Common Name(s): Isosteareth-200 palmitate,high-eo solubiliser,hlb ~18 clear toner emulsifier
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Solubilises oils and fragrance concentrates into completely clear, stable aqueous formulations — the extremely high hlb from 200 eo units ensures total dispersal of lipophilic materials without the slightest haze in transparent product formats.
Why It's Used: 200 eo chain length creates hlb ~18 — so hydrophilic that the ingredient forms genuine micellar solutions rather than conventional emulsions, enabling water-clear fragrance toners that cannot be achieved with standard hlb 10-15 emulsifiers.
How It Works: 200 ethylene oxide units create a large water-swollen peo corona around the small isostearyl palmitate lipophilic core. the critical packing parameter p less than 1/3 drives spherical micelle formation. micelles solubilise lipophilic fragrance molecules in their hydrophobic core providing optically clear solutions — no emulsification droplets, no haze.
Typically Found In: Clear toners,fragrance solubilisation,micellar water
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
High-eo ethoxylates require 1,4-dioxane monitoring — ethoxylation generates trace dioxane by-product. eu and us require residual dioxane below 10 ppm. supplier qc documentation should confirm compliance.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,high-eo ethoxylate fragrance solubiliser review