Steareth – 21

Description :

Steareth-21 is used as an emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products, including makeup, lotions, personal cleanliness products and deodorants, as well as suntan, fragrance, skin, eye and hair care products. It is also used as cleansing agent in shampoo, shower gel, face wash; as an emulsifying agent to promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil) in creams, lotions; and as a surfactant to reduce the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product during use.In 2012, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel ruled that steareth-21 is safe as used in cosmetics in amounts up to 7%. There have been concerns about the safety of steareth ingredients because toxic 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, can be produced; however, this is eliminated through purification processes.