Is Steareth-21 safe in cosmetics?
Steareth-21 has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Surfactant
Steareth-21
INCI: STEARETH-21
Steareth-21 (CAS 21-01-1) is a cosmetic surfactant functioning as Surfactant, emulsifier. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted, max 60%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 21-01-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Surfactant, emulsifier
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
EU Max Conc.
60%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted by FDA for cosmetic use without restriction. CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating. Also listed as an indirect food additive under 21 CFR 177.2800 for use in textiles and textile fibers in food contact applications.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Steareth-21.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
5 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "2", "irritancy_rating": "1", "skin_type_suitability": "dry,combination,normal", "acne_safe": "caution", "source": "Emulsifier"}
emulsifier
{"cas_number": "9005-00-9", "ingredient_class": "O/W_emulsifier", "chemical_type": "ethoxylated_fatty_alcohol", "HLB_value": "6.7", "HLB_required_for_oil_phase": "5-9", "emulsion_type_primary": "O/W", "droplet_size_typical_um": "0.5-2", "critical_micelle_concentration_pct": "0.001-0.05", "surface_tension_reduction_mN_m": "27", "interfacial_tension_reduction": "32", "foam_formation": "moderate", "f…
emulsion_hlb
{"hlb_value": "15.5", "hlb_required_as_emulsifier": "yes", "emulsifier_type": "o_w", "critical_packing_parameter": "0.20-0.30", "phase_inversion_temperature_c": "82-88", "emulsion_stabilization_mechanism": "steric_stabilization", "co_emulsifier_pairs": "cetyl_alcohol", "optimal_oil_phase_pct": "4-12", "optimal_water_phase_pct": "88-96", "electrolyte_tolerance": "low", "pH_emulsion_stability_range"…
sensory
{"silky": "waxy", "smooth, glides easily": "creamy, emulsifies", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "soft, smooth", "instant": "moderate", "low": "high", "w/o": "o/w", "very-high": "moderate", "no": "yes", "yes": "no", "1.40": "1.46", "transparent": "opaque", "colorless": "white", "excellent": "fair", "light": "medium", "synthetic": "synthetic"}
surfactant
{"cas_number": "9005-00-9", "surfactant_type": "nonionic", "chemical_class": "ethoxylate", "charge_at_use_ph": "neutral", "cmc_critical_micelle_concentration_mm": "0.005", "hlb_value": "15.6", "foam_volume_ml_ross_miles": "90", "foam_quality": "airy", "foam_stability_5min_pct": "65", "cleansing_power_rating_1_to_10": "5.0", "oil_emulsification_capacity": "good", "sebum_removal_efficiency": "good",…
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Steareth-21.
Regulatory Flags
eu-unrestricted
cir-approved
no-sccs-opinion
non-sensitizing
penetration-enhancer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steareth-21 allowed in the EU?
Steareth-21 EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 60%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Steareth-21 do in cosmetics?
Steareth-21 functions as: Surfactant, emulsifier. It is classified as a Surfactant in our database. CAS number: 21-01-1.
Compliance Tools
Check Steareth-21 compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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