surfactant · emulsifier
Steareth-21
Commonly feared, low concern·Moderate evidence
A surfactant derived from stearyl alcohol with a higher degree of ethoxylation than Steareth-2, providing enhanced emulsification. It is graded safe for cosmetic use and well tolerated.
The myth vs the evidence
The "eth" suffix indicates ethoxylation, which clean beauty sometimes conflates with PEG concerns. Steareth-21 is approved for cosmetic use. The evidence does not support the fear.
Questions
- Is steareth-21 harsh?
- Steareth-21 is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cleansers and shampoos. Published reviews do not identify it as unusually harsh compared to other surfactants at typical use levels, though concentrations matter.
- What does steareth-21 do?
- This ingredient helps cleanse by lifting oils and impurities, and also acts as an emulsifier to blend water and oil in formulations. It's milder than some other surfactants.
Products with Steareth-21
- 100AmLactinDaily Nourish Lotion
- 100AmLactinFoot Repair Cream
- 99Gold BondAge Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion
- 97WinonaSunblock Milk Sunscreen SPF48 Pa+++
- 97CetaphilRich Night Cream
- 97BenefitThey're Real! Lengthening Mascara
- 94NacificUyu Cream Toner
- 93Gold BondRadiance Renewal Hydrating Lotion
- 92Gold BondDiabetics' Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion
- 89OlayComplete All Day Moisturizer SPF 15
- 88Charlotte TilburyMagic Cream
- 88Gold BondExtra Strength Medicated Body Lotion
- 87First Aid BeautyKP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA
- 87FreshRose Deep Hydration Face Cream
- 86Buttah SkinCocoShea Revitalizing Cream
- 86Lab SeriesAll-In-One Defense Lotion Moisturizer SPF 35
- 85FreshSoy Face Cleansing Milk
- 85SanexDermo Sensitive 24H Anti-Perspirant Roll-On
- 85Clean & ClearBlackhead Clearing Daily Scrub
- 82Gold BondUltimate Healing Lotion with Aloe
- 82Gold BondUltimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion with Aloe
- 81AveenoPositively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
- 78KopariUltra Restore Body Butter
- 74SilkaPapaya Lotion
- 72Gold BondHealing Foot Cream
- 69AveenoPositively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- 69NeutrogenaRapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer SPF 30
- 67NiveaMen Protect & Care
- 59AveenoDaily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15
- 52BorotalcoInvisible Roll On
- 50Pond'sRejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream
- 50Jack BlackCool Moisture Body Lotion
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.