Ingredient review
PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate
INCI: PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate
A gentle, widely used emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare products without causing irritation or clogging pores.
In plain English
PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate is a synthetic ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In your moisturizer or cleanser, it keeps the formula from separating into an oily layer and a watery layer. It's made by attaching 60 units of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to glyceryl stearate, a fatty compound. This makes it water-soluble and very mild on skin, so it's common 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-60 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-60 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 synthetic emulsifier created by reacting ethylene oxide with glyceryl stearate. The 'PEG-60' means it has 60 ethylene oxide units, which makes it water-soluble and gentle.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents your lotion or cream from separating and gives it a smooth, consistent texture.
Pros
Gentle on skin
PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate has a very low irritation risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin and daily use in moisturizers and cleansers.
Stable formulas
It prevents oil and water from separating, so your product stays smooth and effective from first use to last.
Cons and cautions
Potential trace impurities
During manufacturing, trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a possible carcinogen) can form. Reputable brands purify their ingredients to remove these impurities, but it's worth checking if a brand tests for purity.
Not natural or biodegradable
This is a synthetic ingredient derived from petroleum. It doesn't break down easily in the environment, which may be a concern for eco-conscious consumers.
Best for
- People with normal to sensitive skin
- Anyone using water-based and oil-based products together
Use caution if
- Those with known PEG allergy (very rare)
- People seeking 100% natural or biodegradable formulas
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety concern is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane contamination, which reputable manufacturers remove through purification. Overall, it is a low-irritation, low-comedogenic ingredient suitable for most skin types.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed PEG compounds and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Studies show that PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate has very low skin irritation and sensitization potential. No significant evidence links it to health risks when used as intended.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5% in leave-on products; up to 10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed PEG compounds safe when properly purified.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Sunscreens, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- PEG compounds are not readily biodegradable in aquatic environments. However, they are used in low concentrations and are not known to bioaccumulate.
Good to know
- PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate is often used in 'oil-free' moisturizers because it helps disperse oils into tiny droplets that don't feel greasy.
- The number '60' indicates the length of the PEG chain; longer chains generally mean better water solubility and milder feel.
Common questions
What is PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate in beauty products?
PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate is a synthetic ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In your moisturizer or cleanser, it keeps the formula from separating into an oily layer and a watery layer. It's made by attaching 60 units of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to glyceryl stearate, a fatty compound. This makes it water-soluble and very mild on skin, so it's common in products for sensitive skin.
What does PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents your lotion or cream from separating and gives it a smooth, consistent texture.
Is PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate safe for most people?
PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety concern is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane contamination, which reputable manufacturers remove through purification. Overall, it is a low-irritation, low-comedogenic ingredient suitable for most skin types.
Who should be careful with PEG-60 Glyceryl Stearate?
Those with known PEG allergy (very rare) People seeking 100% natural or biodegradable formulas
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.