Steareth-2

CAS Number:

16057-43-5 (specific) and 9005-00-9 (general for PEG stearyl ethers family) .

Chemical Name: 

Steareth-2. Also known as Polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether, PEG-2 stearyl ether, 2-(2-octadecoxyethoxy)ethanol

Molecular Formula:

C22H46O3

Molecular Weight:

358.6 g/mol

Brand Name:

SABOWAX ST 2 MB (manufactured by SABO S.p.A)

EC Number:

 605-213-8

Common Form:

White to off-white solid waxy flakes

Uses:

Steareth-2 is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant derived from ethoxylated stearyl alcohol with an average of 2 moles of ethylene oxide . It is widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations as a co-emulsifier .

Primary Applications :

· Skin Care Products: Used in moisturizing creams, day and night creams, hand creams, lotions, foundation creams, mascara, eye creams, anti-aging products, sunscreens, and self-tanning products .

· Hair Care Products: Incorporated into conditioners, hair serums, styling creams, hair gels, and keratin straightening products .

· Antiperspirants & Deodorants: Suitable for antiperspirants, deodorants, and roll-on formulations .

· Depilatory Products: Used in depilatory creams .

· Color Cosmetics: Used in foundation creams, eye liner, and concealer formulations .

· Oral Care Products: Used in some toothpaste formulations .

· Industrial Applications: Used as a dispersant and wetting agent in textile, paint, and adhesive industries .

What does Steareth-2 / SABOWAX ST 2 MB do in a formulation?

• W/O Emulsifier & Co-emulsifier: Primary function. Due to its low HLB value (approximately 4.9-8.0), it is ideal for helping form water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions or as a co-emulsifier with hydrophilic emulsifiers such as Steareth-21 to produce highly stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions . Ideally used with Steareth-21 to improve the sensory properties of the product
• Surfactant: Reduces interfacial tension between oil and water, allowing homogeneous distribution of ingredients .
• Dispersant: Acts as a dispersing agent to ensure uniform distribution of active ingredients in formulations .
• Wetting Agent: Improves wettability of products and helps them spread easily .
• Emulsion Stabilizer: When used with a hydrophilic emulsifier, forms a protective layer around oil droplets preventing coalescence and separation .
• High Chemical Resistance: Exhibits high stability against acids and alkalis .

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: In 2012, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel ruled that Steareth-2 is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10% . Rated as "Good" by Paula's Choice .

· Skin/Eye Contact: Tests have shown that Steareth-2 in water is neither a primary irritant nor a sensitizer to human skin .

· Inhalation: Powder dust may irritate the respiratory tract. Avoid dust inhalation during manufacturing .

· Ingestion: Not intended for ingestion .

· Contamination Concerns: Important Warning: Like all ethoxylated derivatives, there is concern regarding potential contamination with toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing . However, these impurities are eliminated through rigorous purification processes (such as vacuum stripping) in high-quality products, and finished products must adhere to strict limits (typically <10 ppm) .

· Environmental Impact: The material is biodegradable. Available with RSPO MassBalance certification (sustainable palm oil) . Gluten-free, BSE/TSE-free, GMO-free, and VOC-free .

· Required PPE: Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and dust mask when handling raw material in manufacturing or laboratory settings .

· Storage and Handling Note: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Shelf life: 48 months (4 years) when stored properly .

Technical profile:

Chemical Structure & Properties :

· IUPAC Name: 2-(2-octadecoxyethoxy)ethanol

· InChI Key: ILCOCZBHMDEIAI-UHFFFAOYSA-N

· Molecular Structure: Hydrophobic stearyl chain (C18) + 2 hydrophilic ethylene oxide units

· Certifications & Compliance :

  · RSPO MassBalance Certified (sustainable palm oil)

  · COSMOS and ECOCERT compliant

  · Compliant with AICS, ECL, DSL, IECSC, ISHL, EC

  · Listed in China IECIC

  · Gluten-free, BSE/TSE-free, GMO-free, VOC-free