St
Steareth-20
Steareth-20 · Steareth-21
A non-ionic emulsifier that helps oil and water blend into a stable, smooth cream.
What it does
Steareth-20 and the closely related Steareth-21 are non-ionic emulsifiers made from stearyl alcohol. They lower the tension between oil and water so the two phases blend into a stable emulsion; they are often paired with a lower-number steareth to fine-tune the balance. They are structural emulsifiers rather than skin actives.
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