PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-100 Stearate
- Role
- A surfactant based on stearic acid and polyethylene glycol.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
An ester of stearic acid and polyethylene glycol (an average of 100 ethylene oxide units). CosIng lists it as a cleansing surfactant; the CIR describes PEG stearates mainly as surfactants and emollients.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
As a surfactant it helps finely mix phases that do not normally mix, such as oil and water, which is why it appears in cream and emulsion deodorants. It does not reduce sweating.
The CIR summary table (2014) lists PEG-100 Stearate as safe (reports from 1983 and 2005). In 2025 the CIR re-reviewed the PEG stearate group and kept its conclusion that they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.
It is generally used as a supporting emulsion ingredient; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.
Not the same as Stearic Acid or Glyceryl Stearate: in PEG-100 Stearate the stearic acid is bound to a long polyethylene glycol chain.
Products containing PEG-100 Stearate
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: PEG-100 Stearate Supports: function, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): PEG-100 Stearate Supports: substance description, use in cosmetics
- CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: safety conclusion
- CIR: Re-Review Summary of PEG Stearates as Used in Cosmetics (2025) Supports: INCI functions, safety assessment