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PEG-100 stearate

PEG-100 stearate suppliers and sourcing guide

PEG-100 stearate is a nonionic emulsifier made by ethoxylating stearic acid with an average of about 100 ethylene oxide units, giving a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid. The stearic acid usually comes from palm or other vegetable fats. It is a white waxy solid most often bought pre-blended with glyceryl stearate (a common 50:50 combination) as flakes or beads for oil-in-water creams and lotions.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Polyoxyl 100 stearate · Polyoxyethylene (100) monostearate · Polyethylene glycol 100 stearate · CAS 9004-99-3
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of PEG-100 stearate

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

  • Glyceryl stearate (and) PEG-100 stearate

    The common commercial blend, sold under several trade names as an acid-stable emulsifier for creams and lotions.

  • Neat PEG-100 stearate

    The single ingredient as flakes or a waxy solid, used where a formulator builds its own emulsifier ratio.

  • Pharmaceutical grade

    Material made to the polyoxyl stearate monograph in USP-NF or EP, with tighter impurity limits.

  • RSPO-certified

    Grades made from certified palm-based stearic acid under mass-balance or segregated supply.

What to check on the COA

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

Identity
IR spectrum and compendial identity tests against a reference.
Acid, hydroxyl and saponification values
Titration values that confirm degree of ethoxylation and free fatty acid.
Ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane
Residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane by headspace GC, reported against the supplier's limit; these are by-products of ethoxylation.
Free polyethylene glycol
Unesterified PEG content, reported for compendial grades.
Water
Water by Karl Fischer titration.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, FCC or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture, since flakes absorb water and can cake. Avoid prolonged heating, which can oxidize the PEG chain. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and peroxide value for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide results for each lot, along with the blend ratio when buying the glyceryl stearate blend. Rotate FIFO and keep a retained sample of approved lots.

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.

PEG-100 stearate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking PEG-100 stearate 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.

Sell PEG-100 stearate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of PEG-100 stearate can brands buy?

Common forms include glyceryl stearate (and) PEG-100 stearate, neat PEG-100 stearate, pharmaceutical grade and rSPO-certified. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for PEG-100 stearate include?

Expect identity, acid, hydroxyl and saponification values, ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, free polyethylene glycol, water and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should PEG-100 stearate be stored?

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture, since flakes absorb water and can cake. Avoid prolonged heating, which can oxidize the PEG chain. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and peroxide value for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of PEG-100 stearate?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists PEG-100 stearate (proper names polyoxyethylene (100) monostearate and polyoxyl 100 stearate, CAS 9004-99-3) as an approved ingredient. The same database entry lists its non-medicinal purposes as emulsifying agent and cleansing surfactant.

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