SUMMARY
GOOD | SAFE TO BE USED IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS | APPROVED BY REGULATORY BODIES
A well-known ingredient used as an emulsifier and a surfactant in personal care products.
WHAT IS STEARETH-20?
Steareth-20 is a synthetic polymer derived from ethoxylation. It is obtained from stearic acid and the number 20 denotes the average number of repeating ethylene glycol units. It is often used as a surfactant and an emulsifier. It is added to products to stabilize the formulations. Steareth 20 is considered safe to be used in personal care products.
REVIEW OF STEARETH-20
Name of Brand/ Organization |
Paula's Choice |
EWG |
CIR |
FDA |
EU Cosmetics Regulation |
Rating/Review |
GOOD |
1-3 |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Steareth-20 is one of the most researched and reviewed ingredients. Top regulatory bodies like FDA (Food and Drug Administration ensures the safety, efficacy and security of humans by making sure that cosmetics are safe to use), CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review thoroughly investigates the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), EU Cosmetics Regulation (It ensures the safety of the consumers while using the cosmetic products) and EWG (Environmental Working Group Skin Deep is a cosmetic database for ensuring the safety of ingredients being used in personal care products) along with popular skin care brand Paula's Choice have rated it safe for use in cosmetics, personal care products.
BENEFITS OF STEARETH-20
Steareth-20 has the following benefits:
- Acts as a surfactant: It is an effective surfactant as it reduces the surface tension between 2 liquids or a liquid and a solid. It rids the skin of the oil, dirt and grime accumulated on the skin.
- Acts as an emulsifier: It keeps the oil-based components and water-based components together and prevents them from disintegrating into their individual constituents. It makes the formulation stable.