What Is Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate?
Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate is a man-made ingredient created by joining stearic acid, a fatty acid often sourced from vegetable oils, with propylene glycol and then attaching about 75 units of ethylene oxide. The result is a waxy, off-white material that mixes well with both water and oil. It first appeared in personal care labs in the 1970s when chemists were looking for gentle alternatives to traditional soaps. Production starts with stearic acid that is reacted with propylene glycol to form propylene glycol stearate. This starter molecule then goes through a controlled process called ethoxylation, adding the polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain that gives the ingredient its water-loving side. Because of this balanced structure, Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate shows up in a wide range of products such as facial cleansers, creamy body washes, lightweight lotions, makeup removers, sheet masks and even some leave-on hair conditioners.
Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its spot on an ingredient list by helping formulas look, feel and perform better.
- Cleansing: Its fatty side grabs onto oil and dirt while the PEG portion keeps it soluble in water. This lets rinses and washes lift away grime without leaving skin stripped or tight.
- Emulsifying: It holds water and oil together so creams stay smooth and stable. A steady emulsion makes products feel silky glide on evenly and resist separating during storage.
Who Can Use Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Dry skin, normal skin and combination skin tend to enjoy its light conditioning feel, while oily skin benefits from the gentle cleansing action that rinses off without a greasy residue. Extremely sensitive or reactive skin may need to approach with caution because any polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound can occasionally trigger irritation for those with a pre-existing sensitivity to PEGs.
Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate is often produced from plant-derived stearic acid so many formulas using it are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. That said, stearic acid can also be sourced from animal fats, so anyone following a strict vegan lifestyle should verify the raw material origin with the brand.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel considers this ingredient safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding when applied to intact skin. There is no evidence it penetrates deeply or enters breast milk, yet this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing parents should clear any new product with their healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate is non-photosensitizing, meaning it does not make skin more prone to sunburn. No other specific lifestyle restrictions are linked to its use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet most users will never experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation
- Redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to PEG compounds
- Transient eye irritation if the product is accidentally rubbed into the eyes
- Minor breakouts in acne-prone users when paired with heavy occlusive ingredients
If you notice any discomfort, redness or other unexpected reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5. Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate contains a long stearic acid tail that can sit on the skin’s surface, which bumps its clogging potential slightly above zero. At the same time its hefty PEG chain makes the molecule water friendly so it tends to rinse away rather than settle deep inside pores. Most people, including many with combination or mildly oily skin, use it with no pore issues, yet very acne prone users might prefer to monitor how their skin responds.
Suitable for acne prone skin: usually yes, but those who break out easily should watch for congestion if the product also contains heavy butters or waxes.
Formulas that pair this ingredient with lightweight oils or gel bases are least likely to cause problems.
Summary
Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate cleanses by latching onto dirt and oil while staying soluble in water, and it emulsifies by holding water and oil together so lotions and washes stay smooth. These two behind the scenes jobs make it a quiet workhorse in face cleansers, body washes, makeup removers and some light creams.
The ingredient is neither trendy nor rare; it sits in many everyday formulations without fanfare because it delivers reliable texture and mild cleansing at an affordable cost.
Safety studies and decades of use suggest it is low risk for most people when applied to healthy skin. Still, skin care is personal so patch testing any new product that contains Peg-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate is a smart precaution.