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PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate

What PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate is & what it does

An emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil sunscreens and helps disperse filters and pigments. It supports rich, water-resistant textures.

What is PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a specialist emulsifier used to build water-in-oil formulas, the kind common in rich and water-resistant sunscreens. It keeps the water droplets evenly dispersed in the oil phase and helps spread UV filters and pigments uniformly, which supports steady protection. The result is a stable, water-resistant texture that holds up well.

Is PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate safe?

Yes, for general cosmetic use. It is a non-irritating emulsifier used at low levels in the oil phase of a formula, and it is well tolerated by most people. As with other PEG-type ingredients, any concern is about trace processing by-products that reputable manufacturers purify out, not the ingredient itself.

Does PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate clog pores?

Generally no. We carry no comedogenic flag for it, so it is treated as generally low risk for clogging pores. It acts as an emulsifier rather than a heavy pore-clogging oil, so it is an unlikely cause of breakouts.

Does PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate feed fungal acne (malassezia)?

It can, in theory, so it is not ideal if you are prone to fungal acne. It carries a fatty (hydroxystearate) part that the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can potentially use, so people managing that concern may prefer to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless: this is one specific skin issue, not a broad safety worry.

What is PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate is the INCI name shown on the label. The PEG-30 part refers to roughly 30 units of polyethylene glycol attached to a fatty hydroxystearate, which together make it an emulsifier. You will usually find it among the other texture and emulsifying ingredients in the list.

Sunscreens with PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate

We rate 206 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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