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Peg-8 stearate is a mixture of the monoand diesters of stearic acid and mixed polyoxyethylene diols having an average polymer length of 7.5 oxyethylene units.
Peg-8 stearate is a synthetic compound used primarily in cosmetics and personal care products as an emulsifier, surfactant, and skin-conditioning agent.
Peg-8 stearate is made by combining stearic acid, a fatty acid derived from vegetable or animal fats, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) that has an average of 8 ethylene glycol units.
CAS Number: 9004-99-3
Molecular Formula: (C2H4O)nC18H36O2
Molecular Weight: 622.91
EINECS Number: 618-405-1
Synonyms: Ethylene glycol monostearate, 2-Hydroxyethyl stearate, 111-60-4, Glycol stearate, 9004-99-3, 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecanoate, Cremophor A, Glycol monostearate, Monthybase, Parastarin, Monthyle, Sedetol, Ivorit, PEG-8 Stearate, Prodhybase ethyl, Prodhybas N, Cerasynt M, Clearate G, Cerasynt MN, Cithrol PS, Clindrol SEG, OCTADECANOIC ACID, 2-HYDROXYETHYL ESTER, Lipo EGMS, Cithrol 10MS, PEG-40 stearate, Lactine, Cerasynt 660, Myrj, Tego-stearate, Akyporox S 100, Prodhybase P, PEG stearate, Emerest 2350, Emerest 2640, Empilan 2848, Lamacit CA, Soromin-SG, Emanon 3113, Myrj 45, Stearoks 6, Stearoxa-6, Nikkol MYS, Ethylene glycol stearate, Pegosperse S 9, Stearox 6, Emcol H 35-A, Arosurf 1855E40, Stenol 8, Prodhybase 4000, Stearoks 920, Nikkol MYS 4, Nonion S 2, Nonion S 4, Nissan Nonion S-2, Stearox 920, Lipal 15S, Nonex 28, Nonex 29, Nonex 36, Nonex 53, Nonex 54, Nonex 63, PEG-150 stearate, Lipo-Peg 4-S, Nikkol MYS 40, Nikkol MYS 45, Nikkol MYS-25, Nonion S 15, Trydet SA 40, Empilan CP-100, Empilan CQ-100, Nissan Nonion S 15, Myrj 52S, Kessco X-211, Emunon 3115, Ethofat 60/15, Ethofat 60/20, Ethofat 60/25, Myrj 51, Myrj 53, Perphinol 45/100, Lipal 400-S, STEARIC ACID, 2-HYDROXYETHYL ESTER, Tegin G, Ionet MS-1000, Emery 15393, Glycol stearate SE, USAF KE-11, Ethylene glycol, monostearate, MYRJ 49, MYRJ 52, PEG 100MS, PEG 600MS, Myrj 59, Stearic acid, monoester with ethylene glycol, Ethylene glycol monostearate SE, Glycol monostearate SE, Macrogol ester (INN), S 151, Myrj 52 (TN), 86418-55-5, DTXSID5026881, NSC31811, 0324G66D0E, NCGC00188435-01, Trydet SA series, PEG-10 Stearate, Slovasol MKS 16, Usaf ke-9, Emulphor VT-650, Usaf ke-12, Usaf ke-14, Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-(1-oxooctadecyl)-w-hydroxy-, Magi 45, Emanon 3199, Stabilisant delta-118, PMS No. 1, PMS No. 2, LX 3, MYS 40, MYS 45, PEG 1000MS, PEG 42, UNII-6YLY96TQL6, X-489-R, Macrogol ester, S 541, Schercemol EGMS, Alkamuls SEG, Ablunol EGMS, S 1004, S 1012, S 1054, S 1116, Alkamuls EGMS/C, PEG40 stearate, EINECS 203-886-9, Pegosperse 50 MS, MFCD00051465, Glycols, monostearate, BRN 1794033, Cerasynt M (Salt/Mix), ethyleneglycol monostearate, Cerasynt MN (Salt/Mix), Peg 2000 ms, Stabilisant .delta.-118, 6YLY96TQL6, Ethilenic glycol monostearate, SCHEMBL10412, GLYCOL STEARATE [II], Crill 20,22,23, DTXCID006881, GLYCOL STEARATE [VANDF], CHEMBL2355383, UNII-0324G66D0E, CHEBI:32027, CHEBI:167626, 17-Hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadec-1-yl octadecanoate, Crill 20,21,22, 23, Tox21_113036, NSC-31811, AKOS015843173, octadecanoic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester, HY-W329372, BS-48654, CAS-111-60-4, DA-66550, DA-76983, FG172031, DB-251527, CS-0440899, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE [WHO-DD], NS00007971, D01542, F71203, F71256, L001305, Q5572621, MYRJ(TM) 53;MYRJ(TM) 59;MYRJ 58;MYRJ 59;MYRJ(R) 53;MYRJ(TM) 45;MYRJ 45;PEG 200 STEARATE
Peg-8 stearates are soft to waxy solids that are white to tan in color.
In cosmetics and personal care products, PEG Stearates are used in skin creams, conditioners, shampoos, body cleansers and soapless detergents.
Peg-8 stearate, PEG-150 Stearate) are esters of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid.
Peg-8 stearates are relatively stable compounds.
Nevertheless, the ether oxygens are potentially reactive and the ester bonds are potentially vulnerable to enzymatic cleavage.
Peg-8 stearate can be used as an excipient.
Peg-8 stearate, or pharmaceutical auxiliaries, refer to other chemical substances used in the pharmaceutical process other than pharmaceutical ingredients.
Pharmaceutical excipients generally refer to inactive ingredients in pharmaceutical preparations, which can improve the stability, solubility and processability of pharmaceutical preparations.
Pharmaceutical excipients also affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) processes of co-administered drugs.
Peg-8 stearates are used in over 500 cosmetic formulations. Most are used at concentrations from less than 0.1 O/O to 10°/~.(zo) Two products list concentrations in the > 1O0/o-25% range
PEG-8 stearate is a PEG ester of stearic acid PEG-8 stearate uses and applications include: Emulsier, lubricant, dispersant, leveling agent, solubilizer, viscous control agent, emollient in cosmetics, topical pharmaceuticals, textiles, paints, other industrial uses; surfactant, humectant in cosmetics; plastics antistat; emulsier, stabilizer in foods, bakery products; in paperpaperboard in contact with aqueousfatty foods; defoamer in food-contact coatings; in cellophane for food packaging; in surfactant lubricants for manufacturing of food-contact metallic articles.
Peg-8 stearates are produced from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid.
The numerical value of each PEG Stearate corresponds to the average number of ethylene oxide monomers in the polyethylene chain.
Polyethylene glycol ingredients may also be named with a number that indicates molecular weight, for example polyethylene glycol (400) stearate is another name for PEG-8 Stearate.
Peg-8 stearates are products of condensed ethylene oxide and water that can have various derivatives and functions.
Since many Peg-8 stearates are hydrophilic, they are favorably used as penetration enhancers, especially in topical dermatological preparations.
Peg-8 stearates, together with their typically nonionic derivatives, are broadly utilized in cosmetic products as surfactants, emulsiers, cleansing agents, humectants, and skin conditioners.
The compounds studied in this review include PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil.
Much of the data available in this review are on PEGylated oils (PEG-40 and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oils), which were recommended as safe for use in cosmetics up to 100% concentration.
Currently, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and PEGylated oils are considered safe for cosmetic use according to the results of relevant studies.
Additionally, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer should be further studied to ensure its safety as a cosmetic ingredient.
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are composed of polyether compounds repeating ethylene glycol units according to the constituent monomer or parent molecule (as ethylene glycol, ethylene oxide, or oxyethylene).
Most Peg-8 stearates are commonly available commercially as mixtures of dierent oligomer sizes in broadly- or narrowly-dened molecular weight (MW) ranges.
Peg-8 stearate typically designates a mixture of PEG molecules (n = 195 to 265) having an average MW of 10,000. PEG is also known as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyoxyethylene (POE), with the three names being chemical synonyms.
However, Peg-8 stearate mainly refer to oligomers and polymers with molecular masses below 20,000 g/mol, while PEOs are polymers with molecular masses above 20,000 g/mol, and POEs are polymers of any molecular mass.
Relatively small molecular weight Peg-8 stearates are produced by the chemical reaction between ethylene oxide and water or ethylene glycol (or other ethylene glycol oligomers), as catalyzed by acidic or basic catalysts.
To produce PEO or high-molecular weight Peg-8 stearate, synthesis is performed by suspension polymerization.
Peg-8 stearate is necessary to hold the growing polymer chain in solution during the course of the polycondensation process.
The reaction is catalyzed by magnesium-, aluminum-, or calcium-organoelement compounds.
To prevent coagulation of polymer chains in the solution, chelating additives such as dimethylglyoxime are used.
Peg-8 stearate, together with their derivatives, do not have denite chemical entities, rather, they are compound mixtures having dierent chain lengths.
Peg-8 stearate are used in cosmetics “as is” or in combination with their derivatives in which their 2 terminal primary hydroxyl groups can create mono-, di- and poly-esters, amines, ethers and acetals.
Furthermore, Peg-8 stearate can create additional compounds and complexes through a reaction in their ether bridges.
Peg-8 stearate derivatives may include PEG ethers (e.g. laureths, ceteths, ceteareths, oleths, and PEG ethers of glyceryl cocoates), PEG fatty acids (e.g. PEG laurates, dilaurates, stearates, and distearates), PEG castor oils, PEG amine ethers (PEG cocamines), PEG propylene glycols, and other derivates (e.g., PEG soy sterols and PEG beeswax).
Since many Peg-8 stearate types are hydrophilic, they are favorably used as penetration enhancers, especially in topical dermatological preparations.
Peg-8 stearate and their derivatives are widely used in cosmetics as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsiers, skin conditioners, and humectants.
Peg-8 stearate is a nonionic emulsifier in solid form, created through the esterification of vegetable oil-derived stearic acid with polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of 400.
Peg-8 stearates pH of 3% aqueous solution is 6, HLB Value of 11.5.
Peg-8 stearate is oil-soluble and works well in nonaqueous systems.
Like other similar Peg-8 stearate, it is compatible with many amphoteric, anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, allowing its use as primary and secondary emulsifiers.
Melting point: 47 °C
Flash point: 39 °C
Storage temp.: 2–8 °C
Water solubility: Soluble in water
Solubility: Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
Form: Powder to lump
Color: White to almost white
Odor: At 100.00 % — mild fatty
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): 18.8
LogP: 7.629 (est)
Peg-8 stearate has been recommended as an additive to the radiolabelled 7H12 Middlebrook TB media and, as such, has been shown to enhance the growth of mycobacteria in the radiometric BACTEC rapid culture system.
Peg-8 stearate produces the greatest enhancement in growth and reduction in the time taken to detect growth for M. tuberculosis and polyoxyethylene (30) stearate and polyoxyethylene (JL) stearate for species of mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis.
Peg-8 stearate inhibits P-gp mediated efflux in a concentration-dependent manner mainly by modulating substrate-stimulated P-gp ATPase activity.
Peg-8 stearate reduces vinblastine sulfate efllux.
The cytotoxicity of vinblastine to K562/ADR cells is significantly enhanced when cotreated with 100 or 150 μg/mL polyoxyethylene 40 stearate.
Peg-8 stearate is used in cosmetics/personal care products (INCI Declaration: PEG-8 Stearate) and as excipient in pharmaceutical applications (Ph. Eur.: Macrogol Stearate (8 mol EO)).
The PEG Stearates are produced from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid.
The numerical value of each PEG Stearate corresponds to the average number of ethylene oxide monomers in the polyethylene chain.
Peg-8 stearate ingredients may also be named with a number that indicates molecular weight, for example polyethylene glycol (400) stearate is another name for PEG-8 Stearate.
PEG-8 Stearate Water-Soluble resins are high molecular weight water soluble polymers.
A long chain poly(ethylene oxide PEG-8 Stearate is available in a wide range of molecular weights making it an excellent choice for a formulator trying to tailor a specic end viscosity.
As a result of its wide ranging compatibility, it is readily used in a variety of applications.
Peg-8 stearate imparts lubricity, binding, water retention, thickening and lm formulation.
PEG-8 Stearate dierentiates itself from other water soluble thickeners by the high wet tack it imparts, its ability to be used in thermoplastics, and the silky feel it can create in end products.
Peg-8 stearate is potentially useful as a pharmaceutical ingredient to improve the oral bioavailability of coadministered P-gp substrates and substrates for certain CYP isoforms.
The average tumour volume and weight are significantly less in the polyoxyethylene 40 stearate+vinblastine groups.
The inhibition rate for tumor growth is increased from 0.06 (vinblastine group) to 0.84 (vinblastine+polyoxyethylene 40 stearate group).
Peg-8 stearate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifying agent widely used in cosmetic and skincare formulations to improve the texture, stability, and consistency of products.
Peg-8 stearate is produced through the ethoxylation of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, with polyethylene glycol (PEG), specifically one that contains an average of eight ethylene oxide units—hence the “PEG-8” designation.
As an emulsifier, Peg-8 stearate plays a critical role in enabling the mixing of water and oil components in formulations, which would otherwise separate.
This function is essential in products like moisturizers, sunscreens, facial cleansers, foundations, and conditioners, where a smooth and uniform consistency is desired.
By stabilizing the emulsion, it also helps extend the shelf life of the product and maintain its performance over time.
In addition to its emulsifying properties, Peg-8 stearate functions as a skin-conditioning agent, helping to soften and smooth the skin by forming a light, protective film that can reduce water loss.
Peg-8 stearates mild nature makes it suitable for use in formulations designed for sensitive or dry skin, and it is often found in baby products, sensitive-skin moisturizers, and gentle cleansers.
While PEG-8 stearate is generally recognized as safe for topical use, some concerns have been raised about the potential contamination of PEG compounds with impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are byproducts of the ethoxylation process and can be toxic.
However, when properly manufactured and purified, PEG-8 stearate is considered low-risk and non-irritating for most skin types, according to regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Manufacturers are expected to minimize these impurities through controlled processes and proper purification.
As with many cosmetic ingredients, individuals with very sensitive skin or allergies may still experience mild irritation or reactions, though these cases are relatively rare.
Waxy, light-tan solid; nearly odorless. Congealing range 39–45C.
Soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and acetone; insoluble in mineral and vegetable oils.
Sympatens-BS/080 is composed of PEG-8 Stearate.
Peg-8 stearate functions as an O/W-emulsifier.
Peg-8 stearate is suitable for skin care creams and lotions.
This ingredient helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together, making it crucial in products like lotions, creams, and cleansers to create smooth, stable emulsions.
Additionally, Peg-8 stearate can enhance the texture and spreadability of a product, allowing it to glide more easily on the skin.
Peg-8 stearate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, although its safety can depend on factors like concentration, formulation, and the purity of the PEG components, which are sometimes contaminated with trace amounts of potentially harmful substances if not properly purified.
Uses:
Peg-8 stearate is an emulsifier and antifoaming agent used in processed foods, fruit jellies, and sauces.
Peg-8 stearate is a mixture of polyethylene glycol esters.
It is compatible with lipophilic compounds due to a higher free fatty acid content.
Suggested applications: cosmetic formulations, lubricants.
Peg-8 stearate is a high molecular weight, high HLB surface active agent suggested for use in cosmetic formulations (emulsifier, viscosity modifier) and lubricants (emulsifier).
Peg-8 stearate is a multifunctional surface active agent suggested for use in cosmetic formulations, household products, lubricants, textile chemicals, polishes and paper.
Peg-8 stearate, an emulsifier, is listed as particularly applicable for hand and body lotions and creams.
One of the primary uses of PEG-8 stearate is as an emulsifying agent in lotions, creams, and other emulsified products, where it allows water and oil-based ingredients to combine into a smooth and stable mixture.
Without an emulsifier like PEG-8 stearate, products with both oil and water phases would separate over time, leading to an uneven texture and compromised performance.
Another key use of PEG-8 stearate is as a surfactant, which helps lower the surface tension between different ingredients, making it easier for formulations to spread evenly across the skin.
In facial cleansers, for example, this helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities more effectively while keeping the product gentle and non-stripping to the skin.
It is also used as a skin-conditioning agent, meaning it helps soften and smooth the skin by forming a light, breathable barrier on the surface that can reduce moisture loss.
This makes it especially valuable in moisturizers and body lotions intended for dry or sensitive skin, where maintaining hydration is a priority.
Because of its mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin, Peg-8 stearate is often included in baby care products, hypoallergenic creams, and non-comedogenic formulations where irritation or pore-clogging must be minimized.
In hair care, Peg-8 stearate can also serve as a conditioning ingredient, helping to coat the hair shaft lightly to improve detangling, manageability, and softness, particularly in shampoos and conditioners designed for dry or chemically treated hair.
Additionally, its ability to improve the texture, spreadability, and sensory feel of a product means it is often used to enhance the user experience—contributing to a silky, lightweight feel when the product is applied to skin or hair.
Finally, it may be used in sunscreens, makeup primers, and foundations, where it helps maintain even dispersion of pigments or UV filters, ensuring consistent coverage and performance throughout the day.
In addition to its role in emulsifying and conditioning, PEG-8 stearate is frequently used in facial and body cleansers where it contributes to a formulation that effectively removes oil, dirt, and environmental pollutants while leaving the skin feeling soft rather than stripped or dry.
Because of its mild surfactant properties, it is especially useful in gentle cleansing products such as micellar waters, non-foaming face washes, and creamy cleansers for sensitive skin.
Peg-8 stearate also finds application in makeup products, such as liquid foundations, BB creams, and tinted moisturizers, where it helps maintain a consistent texture by preventing oil and pigment separation.
Its emulsifying action ensures that the pigments remain evenly distributed throughout the product, which in turn provides more uniform coverage and a smoother application on the skin.
In sunscreen formulations, PEG-8 stearate plays a critical role in suspending and distributing UV filters, both chemical and physical, throughout the formula.
This ensures that the active ingredients are applied evenly to the skin, which is essential for providing consistent and effective sun protection.
Without an effective emulsifier like PEG-8 stearate, sunscreens might apply unevenly or leave streaks, potentially compromising their protective function.
PEG-8 stearate is also used in medicated creams, ointments, and dermatological treatments, where it acts as both an emulsifier and a delivery vehicle, helping to disperse active ingredients—such as corticosteroids, antifungals, or anti-inflammatory agents—throughout the product base so they can be evenly applied and better absorbed by the skin.
Its non-greasy and water-soluble nature makes it especially useful in pharmaceutical formulations that require both cosmetic elegance and clinical effectiveness.
In shaving products, such as foams, gels, or creams, PEG-8 stearate contributes to a creamy, cushiony texture that allows the razor to glide smoothly over the skin.
This reduces friction and helps minimize the risk of nicks, razor burn, and irritation, while also helping to hydrate and protect the skin during and after the shave.
In deodorants and antiperspirants, especially roll-on or cream-based types, PEG-8 stearate helps to stabilize the formula and create a light, spreadable consistency that enhances skin feel while maintaining the suspension of active odor-fighting or sweat-blocking agents.
In addition to topical applications, PEG-8 stearate may be used in oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, where it helps stabilize the formulation and ensure even dispersion of flavoring agents, sweeteners, and active ingredients like fluoride.
Its emulsifying properties also help in rinsing away plaque and food particles more effectively during brushing or swishing.
Safety Profile
Although PEG-8 stearate is typically considered mild, it can still cause skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions in certain individuals, especially those with very sensitive skin, broken skin, or existing dermatological conditions like eczema.
These reactions are more likely if the product is used in high concentrations, or if it contains additional irritants or fragrances that interact negatively with the PEG compound.
If products containing PEG-8 stearate, such as facial cleansers or sunscreens, come into direct contact with the eyes, they may cause mild to moderate eye irritation.
While not dangerous in most cases, repeated or prolonged eye exposure may cause discomfort and should be avoided.
PEG-8 stearate is considered to have low biodegradability, and like other synthetic surfactants and emulsifiers, it can contribute to water pollution if not properly treated in wastewater systems.
Over time, accumulation of these substances in aquatic environments may disrupt ecosystems, particularly by affecting water quality and the health of aquatic organisms.
Very slightly toxic by ingestion.
Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data.
Experimental reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
One of the main concerns with PEG-8 stearate does not stem from the ingredient itself, but from possible contaminants introduced during its manufacturing process.
PEG compounds like PEG-8 stearate are made through a chemical reaction known as ethoxylation, which can create impurities such as ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (a potential human carcinogen and environmental toxin).
If these byproducts are not properly removed during production, they could be present in trace amounts in the final ingredient, posing a long-term health hazard with chronic exposure.
