Steareth-27
AKA “Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Steareth-27
AKA: Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Effective at 11.51%
CAS #
9005-00-9
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a nonionic surfactant created by ethoxylating stearic acid (a fatty acid derived from animal or plant sources). Used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and solubilizer with no traditional historical use.
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
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR