Steareth-100
AKA “Polysorbate-like Steareth, Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Steareth-100
AKA: Polysorbate-like Steareth, Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Effective at 11.51%
CAS #
9005-00-9
See origin →
Functions
Gel Forming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Traditional Use
A highly polyethylene glycolated derivative of stearyl alcohol developed as a solubilizing and emulsifying agent in modern cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.02%
23.0%
0%32%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 18-23 | 0.02-0.4 | 0.2-1
Regulatory Agencies
Steareth-100
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Steareth-100/PEG-136/HDI Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Steareth-100
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Steareth-100/PEG-136/HDI Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR