Ingredient

Steareth-2

Mid risk

FunctionEmulsifier

What it is — Steareth-2 (INCI: Steareth-2) is stearyl alcohol with two ethylene oxide units, a low-ethoxylated and therefore oil-leaning emulsifier.

What it does — It stabilises oil-in-water systems and adds body. It is typically paired with a high-ethoxylated partner such as Steareth-20 or Ceteareth-20 to hit a target emulsion.

Typical use — It is common in creams, conditioners and the cream developers used in hair colour.

Who it suits / good to know — Generally well tolerated on intact skin. Ethoxylated emulsifiers can be more penetrating on broken or compromised skin, which is part of why we grade this family mid rather than low.

Safety — DHALIORA grades it mid risk in its EWG-style, ingredient-by-ingredient review. This reflects the ingredient in general and is not medical advice; patch-test if your skin is easily irritated.

Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 1 DHALIORA product

Levero Coloring Shampoo — PPD-Free Grey Coverage 300ml Levero Coloring Shampoo — PPD-Free Grey Coverage 300mlScreening 8.5
How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
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