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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
PEG-100 Stearate

PEG-100 Stearate

Summary

PEG-100 Stearate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is commonly used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and thickener in a wide range of personal care products. It is a polyethylene glycol derivative of stearic acid, which helps to improve the texture, stability, and overall performance of formulations. PEG-100 Stearate is known for its ability to enhance the spreadability and absorption of active ingredients, while also providing a smooth and silky feel to the skin. It is a safe and effective ingredient that is widely used in the cosmetic industry, and is suitable for use in a variety of skin care, hair care, and makeup products.

INCI Name and Common References

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name: PEG-100 Stearate Common terms: Polyethylene glycol 100 stearate Nicknames: None commonly used

Function

PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that is commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. This ingredient also helps to improve the spreadability and absorption of products, making them easier to apply and more effective. Additionally, PEG-100 Stearate can act as a thickener, helping to give products a more luxurious and creamy feel. Overall, this ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring that cosmetic formulations are effective, easy to use, and aesthetically pleasing.

Science

PEG-100 Stearate is a compound that is made up of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emulsifier, which means it helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients together. This is due to its physical properties, which include a hydrophilic (water-loving) polyethylene glycol chain and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) stearic acid chain. When PEG-100 Stearate is added to a product, it forms a stable emulsion that prevents the separation of oil and water-based ingredients. Additionally, PEG-100 Stearate can also act as a surfactant, which means it helps to reduce the surface tension of liquids and allows them to spread more easily. Overall, the physical properties of PEG-100 Stearate make it a useful ingredient in many cosmetic and personal care products.

Benefits

- Helps to emulsify and stabilize skincare products - Can improve the texture and feel of a product on the skin - May enhance the penetration of other active ingredients in a formula - Can help to cleanse the skin by removing dirt and oil - May have moisturizing properties to help hydrate the skin

Negatives

PEG-100 Stearate is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products as an emulsifier and surfactant. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be considered. One potential side effect of PEG-100 Stearate is skin irritation. This can occur in individuals with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to the ingredient. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and swelling. Another potential sensitivity to PEG-100 Stearate is eye irritation. If the ingredient comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause redness, itching, and tearing. In addition, PEG-100 Stearate may interact with other ingredients in cosmetic and personal care products. For example, it may interact with certain preservatives or fragrances, leading to increased skin irritation or other adverse effects. Overall, while PEG-100 Stearate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions. If you experience any adverse reactions after using a product containing this ingredient, it is important to discontinue use and seek medical attention if necessary.

Source

PEG-100 Stearate is a synthetic ingredient that is derived from a combination of natural and synthetic sources. It is made by reacting stearic acid, a natural fatty acid found in animal and vegetable fats, with ethylene oxide, a synthetic compound. The resulting product is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ester of stearic acid. The processing pathway for PEG-100 Stearate involves several steps. First, stearic acid is heated and mixed with a catalyst to promote the reaction with ethylene oxide. The mixture is then cooled and neutralized with an alkaline solution to remove any remaining catalyst. The resulting PEG-100 Stearate is then purified and packaged for use in various cosmetic and personal care products. Overall, PEG-100 Stearate is a versatile ingredient that is used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and thickener in a wide range of products, including lotions, creams, and shampoos. While it is derived from natural sources, it is considered a synthetic ingredient due to the chemical processing involved in its production.

Safety

According to the EWG Skin Deep database, PEG-100 Stearate has a safety rating of 3 out of 10, which indicates a moderate level of concern. This ingredient is commonly used as an emulsifier and surfactant in personal care products, but it has been linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Other sources, such as the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Healthy Cleaning, also suggest that PEG-100 Stearate may be a potential environmental toxin. Overall, while PEG-100 Stearate is not considered to be a high-risk ingredient, it is important to be aware of its potential risks and to use products containing this ingredient with caution.

Sustainability

PEG-100 Stearate is a common ingredient used in many personal care and cosmetic products, including moisturizers, cleansers, and makeup. This ingredient is a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and stearic acid, which is derived from animal or vegetable sources. In terms of environmental impact, PEG-100 Stearate is considered to be relatively safe and non-toxic. However, the production of PEGs can contribute to environmental pollution, as they are often derived from petroleum or natural gas. Additionally, the use of PEGs in personal care products can contribute to water pollution, as they can be difficult to remove from wastewater. When it comes to ethical sourcing practices, the sourcing of stearic acid can be a concern. Some stearic acid is derived from animal sources, such as tallow or lard, which can raise ethical concerns for vegans and vegetarians. However, many companies now source stearic acid from plant-based sources, such as palm oil or coconut oil, which can be more sustainable and ethical. Overall, while PEG-100 Stearate is generally considered safe and non-toxic, it is important for companies to consider the environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices of all ingredients used in their products. By sourcing ingredients responsibly and using sustainable production methods, companies can help to minimize their impact on the environment and promote ethical practices throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PEG-100 Stearate is a versatile ingredient commonly used in personal care products as an emulsifier and surfactant. While it has been shown to have some potential benefits for the skin, such as improving hydration and texture, there are also concerns about its safety and potential negative effects on the environment. PEG-100 Stearate can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources, and its sustainability depends on the specific source and production methods used. Overall, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of PEG-100 Stearate and to make informed choices when selecting personal care products.

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