Steareth-21

Also searched asSteareth-21Steareth 21

Role: An emulsifier that helps keep oils and water in a uniform mixture.
Catalog formulas: 17
Type: Texture
Verified: 06.11.2026

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

An ether of stearyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol with an average of 21 ethylene oxide units. CosIng lists emulsifying and cleansing functions.

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

In the catalog it always appears together with Steareth-2, mostly in roll-on emulsions. It shapes the stability and texture of the base and does not reduce sweating.

Regulatory and scientific context

The CIR assessed Steareth-21 as part of the alkyl PEG ethers group (2012) and found it safe in the present practices of use when the formula does not irritate the skin.

What sensitive skin should consider

The CIR conclusion is conditional on a non-irritating formula. An individual reaction to the finished product is still possible.

Do not confuse with

Do not confuse it with Steareth-2: they belong to the same series but have different polyethylene glycol chain lengths and count as two separate ingredients.

Products containing Steareth-21

Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.

ProductFormatRole in the formulaFull analysis

Skinphoria Fresh Protection 48h 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Just Malve Deodorant Antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

LR Aloe Via Aloe Vera Protecting Deo Roll-on 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Deonica Invisible antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Deonica Hypoallergenic antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Deonica PRO-Protection antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Uriage Déodorant Puissance 3 Roll-on 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Payot Rituel Douceur roll-on 75 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Deonica Nature Protection roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Deonica Vitamin Energy roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

NIVEA Powder Effect Fresh antiperspirant stick 50 mlstickemulsifierOpen

Ziaja Elegance creamy antiperspirant 60 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

NIVEA Pearl & Beauty roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Ziaja Sensitive creamy antiperspirant 60 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Deonica For Men Antibacterial roll-on 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

NIVEA MEN Black & White Invisible Original stick 50 mlstickemulsifierOpen

NIVEA MEN Black & White MAX PRO roll-on 50 mlroll-onemulsifierOpen

Sources

The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.

EU CosIng: STEARETH-21 Supports: function, substance identity
CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl PEG Ethers as Used in Cosmetics (2012) Supports: safety assessment, non-irritating formulation condition

Steareth-21

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

Products containing Steareth-21

Sources

Ingredients with a similar role