Steareth-100 is a synthetic emulsifier used in personal care and cosmetics to keep water and oil blended together. It improves the texture of products like creams, lotions, and serums, and prevents different ingredients from separating within the formulation; the addition of Steareth-100 makes products smoother and creamier. It also reduces the surface tension between ingredients to enhance spreadability of the product and enable the even distribution of actives throughout. It can commonly be found in creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, conditioners, and makeup removers. Being mild in nature, Steareth-100 is safe for use in cosmetics and does not cause any major side effects.
Products with STEARETH-100
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What is STEARETH-100 used for?
- Emulsifier - Steareth-100 helps mix the otherwise unmixable oil and water-based ingredients in a formulation. This results in a smooth, stable product that does not break down over time.
- Surfactant - Steareth-100 reduces the surface tension between ingredients, thus allowing the product to spread more easily on the surface. It makes formulations consistent and helps actives and pigments disperse evenly throughout the product.
- Cleanser - Steareth-100 mixes water with oil and dirt present on the skin and scalp. This allows the impurities to be washed away easily - leaving the surface clean and refreshed.
- Texture enhancer - Steareth-100 gives formulations a rich, creamy feel, without any greasiness or heaviness. It also helps balance thick emulsions to help them spread easily on skin and hair.
Origin
Steareth-100 is made by reacting stearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) with ethylene oxide. During this ethoxylation process, around 100 units of ethylene oxide are attached to a molecule of stearyl alcohol. This process helps the ingredient achieve a perfect balance - making it both water and oil loving. The final ingredient is neutralized and purified. Steareth-100 appears as white to off-white waxy solid in its raw form. The chemical formula of Steareth-100 is C58H118O26.
What does STEARETH-100 do in a formulation?
GEL FORMING|
SURFACTANT|
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYINGSafety Profile
Steareth-100 is safe and non-toxic in both leave on and rinse off products. Very high concentrations may cause mild allergies, so proper formulation is necessary. It also has a comedogenic rating of 2, so individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin should exercise caution. Patch testing is required before full application. Additionally, Steareth-100 is biodegradable, vegan, and halal.
STEARETH-100 alternatives
STEARETH-100 technical profile
| Property | Values |
Melting Point | 50°C - 60°C |
pH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
Solubility | Soluble in water; dispersible in oil |
Viscosity | Low to medium |