Steareth-20
Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)
Steareth-20, otherwise known as sodium cocoyl alaninate, is an ingredient that is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products, especially washing and cleansing products. It is a surfactant, which is a substance that allows the reduction of surface tension between two different phases of a product, such as between oil and water in shampoos. As a result, it is able to promote the formation of foam and prevent the separation of the different components of the product.
The products in which this substance can be traced vary. It can be found mainly in shampoos, body shower gels, hair conditioners, but also, for example, in some types of make-up. It is also found in some less traditional products such as skin cleansers, make-up removers and even toothpastes. It is particularly popular for its saponification and stabilising properties and for its low toxicity.