How we scored it
Where it comes from
A urethane-linked associative thickener built from long petrochemical PEG/steareth-100 chains joined by hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), with stearyl alcohol (vegetable-derived) end groups. The long PEG chains dominate the mass.
In plain English
A synthetic polymer thickener used in gels and lotions, made almost entirely from petroleum-derived ethylene oxide and a synthetic linker, with tiny vegetable-derived fatty ends.
CosIng definition: Steareth-100/PEG-136/HDI Copolymer is a copolymer of steareth-100, PEG-136 and hexamethylene diisocyanate monomers
Natural alternatives with the same function
A gelling and thickening gum extracted from red seaweed. It is used to give products body and texture,…
Agarose 100% natural originA gelling and thickening ingredient extracted from red seaweed, used to give lotions and gels body.
Algin 100% natural originSodium alginate, a thickening and binding gum extracted from brown seaweed. It's harvested from algae and processed to…
Alginic Acid 100% natural originA gelling and thickening gum extracted from brown seaweed, the acid form of alginate. It's harvested and purified…
Aluminum Behenate 100% natural originThe aluminium salt of behenic acid, a fatty acid from rapeseed or similar seed oils. Used in small…
Aluminum Distearate 100% natural originAn aluminium salt of stearic acid, a fatty acid from vegetable oil or animal fat. Used in powders…
References
- 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.
- 2STEARETH-100/PEG-136/HDI COPOLYMER. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3STEARETH-100/PEG-136/HDI COPOLYMER. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=STEARETH-100/PEG-136/HDI%20COPOLYMER