Surfactant ingredient
Steareth-2
A PEG-2 ether of stearyl alcohol, a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier commonly paired with higher-HLB steareths to stabilize water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions.
emulsifiersurfactant
Benefits
- ✓Co-emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions
- ✓Improves texture and skin feel of emulsions
Watch for
- ⚠May contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing by-product of ethoxylation
In depth
What it does
A PEG-2 ether of stearyl alcohol, a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier commonly paired with higher-HLB steareths to stabilize water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. As an surfactant ingredient, it is particularly valued for co-emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions and improves texture and skin feel of emulsions.
How to use it
Used as part of a cleanser, so placement is straightforward — it's your first step, applied to damp skin and rinsed off thoroughly. Avoid overwashing, which can disrupt the skin barrier.
