Common Name(s): Steareth-2 phosphate,peg-2 stearyl ether phosphate,phosphate ester steareth
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water blend while conditioning skin with a mild anionic emulsifier.
Why It's Used: Phosphate ester of peg-2 stearyl ether provides anionic o/w emulsification at a lower irritation profile than sulfate analogs; stearyl chain contributes emolliency.
How It Works: Phosphate head provides anionic emulsification; peg-2 stearyl ether tail provides emolliency and moderate lipophilicity (hlb ~6–8 range); phosphate esters are milder than sulfates.
Typically Found In: Emulsion systems,skin conditioning products,mild anionic emulsifier applications
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Surfactant,skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Stearyl alcohol from plant (coconut/palm); eo from petrochemical; phosphoric acid esterification. [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: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Mild anionic emulsifier; generally well tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Nonionic emulsifiers,fatty alcohols,emollients
Avoid Combining With: Strong acids (hydrolysis of phosphate ester)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Steareth-2 phosphate is an anionic-nonionic hybrid emulsifier; the phosphate provides anionic charge while peg-2 stearyl ether provides nonionic emolliency; used in mild emulsion systems where sulfate-free anionic emulsification is needed.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary