PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate
What PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate is & what it does
PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate is a polyethylene glycol derivative of glyceryl stearate, a fatty-acid ester that has been partially ethoxylated. In formulas it works mainly as an emulsifier and mild surfactant, helping oil and water phases blend into a stable cream or lotion. It also lends a soft, conditioning skin feel and is commonly found in moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreen bases. It is generally considered a well-tolerated, low-irritation ingredient.
What is PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate?
PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate is a PEG (polyethylene glycol) derivative of glyceryl stearate, a fatty-acid ester. It is used in cosmetics mainly as an emulsifier that helps oil and water blend into a smooth, stable cream or lotion.
What does PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate do in skincare?
It acts as an emulsifier and mild surfactant, keeping a formula's oil and water phases mixed and contributing a soft skin feel. You will often see it in moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreen bases.
Is PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate safe?
It is generally considered a well-tolerated, low-irritation ingredient at the levels used in cosmetics. As with any ingredient, people with very sensitive skin can patch test a new product first.
Sunscreens with PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate
We rate 4 sunscreens that contain it:
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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Spf 30
56/100
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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum Spf 30
55/100
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Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Fortifying Emulsion Spf 22
54/100
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Shiseido Future Solution Lx Total Protective Emulsion Spf 20
52/100