Database/Cleansing/PEG-2 Isostearate
Mostly natural · ISO 16128

Is PEG-2 Isostearate natural?

Mostly. Isostearic acid is oleochemical; the short PEG-2 chain is petrochemical and a minority of the molecule's mass.

INCI namePEG-2 Isostearate
CAS56002-14-3
FunctionCleansing · Emulsifying Surfactant
FeedstockMade by esterifying isostearic acid (a branched oleochemical…

How we scored it

Isostearoyl (natural, 267.5 Da) + diethylene-glycol bridge less 1H (petrochemical, 105.1 Da) = 372.6 Da; 267.5/372.6=0.72. Given formula (C24H48O5) implies 3 EO; used text's stated 2 mol EO.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Made by esterifying isostearic acid (a branched oleochemical fatty acid) onto one end of a PEG-2 (diethylene glycol) chain from petrochemical ethylene oxide. No significant alternative route.

In plain English

A mild cleansing and emulsifying ingredient made from a branched plant/animal-fat fatty acid attached to a short synthetic glycol chain.

CosIng definition: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxoisooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (2 mol EO average molar ratio)

Natural alternatives with the same function

Achillea Millefolium Extract 100% natural origin

An extract from yarrow, a traditional herb, used to refresh and condition skin and help control oiliness. It's…

 Achillea Millefolium Oil 100% natural origin

An essential oil steam-distilled from yarrow flowers, used for its scent and soothing, cleansing properties. It comes directly…

 Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide 100% natural origin

A short chain of glucose sugar units made by fermenting sucrose with a bacterial enzyme. Used to cleanse,…

 Arachidic Acid 100% natural origin

A waxy fatty acid from peanut and other vegetable oils, used to thicken formulas and give creams and…

 Babassu Acid 100% natural origin

A blend of fatty acids from babassu palm seed oil, used to cleanse and help stabilise the texture…

 Behenic Acid 100% natural origin

A long-chain fatty acid from vegetable oil, used to thicken and stabilise creams and conditioners. It is extracted…

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2PEG-2 ISOSTEARATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3PEG-2 ISOSTEARATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=PEG-2%20ISOSTEARATE