stable, smooth cream or lotion. The number 20 refers to the degree of ethoxylation, which affects how it balances oil and water phases.
What does PEG-20 Stearate do in skincare?
PEG-20 Stearate is an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps oil and water blend into a stable, smooth cream or lotion. The number 20 reflects the degree of ethoxylation, which affects how it balances the oil and water phases.
Is PEG-20 Stearate safe?
PEG-20 Stearate is widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier. PEG-based emulsifiers are common in lotions and creams. If you have specific sensitivities, a patch test or advice from a dermatologist can help.
Is PEG-20 Stearate natural or synthetic?
PEG-20 Stearate is synthetic, made by combining stearic acid with polyethylene glycol. The stearic acid can come from plant or other sources, while the ethoxylation step is a manufacturing process. The final ingredient is therefore produced in a lab.
Sunscreens with PEG-20 Stearate
We rate 9 sunscreens that contain it:
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Two Lips Screen Pore-refining Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa +++
80/100
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Salv Zinc Pca + K19 - Azeloyl Diglycinate + Galactomyces 3 In 1 Tinted Hybrid Sunscreen SPF
73/100
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Glowsicha Luminous Glow Tone Up Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa+++
69/100
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Glowsophy Bearberry Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 Pa +++ Pore-blur
68/100
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Acnaway Mugwort Daily Sunscreen
67/100
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LACURA Essentials BB Cream SPF 15
64/100
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LACURA Beauty Face Primer 3 In 1 Spf 15
61/100
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L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti Wrinkle Firming Day Cream SPF 25
49/100
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Merino SPF Collagen Creme With Vitamin E
48/100