Ingredient review
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate
INCI: PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate
A reliable, low-irritation emulsifier that gives cleansers and creams a smooth, creamy texture.
In plain English
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in products like cleansers and lotions. It also thickens the formula, giving it a rich, creamy feel without being heavy or greasy. Because it's very gentle, it's often used in products for sensitive skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of glyceryl stearate, created by reacting stearic acid (a fatty acid) with glycerin and ethylene oxide. It is a white to off-white waxy solid at room temperature.
How it works
It works as an emulsifier by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. As a thickener, it increases the viscosity of the water phase, giving products a desirable creamy or gel-like consistency. It also has mild cleansing properties, helping to remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
Pros
Gentle on skin
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate has a very low irritation risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and daily use.
Improves product texture
It gives cleansers and creams a rich, creamy consistency that feels luxurious and spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
As a PEG compound, it is manufactured synthetically, which may be a concern for those seeking exclusively natural or 'clean' formulations.
Potential for trace impurities
During manufacturing, PEGs can contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. However, reputable manufacturers purify the ingredient to safe levels.
Best for
- Anyone with normal to sensitive skin
- People who prefer gentle, non-stripping cleansers
Use caution if
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic or PEG-based ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a very low irritation and comedogenic rating. The main safety concern is the potential for trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but modern manufacturing and purification methods keep levels well below safety limits.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetic products. Studies show it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical concentrations. No significant safety concerns have been raised in peer-reviewed literature.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe as used in rinse-off and leave-on products.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Lotions, Creams, Conditioners
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic PEG compound, it is not biodegradable in the same way as natural ingredients. However, it is not known to bioaccumulate or cause significant environmental harm at typical usage levels.
Good to know
- PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate is often found in sulfate-free cleansers to help create a mild foaming action.
- It is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel at typical use concentrations.
Common questions
What is PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate in beauty products?
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in products like cleansers and lotions. It also thickens the formula, giving it a rich, creamy feel without being heavy or greasy. Because it's very gentle, it's often used in products for sensitive skin.
What does PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate do in a beauty product?
It works as an emulsifier by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. As a thickener, it increases the viscosity of the water phase, giving products a desirable creamy or gel-like consistency. It also has mild cleansing properties, helping to remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
Is PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate safe for most people?
PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a very low irritation and comedogenic rating. The main safety concern is the potential for trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but modern manufacturing and purification methods keep levels well below safety limits.
Who should be careful with PEG-120 Glyceryl Stearate?
Those strictly avoiding all synthetic or PEG-based ingredients
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.