Substituting Steareth-2

Steareth-2 is an emulsifier commonly used in cosmetic formulations, particularly in products like antiperspirants and deodorants, due to its ability to withstand electrolytes and provide a non-sticky feel.

Several ingredients can potentially substitute or be used in combination with Steareth-2, depending on your specific formulation needs:

• Steareth-21: This is a very similar ingredient to Steareth-2 and is also commonly used in underarm products. It shares similar characteristics, including electrolyte resistance and a non-sticky feel. Steareth-21 can often be used as a direct substitute or co-emulsifier, typically at a higher usage rate (1-20%) compared to Steareth-2 (1-10%).

• Sorbitan Stearate (eq. Span 60): This is a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier with an HLB similar to Steareth-2. It can be a suitable alternative, especially in W/O emulsions or as a co-emulsifier in O/W systems, depending on the desired emulsion stability and texture.

• Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate: Another water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier with an HLB around 5, similar to Steareth-2. It can also serve as an alternative or co-emulsifier in various formulations.

• Steareth-10: While also a Steareth, Steareth-10 primarily functions as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier. It might be used in different types of formulations or in combination with other emulsifiers to achieve specific textures and stability.

The best substitute will depend on the type of emulsion you are creating (W/O or O/W), the other ingredients in your formulation, and the desired final product characteristics.