Surfactant ingredient
PEG-10 Isostearate
PEG-10 Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of isostearic acid (C18 branched-chain fatty acid). It is used as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing balms, where its hydrophilic PEG chain and lipophilic isostearate chain assist in balm-to-emulsion phase inversion during rinsing. The branched isostearic acid chain maintains the product in a semi-solid (rather than waxy crystalline) state at room temperature.
emulsifyingsolubilizingskin-conditioning
Benefits
- ✓Mild PEG ester of isostearic acid that functions as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing balm formulations
- ✓Isostearic acid's branched chain prevents crystallization at room temperature, keeping the balm soft and spreadable
- ✓Contributes to the rinsability of anhydrous cleansing formulas alongside the primary emulsifier
Watch for
- ⚠Ethoxylated ingredient — trace 1,4-dioxane risk; cosmetic-grade meets regulatory purity standards
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate+ Cetyl Ethylhexanoate+ Synthetic Wax