Common Name(s): Isoceteth-10 stearate,peg-10 isocetyl stearate ether,branched c16 peg-10 stearate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water mix in formulas while also conditioning and softening skin.
Why It's Used: The stearate ester reduces the hlb of isoceteth-10 to a balanced ~10–12, enabling stable emulsification of richer oil phases for more moisturizing formulas.
How It Works: The peg-10 eo chain provides hydrophilicity; the stearate ester on the terminal hydroxyl reduces overall hlb, enabling stable emulsification of heavier oil phases. the isocetyl branching minimizes wax crystallinity.
Typically Found In: Rich creams,moisturizers,anti-aging formulations,body lotions
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,surfactant
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Isocetyl alcohol synthetic; stearic acid from plant (palm/soy) or synthetic; ethylene oxide from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. peg-based; potential trace 1,4-dioxane in ethoxylated portion; verify for certified natural/organic use.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2. standard peg emulsifier safety applies.
Works Well With: Emollients,humectants,fatty alcohols,other peg emulsifiers
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities at typical use concentrations
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Combines properties of isoceteth-10 (branched peg ether) with stearate esterification; the dual modification enables hlb tuning between ~10 and ~14 depending on stearate ratio, giving formulators flexibility.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,supplier technical data sheets