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Steareth-12
AKA “Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Steareth-12
AKA: Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Solvent
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Steareth-12 is the polyethylene glycol ether of Stearyl Alcohol.
Effective at 11.51%
CAS #
9002-92-0; 68439-50-9; 5274-68-0; 9004-95-9; 9005-00-9; 4536-30-5; 3055-93-4; 3055-94-5; 3055-95-6
See origin →
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Dissolves Ingredients
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Created as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from stearyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol for use in personal care formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
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 Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR