Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant formed by ethoxylating stearyl alcohol with an average of two ethylene oxide (EO) units.
This compound is widely used in personal care and cosmetic formulations to stabilize emulsions, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is valued for its compatibility with oil-in-water systems and its role in building viscosity and improving formulation stability.
CAS Number: 9005-00-9
EC Number: Polymer, not applicable (non-defined molecular structure)
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₈O(C₂H₄O)₂ (approximate structure)
Molecular Weight: Varies depending on ethoxylation degree
Synonyms: Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO, Steareth-2, Polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether, Ethoxylated stearyl alcohol (2EO), Steareth-2 surfactant, C18-2 EO ethoxylate, 2EO stearyl alcohol ethoxylate, PEG-2 Stearyl Ether, Ethoxylated C18 alcohol, Steareth-2 emulsifier, Steareth-2 nonionic surfactant, Steareth-2 thickener, Stearyl polyether-2, C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylate, 2-mole EO stearyl alcohol, Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, Emulsifier Steareth-2, Steareth-2 stabilizer, Steareth-2 solubilizer, Nonionic emulsifier Steareth-2, Polyethylene glycol stearyl ether, PEG-2 mono-stearyl ether, Steareth-2 cleansing agent, EO2 ethoxylated alcohol, Steareth-2 surfactant base, Steareth-2 ethoxylate compound, Ethoxylated stearyl alcohol surfactant, Steareth-2 emollient, Steareth-2 dispersant, Steareth-2 co-emulsifier, Steareth-2 blending agent, Stearyl ethoxylated emulsifier, PEG-2 Stearyl surfactant
APPLICATIONS
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is widely used in creams and lotions as a co-emulsifier and viscosity builder.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is included in facial cleansers and body washes to improve texture and foam stability.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is employed in hair conditioners and masks to enhance emulsification and product consistency.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in sun care products for better dispersion of UV filters and oil phase ingredients.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is found in makeup products such as foundations and primers for improved sensory feel.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is applied in deodorants and antiperspirants for smooth application and stabilization.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is incorporated in shaving products for improved glide and emulsion uniformity.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in pharmaceutical ointments and topical creams as a non-ionic emulsifier.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is suitable for baby care products due to its mildness and low irritation profile.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is compatible with natural oils, esters, and silicone-based ingredients.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in hot and cold process emulsions, including PEG-based formulations.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is suitable for natural and hybrid personal care lines as a functional emulsifying agent.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, and conditioners, where it helps stabilize oil and water mixtures to create smooth, consistent formulations.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is employed in hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, where it helps to improve the texture and smoothness of hair, leaving it soft and manageable without weighing it down.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in skin care products, where it provides a rich, smooth feel and helps prevent water loss by forming a barrier on the skin to maintain hydration.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the formulation of anti-aging skin care products, where it helps to provide a luxurious texture, making the application feel smooth and aiding in the delivery of active ingredients.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of body washes and shower gels, where it helps emulsify ingredients and improves the lathering properties of the product for a better skin care experience.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is employed in the formulation of sunscreen products, where it helps stabilize the emulsion, ensuring even distribution of the sunscreen and improved texture during application.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of facial cleansers, where it acts as a mild emulsifier and helps improve the feel and consistency of the product, leaving the skin feeling soft after cleansing.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the manufacture of deodorants, where it acts as a stabilizer and helps smooth application while improving the product’s texture and consistency.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is applied in the formulation of makeup removers, where it helps emulsify oils and impurities for effective removal without irritating or drying the skin.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of pet care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, where it provides softness and helps to condition the fur, making it smooth and shiny.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is employed in the formulation of baby care products, where it is used to provide gentle moisturizing and conditioning benefits for sensitive skin.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the formulation of wound care products, where it helps to create a barrier on the skin, aiding in moisture retention and promoting healing.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the preparation of anti-chafing creams, where it helps to improve spreadability and reduce friction, protecting the skin from irritation caused by chafing.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of hand creams, where it helps to soften and moisturize dry skin, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the formulation of industrial and household cleaners, where it helps emulsify oils and grease, improving cleaning performance and the overall texture of the product.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is applied in the preparation of specialty waxes, where it helps to improve the consistency and texture of the final wax formulation.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of air fresheners and room sprays, where it helps emulsify fragrance oils and ensures an even distribution of fragrance.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is employed in the manufacture of facial masks, where it improves the texture, helping the mask to glide smoothly over the skin and stay in place during use.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the formulation of exfoliating products, where it helps create a smooth texture, enhancing the feel and application of the exfoliant while moisturizing the skin.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the preparation of hair styling products, where it helps condition the hair, reducing frizz and improving manageability while maintaining a light, non-greasy feel.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the formulation of therapeutic skin care products, such as those for eczema or psoriasis, where it helps to hydrate and soothe irritated skin.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of multi-purpose moisturizers, where it improves the overall consistency of the product, making it easier to apply while providing hydration.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the formulation of anti-fungal creams, where it helps emulsify the active ingredients and improve the product’s overall texture and application properties.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used in the production of lip balms and glosses, where it helps improve texture, making the product easy to apply while providing moisture to the lips.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is employed in the production of eco-friendly and biodegradable emulsifiers, helping to create sustainable formulations that perform well without harmful environmental effects.
DESCRIPTION
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is a white to off-white waxy solid or pastille with a mild fatty odor.
It is a non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol derived from stearyl alcohol, modified with two moles of ethylene oxide.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is primarily used for its emulsification, solubilization, and skin-conditioning properties.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) reduces interfacial tension in emulsions, improving the stability and distribution of oil and water phases.
It enhances product aesthetics by delivering a smooth, soft texture and spreadability on skin and hair.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is stable in a broad pH range and compatible with anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) forms fine, consistent emulsions and enhances formulation viscosity.
It is ideal for both rinse-off and leave-on products and contributes to long-term product stability.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is biodegradable and suitable for environmentally conscious formulations.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is a non-ionic surfactant that is derived from the esterification of stearyl alcohol with ethylene oxide, commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical products for its emulsifying, conditioning, and stabilizing properties.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is a white to off-white waxy solid or semi-solid at room temperature, often used in emulsions for its ability to blend oil and water-based ingredients and improve product texture.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is a mild, non-ionic emulsifier that helps to create stable, smooth emulsions in cosmetic products, ensuring that the formula remains uniform and does not separate over time.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) functions as an effective emulsifier, stabilizing formulations while improving the application properties of creams, lotions, and other emulsified products.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is known for its conditioning properties, which make it particularly useful in hair care and skin care products, where it improves texture, reduces frizz, and enhances smoothness.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is an excellent ingredient for improving the spreadability and uniformity of topical products, ensuring easy application and enhancing product performance.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is compatible with a wide range of ingredients, making it a versatile emulsifier and stabilizer in various formulations, from cosmetic creams and hair conditioners to pharmaceutical ointments.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is used to improve the texture of emulsions, providing a smooth, luxurious feel without leaving the skin or hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is biodegradable and considered safe for use in both personal care and industrial products, offering an eco-friendly alternative to more harsh chemical emulsifiers.
Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) is stable in a wide range of pH conditions, making it suitable for a variety of formulations, including acidic and alkaline products, and is especially effective in formulations designed for sensitive skin.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Structure: Stearyl alcohol ethoxylated with 2 EO units
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid
Odor: Mild, fatty odor
Melting Point: Approx. 40–50°C
Solubility: Dispersible in water; soluble in alcohols and glycols
HLB Value: Approx. 4.9 (low to moderate)
pH (1% solution): Neutral
Density: Approx. 0.95–0.98 g/cm³
Reactivity: Stable under normal cosmetic formulation conditions
Stability: Compatible with a wide range of pH and surfactants
Storage Temperature: Store between 15–30°C in dry, sealed containers
Shelf Life: 24 months in original packaging
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
Seek medical assistance if respiratory symptoms develop.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with water and soap.
Seek medical advice if irritation or redness appears.
Eye Contact:
Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Consult a physician if large amounts are ingested.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote required.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling bulk material.
Avoid eye and prolonged skin contact.
Ensure good ventilation in processing areas.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Collect spilled material mechanically.
Clean area with detergent and water.
Dispose of waste in compliance with local regulations.
Storage:
Store Stearyl Alcohol 2 EO (Steareth-2) in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep containers sealed and labeled.
Avoid exposure to high temperatures and moisture.
Handling Cautions:
Ensure proper labeling and storage in accordance with chemical safety protocols.
Practice good industrial hygiene during handling.