Methyl glucose sesquistearate is an emollient and surfactant.
Contents
Uses
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Applications:
- Moisturizing lotions
- Liquid make-ups
- Make-up removers
- Soap bars
- Sunscreens
- Emollient body sprays
- Wipes
Benefits
- When used with Glucate SS emulsifier, it provides long-term shelf life and viscosity stability
- Primary oil-in-water emulsifier
- Retards viscosity breakdown
- Forms white, elegant emulsions
- Cleanser, stabilizer for pigment dispersions in make-up
PEG 20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is used in beauty products and cosmetics as both an emollient and surfactant. It is the polyethylene glycol ether of the mono and diesters of Methyl Glucose and Stearic Acid, and is minimally absorbed by skin because of its low molecular weight, according to research.
Caution
The Cosmetics Database finds PEG 20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate to be a moderate hazard depending on use and 79% safe, and notes contamination and toxicity concerns.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Toxicology, PEGs (including PEG 20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate) can contain harmful impurities, including: Ethylene Oxide, known to increase the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of leukemia and brain cancer, according to experimental results reported by the National Toxicology Program; 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen; PAHs, known to increase the risk of breast cancer; lead; iron; and arsenic (Source).
Products and formulas containing PEGs should not be used on broken or irritated skin. Although PEGs are considered safe for use topically on healthy skin, studies showed that patients suffering from severe burns were treated with PEG-based antimicrobial cream; this treatment resulted in kidney toxicity. “The PEG content of the antimicrobial cream was determined to be the causative agent. However, no evidence of systemic toxicity occurred in studies with intact skin. Because of the observation of kidney effects in burn patients, the CIR Expert Panel qualified their conclusion on the safety of the PEG ingredients to state that cosmetic formulations containing these ingredients should not be used on damaged skin” (CosmeticsInfo.org).
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
n/a
Reference
Source: Lubrizol, https://www.lubrizol.com/PersonalCare/Products/Emulsifiers/GlucamateSSE-20.html
TruthinAging, https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/peg-20-methyl-glucose-sesquistearate