PEG-3 Distearate

PEG-3 Distearate molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Peg 3 Distearate?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 3 Distearate is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: PEG-3 Distearate is generally low risk when used on the skin in finished products, but there are concerns about contamination with chemicals like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

✅What to Do

If you are an adult using a cream or lotion that lists PEG-3 Distearate: prefer brands that test and confirm low contaminant levels; avoid putting the product on open cuts or irritated skin; rinse off if you notice any stinging or redness. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have very sensitive skin, consider picking a product without this ingredient.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or allergic reaction and stop use if you get a rash. The ingredient database notes contamination concerns (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) and that some product-certification programs restrict this ingredient unless companies provide safety data — choose products from companies that test for these contaminants when possible.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. These two impurities are known by health regulators to be linked with cancer risk, and the ingredient’s safety notes call out those contaminants explicitly.
Banned: Industry and government safety notes recommend limits and controls on use, concentration, and impurities for this ingredient. A cosmetic safety review panel also notes restrictions and the need for substantiation before use in verified products, so some programs limit or restrict its use.
Long-Term Risk: Safety reviews point to data gaps and that assessments were sometimes based on related chemicals rather than full data for this exact ingredient. Combined with the contamination by long‑term hazards (listed above), this creates a credible risk of harm from repeated or long-term exposure.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-3 Distearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg-3 distearatePEG-3 DISTEARATETRIGLYCOL DISTEARATEPOLYOXYETHYLENE (3) DISTEARATEPOLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (3) DISTEARATESCHEMBL11828691

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing PEG-3 Distearate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain PEG-3 Distearate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About PEG-3 Distearate

Is this safe for adults to use PEG-3 Distearate?

Yes, PEG-3 Distearate is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of PEG-3 Distearate for adults?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the banned risks of PEG-3 Distearate for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the long-term risk risks of PEG-3 Distearate for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain PEG-3 Distearate?

PEG-3 Distearate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with PEG-3 Distearate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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