What Is Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate?
Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate is a synthetic ingredient created for modern skincare and haircare formulas. At its core it pairs stearyl ammonium, a waxy fatty chain from plant or petroleum sources, with lactate, the salt of lactic acid that occurs naturally in fermented sugars. The “Peg-5” part signals that five units of ethylene oxide have been added, giving the molecule water-loving properties that help it mix oil and water.
The blend of a fatty tail and a peg chain makes this material a gentle surfactant that can sit comfortably on skin or hair without feeling greasy. Chemists began exploring quaternary ammonium compounds like this in the 1960s for fabric softeners. When cosmetic scientists noticed their smoothing and static-reducing effects they adapted the chemistry for personal care, refining it to be mild enough for leave-on products.
Manufacturing starts with stearyl amine derived from stearic acid. The amine is reacted with ethylene oxide to attach five oxyethylene units, turning it into a pegylated amine. It is then quaternized with methyl chloride to create the positively charged ammonium center. Finally it is neutralized with lactic acid to form the lactate salt, yielding a creamy white paste or liquid concentrate.
You will most often find Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate in conditioners, anti-frizz serums, leave-on hair treatments, skin lotions, light creams and cleansing milks. Its ability to reduce static, cleanse gently and leave a soft after-feel makes it popular in daily care formulas meant for sensitive skin or fine hair.
Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional ingredient improves both the performance and sensory feel of many personal care products.
- Antistatic: The positive charge of the ammonium group neutralizes static electricity on hair strands or fabric fibers. In hair care this translates to smoother comb-through, fewer flyaways and a sleeker finish
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant nature helps lift away surface oils and impurities without stripping skin or hair. Because the molecule is partly oil-based and partly water-based it can dissolve makeup and grime while still rinsing clean
Who Can Use Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, combination and oily skin. Its mild cleansing action and antistatic properties make it especially helpful for fine hair that tangles easily and for dry skin needing soft conditioning. Extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin might react to any cationic surfactant, so those users should proceed cautiously.
Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate can be sourced from either plant or petroleum feedstocks and contains no animal-derived components, so products using a plant-based supply chain are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If the label does not specify plant origin, strict vegans may want to confirm with the manufacturer.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask their doctor before adding new products to their routine.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known effect on sunburn risk, so it is not classed as a photosensitiser.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate differ across individuals. The effects below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at cosmetic levels and in well-formulated products.
- Transient skin irritation such as mild redness or stinging
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to quaternary ammonium compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Product buildup that leaves hair feeling heavy or limp when overused
If you experience any discomfort or unexpected reaction discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate contains a long fatty tail yet it is heavily modified with PEG units and carries a positive charge, both of which boost water solubility and reduce its tendency to sit in pores. Formulas typically use it at low percentages for slip or static control, so real-world buildup is uncommon. Because of this balanced profile it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
Most people who are prone to acne can use products containing this ingredient without seeing extra breakouts, though individual experiences may vary.
If a product pairs it with heavier oils or waxes overall pore-clogging potential will depend on the full formula, not just this single component.
Summary
Peg-5 Stearyl Ammonium Lactate acts as a mild cleanser and antistatic agent. The fatty stearyl chain grabs onto oils while the five-unit PEG segment lets the molecule mix with water, so it can whisk away grime yet leave a soft conditioned feel. Its positive ammonium charge smooths cuticles and neutralizes static on hair for easier combing.
You will see it in a modest number of everyday conditioners, lightweight lotions and makeup removers. It is not a headline ingredient but formulators appreciate its gentle multitasking nature.
Current research shows it is safe for topical use at the levels found in cosmetics with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new product do a quick patch test first so your skin or scalp can decide whether it is a match.