Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Bárány E, Lindberg M, Lodén M. Unexpected skin barrier influence from nonionic emulsifiers. Int J Pharm. 2000 Feb 15;195(1-2):189-95. doi: 10.1016/s0378-5173(99)00388-9.

Abstract. These results highlight the possibility of absorption of these emulsifiers into the lipid bilayer, which increase TEWL in normal skin and decrease TEWL in damaged skin.

Pasquali, R. C., Taurozzi, M. P., Sacco, N., & Bregni, C. (2008). Birefringent emulsions stabilized with steareth-2 and steareth-21. Lat. Am. J. Pharm, 27(6), 839-44.

Abstract. In this research, birefringent emulsions stabilized with Steareth-2 and Steareth-21 were studied

dos Santos OD, da Rocha-Filho PA. Influence of surfactant on the thermal behavior of marigold oil emulsions with liquid crystal phases. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2007 May;33(5):543-9. doi: 10.1080/03639040600975238.

Abstract. In the present work, it was studied that the influence of the size of carbon chain and the number of ethylene oxide moieties of the surfactant on the thermal behavior of eight emulsions prepared with marigold oil stabilized by liquid crystal phases. 

Zanatta CF, de Faria Sato AM, de Camargo FB Jr, Campos PM, Rocha-Filho PA. Rheological behavior, zeta potential, and accelerated stability tests of Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) emulsions containing lyotropic liquid crystals. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2010 Jan;36(1):93-101. doi: 10.3109/03639040903099728. 

Abstract. The purpose of this work was to obtain emulsions produced with Buriti oil and non-ionic surfactants.

Panel, C. E., & Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of steareth-2,-4,-6,-7,-10,-11,-13,-15, and-20. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7, 881-910.

Abstract. On the basis of the available data it is concluded that steareths-2,-4,-6,-7,-10,-11,-13,-15, and-20 are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration.