What Is Peg-75 Distearate?
Peg-75 Distearate is a man-made ingredient created by joining stearic acid, a fatty acid that usually comes from plant oils, with polyethylene glycol units. The number 75 tells chemists how many of those glycol units are linked together on average. The result is a smooth, wax-like substance that mixes easily with both water and oil.
Cosmetic chemists started using Peg-based ingredients in the 1960s when the need grew for safer, more flexible alternatives to soap. Peg-75 Distearate soon found a place in skin and hair formulas because it washes away grime without leaving skin feeling tight and also helps water and oil blend into a stable lotion or cream.
To make it, manufacturers first turn natural stearic acid into stearate esters, then react those esters with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The process is carefully monitored to keep the final material pure and skin-friendly.
You will spot Peg-75 Distearate in a wide range of products such as facial cleansers, body washes, exfoliating scrubs, makeup removers, shampoo, conditioning masks, lightweight moisturizers and sun care lotions.
Peg-75 Distearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas
- Cleansing: Peg-75 Distearate loosens dirt, sweat and excess oil so they rinse away easily, giving skin or hair a fresh clean feel without harsh rubbing
- Emulsifying: It binds water and oil into a smooth stable mixture which stops products from separating, improves texture and helps active ingredients spread evenly
Who Can Use Peg-75 Distearate
Peg-75 Distearate is considered gentle enough for most skin types including oily, combination, normal, dry and mildly sensitive. It helps cleanse without stripping, which makes it a good option for people who find traditional soaps too drying. Those with very reactive or broken skin should still approach with caution because any surfactant can aggravate a compromised barrier.
The stearic acid used today is typically sourced from palm or coconut oil, so the finished material is usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If animal-derived stearic acid matters to you, check with the brand for confirmation.
The molecule stays mainly on the surface of skin and hair and has a long record of safe use, so products containing it are generally viewed as low risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run all personal-care products past a qualified doctor just to be sure.
Peg-75 Distearate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used day or night without increasing the chances of sunburn. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients, so formulating conflicts are rare.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-75 Distearate differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness itching or a tight feeling
- Contact dermatitis in individuals who are allergic to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Eye stinging or watering if a cleanser or shampoo accidentally gets into the eyes
- Folliculitis or small surface bumps if residue is not rinsed away thoroughly in those prone to clogged follicles
- Trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane if manufacturing purification steps are skipped, though reputable brands monitor this closely
If you notice any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-75 Distearate is mostly water-soluble and designed to rinse off, so it rarely lingers long enough to clog pores. The stearic acid backbone on its own can be mildly pore-blocking, but attaching it to large polyethylene glycol chains reduces that risk because the molecule becomes bulkier and more hydrophilic. Concentrations used in cleansers and lotions are typically low and the ingredient is almost always part of a formula that is removed or diluted with water.
Because of its low rating Peg-75 Distearate is generally considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Formulas that are not rinsed away and that pair this emulsifier with heavy oils could still feel occlusive on very oily skin, so product context matters.
Summary
Peg-75 Distearate acts mainly as a cleanser and an emulsifier. Its dual nature lets it grab onto oil-based grime while remaining soluble in water, helping dirt lift away when you rinse. At the same time it stabilizes mixtures of oil and water, which keeps creams and washes smooth and prevents separation.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse found in a wide range of everyday products, from face washes to light lotions, though it rarely gets spotlight status on labels. Its long track record, low irritation profile and minimal comedogenic potential make it a reliable choice for most skin types.
Overall safety evaluations rate Peg-75 Distearate as low risk when used at cosmetic levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains it to make sure your skin agrees.