What Is Steareth-15?
Steareth-15 is a non-ionic surfactant created by attaching around fifteen units of ethylene oxide to stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm as well as from synthetic routes. The result is a waxy, off-white ingredient that mixes easily with both water and oil, making it useful in many personal care formulas.
Non-ionic surfactants like Steareth-15 became popular in the late twentieth century when formulators looked for mild yet effective cleansing and emulsifying agents. Its ability to stabilize creams without adding a heavy or greasy feel quickly put it on the ingredient lists of everyday skincare and haircare products.
Production starts with purified stearyl alcohol. Manufacturers pass ethylene oxide gas over the heated alcohol in a controlled reactor. Each molecule of ethylene oxide links in a chain, giving the final product its “15” label. After purification, the finished material is supplied as flakes or a thick liquid ready for blending.
You will commonly spot Steareth-15 in facial cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers, sunscreens, sheet masks, hair conditioners and styling creams where it helps keep the formula smooth and uniform.
Steareth-15’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
When added to a formula Steareth-15 mainly does two jobs that improve how the product looks, feels and works on skin or hair.
- Cleansing agent: Lifts away dirt, excess oil and residue so the finished product rinses clean without leaving a film. Because it is non-ionic it tends to be milder than traditional sulfate surfactants, which can help reduce dryness and irritation.
- Emulsifier: Keeps oil and water components blended in a stable emulsion. This prevents separation, gives lotions a uniform texture and ensures that active ingredients are delivered evenly with each use.
Who Can Use Steareth-15
Steareth-15 is generally considered friendly for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it has a mild, non-ionic character that cleanses without the tight, stripped feeling harsher surfactants can cause. People with very reactive or compromised skin should still monitor how their skin feels, as even gentle surfactants can sometimes trigger redness in susceptible individuals.
The ingredient itself is vegan and vegetarian friendly when sourced from plant-derived stearyl alcohol, which is the norm in modern cosmetic supply chains. If animal origin matters to you always double-check with the brand, since stearyl alcohol can technically be derived from tallow.
Current safety data shows no specific warnings for pregnant or breastfeeding women using products that contain Steareth-15. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare choices past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Steareth-15 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitizing. It also plays well with most common skincare actives and preservatives, so there are no special timing or layering rules to follow.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Steareth-15 vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential side effects and most users will never encounter them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished formula.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if a product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
If you experience any persistent discomfort or visible irritation stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Steareth-15 is highly water soluble and used at modest levels, so it tends to rinse or rub away rather than sit in pores. Its ethoxylated structure also makes it less likely to form heavy films that could trap sebum or dead skin cells. For these reasons formulators consider it low on the pore-clogging scale.
Because the rating is only 1 most people prone to acne or breakouts can usually use products containing Steareth-15 without extra concern.
If it appears alongside heavier waxes or butters the overall formula could still be more occlusive, so always judge the entire ingredient list rather than this single component.
Summary
Steareth-15 acts as a mild cleanser and reliable emulsifier, lifting away dirt and oil while holding water and oil phases together so creams stay smooth and stable. Its non-ionic nature delivers these benefits without the harshness often linked to stronger surfactants.
You will find it in a wide range of everyday skincare and haircare products, especially cleansers makeup removers moisturizers and conditioners. It is not the trendiest buzzword on labels but its behind-the-scenes performance keeps it a staple for formulators who need a dependable workhorse.
Overall safety data show Steareth-15 to be well tolerated for most skin types with only minimal risk of irritation or pore clogging. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this or any other unfamiliar ingredient before full use.