A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in formulas, generally well-tolerated but may be too heavy for very oily skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Beauty ingredient research
Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.
20769
Reviewed ingredients
524
Low-concern standouts
2884
Need usage caution
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in formulas, generally well-tolerated but may be too heavy for very oily skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-13 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps stabilize creams and lotions, but it is produced with ethylene oxide, which raises purity concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-14 is a reliable emulsifier that helps keep your creams and lotions smooth and stable, but it is synthetic and may be less suitable for those seeking fully natural formulas.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-15 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it is synthetic and may not appeal to those seeking natural ingredients.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-16 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Steareth-20 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be contaminated with potentially irritating 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-21 is a reliable synthetic emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be less appealing to those seeking fully natural formulations.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-3 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Steareth-30 is a widely used emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that stabilizes creamy formulas without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-40 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-5 is a gentle emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without heavy irritation or pore-clogging concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Steareth-50 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Steareth-7 is a well-tolerated synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Steareth-8 is a common synthetic emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps water and oil mix, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while offering gentle skin conditioning and barrier support.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without common irritation concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's natural balance.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient and emulsifier that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while providing light skin conditioning.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas while offering mild skin conditioning.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Sucrose Myristate is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products while leaving a soft, non-greasy feel.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in formulas without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while also softening the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams while leaving skin feeling soft.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, giving them a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while leaving skin feeling soft and conditioned.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Emulsifier
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS
A mild, sunflower-derived emulsifier that stabilizes formulas while leaving skin feeling soft and non-greasy.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare products without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions while also softening the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions while leaving skin soft.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulas while providing light skin conditioning.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while providing light skin conditioning.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in products while leaving skin soft.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Talloweth-5 is an effective emulsifier but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and raises ethical concerns due to its animal-derived origin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, animal-derived emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic