Steareth-2

Good

Emulsifier

No known benefits

Steareth-2 at a glance

  • Waxy compound that is a derivative of stearyl alcohol (which is a non-irritating fatty alcohol)
  • Primarily functions as an emulsifier to help water and oil-based ingredients stay blended
  • Often combined with steareth-21 to improve a product’s sensory attributes
  • Deemed safe by the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel

Steareth-2 description

Steareth-2 is a waxy compound that primarily functions as an emulsifier to help water and oil-based ingredients stay together so that an emulsion is formed. If an ingredient such as this is absent from certain skin care formulations, the solution would separate (sort of like what you see with certain oil-based salad dressings). Steareth-2 is often combined with other steareth ingredients, such as steareth-21, since this combination provides an elevated sensory experience. Steareth ingredients are prepared by interacting with the chemical intermediate gas ethylene oxide with stearyl alcohol, a process which forms an entirely new stable compound. The number that comes after (for instance, 2) indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units used in the preparation. In 2012, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel ruled that steareth-2 is safe as used in cosmetics in amounts up to 10%. There have been concerns about the safety of steareth ingredients because toxic 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, can be produced; however, this is eliminated through purification processes.

Steareth-2 references

  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2012, pages 169S-244S

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Calificaciones de ingredientes

Best

Probado y respaldado por estudios independientes. Ingrediente activo excepcional para la mayoría de los tipos de piel o problemas.

Good

Necesario para mejorar la textura, estabilidad o penetración de una fórmula.

Average

Generalmente no irritante, pero puede presentar problemas de aspecto, de estabilidad u otros que limiten su utilidad.

Bad

Hay probabilidad de irritación. El riesgo aumenta cuando se combina con otros ingredientes problemáticos.

Worst

Puede causar irritación, inflamación, sequedad, etc. Puede ofrecer algún beneficio en cierta medida, pero en general, se ha comprobado que causa más daño que beneficio.

Desconocido

No pudimos encontrarlo en nuestro diccionario de ingredientes. Registramos todos los ingredientes que faltan y realizamos actualizaciones continuas.

No calificado

Aún no hemos calificado este ingrediente porque no hemos tenido la oportunidad de revisar las investigaciones existentes sobre él.