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Steareth-2

Steareth-2 suppliers and sourcing guide

Steareth-2 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting stearyl alcohol with an average of two moles of ethylene oxide. It is a low-HLB, oil-soluble emulsifier, most often paired with steareth-21 or steareth-20 to build oil-in-water creams and lotions. Brands buy it as white waxy flakes or pastilles.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
PEG-2 stearyl ether · Polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether · Polyethylene glycol (2) stearyl ether · CAS 9005-00-9
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of Steareth-2

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Flakes or pastilles

    Pure steareth-2 as waxy solids added to the oil phase.

  • Paired emulsifier sets

    Sold or recommended together with steareth-21 or steareth-20 to give a balanced HLB.

  • Vegetable-source grades

    Made from plant-derived stearyl alcohol, often with RSPO certification.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Infrared spectrum and hydroxyl value, which confirm the low ethoxylation level.
Acid and saponification values
Titration values that show free fatty acid and ester impurities.
1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide
Residual 1,4-dioxane and free ethylene oxide by headspace GC-MS.
Water content
Water by Karl Fischer.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store steareth-2 in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers, and avoid prolonged heating of the bulk container. Shelf life and retest dates follow the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record hydroxyl value and 1,4-dioxane results for each lot; keep the steareth-2 and steareth-21 lots on the batch record together, because the pair sets the emulsion's balance.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Steareth-2 suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking Steareth-2 suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of Steareth-2 can brands buy?

Common forms include flakes or pastilles, paired emulsifier sets and vegetable-source grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for Steareth-2 include?

Expect identity, acid and saponification values, 1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide, water content and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should Steareth-2 be stored?

Store steareth-2 in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers, and avoid prolonged heating of the bulk container. Shelf life and retest dates follow the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of Steareth-2?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists steareth-2 (proper names include polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether) with non-medicinal purposes of emulsifying agent and surfactant, for topical use. The same database entry sets an oral upper limit of 10 mg/kg body weight daily as a combined limit for all types of polyethylene glycol, citing JECFA 1979.

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