What it is
A diester of polyethylene glycol (MW around 6000) and stearic acid, a waxy solid.
What it does
Thickener and viscosity modifier in shampoos and body washes.
Why it’s a concern
Ethoxylation contamination with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide is the primary concern. While the polymer itself is considered low-hazard, residual process impurities have been flagged by the US EPA as probable human carcinogens.
Also known as
polyethylene glycol 150 distearate
CAS numbers
9005-08-7
Commonly found in
shampoobody wash
Safer alternatives
- xanthan gum
- guar gum thickeners
Related chemical families
Sources
- US EPA IRIS 1,4-Dioxane