PEG-40 Stearate

PEG-40 Stearate molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Peg 40 Stearate?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 40 Stearate is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, PEG-40 Stearate is generally low risk when used on normal, healthy skin. It’s widely used to help mix oil and water in creams and lotions. The main concern is not the ingredient itself but possible impurities from manufacturing.

✅What to Do

Choose products from reputable brands that test for impurities or list testing/quality controls. Use products only on intact skin, avoid applying to open wounds or irritated areas, and stop use if you get redness, itching, or a rash. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for signs of irritation (redness, burning, itching) and stop use if they occur. There are documented concerns about contamination by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during manufacture (noted in industry safety reviews such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and by regulatory reviews), and some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers show adequate impurity testing. If a product does not disclose quality or testing information, consider choosing a different product.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: This ingredient can carry high contamination by ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those contaminants are known to be linked to cancer and were specifically flagged as a contamination concern in the ingredient review. The cosmetic industry safety review notes gaps in testing and limits that rely on how the ingredient is made, which raises real cancer-related worry from these impurities (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review and regulator findings).
Long-Term Risk: Because of the contamination concern with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane and noted gaps in safety assessments, there is a potential for health effects that show up after repeated or long-term exposure. The industry safety review called out data gaps and testing limits that make long-term risk harder to rule out (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review).
Environmental: Government review flagged this substance as suspected to be harmful to the environment. That means using products with this ingredient could have negative effects beyond the person applying them (source: Environment Canada).

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-40 Stearate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg 40 stearatepeg-40 stearate4310-EP2270004A14310-EP2305647A1S-1514310-EP2295503A14310-EP2301544A14310-EP2298735A14310-EP2272827A1POLY(OXY-1, 2-ETHANEDIYL), .ALPHA.-HYDRO-.OMEGA.-HYDROXY-, OCTADECANOATE4310-EP2275413A14310-EP2272832A1

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

Products Containing PEG-40 Stearate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain PEG-40 Stearate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About PEG-40 Stearate

Is this safe for adults to use PEG-40 Stearate?

Yes, PEG-40 Stearate is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of PEG-40 Stearate for adults?

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

What are the long-term risk risks of PEG-40 Stearate for adults?

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

What are the environmental risks of PEG-40 Stearate for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain PEG-40 Stearate?

PEG-40 Stearate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with PEG-40 Stearate?

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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