What Is Steareth-5?
Steareth-5 is a nonionic surfactant created by attaching about five units of ethylene oxide to stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm or produced synthetically. This combination gives the ingredient both a water-loving and an oil-loving side, allowing it to mix substances that normally separate.
Ethoxylated fatty alcohols entered the cosmetics scene in the 1950s when formulators needed milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Over time Steareth-5 became a favorite for its balance of cleaning power and gentleness, letting brands design products that rinse clean yet feel soft on skin or hair.
The manufacturing process is straightforward: purified stearyl alcohol is reacted with controlled amounts of ethylene oxide under heat and pressure. The result is a waxy solid or thick liquid that blends easily into water or oil bases during production.
You will most often find Steareth-5 in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, lotions, creams, hair conditioners, sunscreens, sheet masks and leave-on serums where a light, non-greasy feel is desired.
Steareth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Steareth-5 performs two key jobs that improve texture and performance.
- Cleansing – Its surfactant nature lifts away dirt, makeup and excess oil then helps these impurities rinse off with water, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without tightness
- Emulsifying – By keeping oil and water evenly mixed it creates stable, smooth creams and lotions so the product stays uniform from the first use to the last and spreads comfortably on application
Who Can Use Steareth-5
Steareth-5 is generally considered suitable for all skin types. Its mild cleansing action works well for oily and combination skin without leaving a residue while its ability to form lightweight emulsions means it will not overwhelm dry or sensitive skin when used at typical levels. Extremely reactive skin may still prefer minimal-ingredient formulas if it struggles with any surfactant, but most users tolerate Steareth-5 easily.
The ingredient can be vegan friendly because stearyl alcohol is most often sourced from coconut or palm oil or produced synthetically. A small number of manufacturers may use animal-derived fatty alcohols so strict vegans and vegetarians should look for products that specify plant origin or carry reliable vegan certification.
No research indicates that Steareth-5 poses special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically in cosmetics. That said this article is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional just to be on the safe side.
Steareth-5 does not cause photosensitivity so daytime use alongside sunscreen is fine. It is also nonvolatile so it will not contribute to inhalation concerns in sprays or aerosols.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Steareth-5 vary from person to person. The following are potential side effects that can occur, yet they are not common when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness itching or a stinging sensation especially on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual develops an allergy to the ingredient
- Transient eye irritation or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness if the overall formula contains a high level of surfactants and inadequate moisturizers
If you experience any of these reactions discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Although Steareth-5 is derived from stearyl alcohol, the addition of ethylene oxide units makes it far more water soluble and less likely to sit in pores. Studies and anecdotal feedback rarely link it to clogged pores, and usage levels in finished products are typically low, further reducing any risk of buildup.
People prone to acne or breakouts generally tolerate Steareth-5 without issue, so it is usually considered safe for blemish-prone skin.
One thing to keep in mind is the formula as a whole: heavy oils, waxes, or high surfactant loads can still cause congestion even if Steareth-5 itself is low on the comedogenic scale.
Summary
Steareth-5 acts as a mild cleanser and a reliable emulsifier, lifting away impurities while keeping oil and water perfectly blended. Its balanced structure delivers these benefits without stripping skin or leaving residue.
It enjoys steady if low-key popularity because it solves two formulating challenges in one ingredient and works well across cleansers, lotions and even sunscreens.
Safety profiles from regulators and independent reviews show Steareth-5 to be low risk for irritation or pore clogging, making it suitable for most skin types. As with any new cosmetic, patch test first to make sure your individual skin is happy with the product.