Like other ingredients in the beauty and personal care industry, PEG 100 stearate has uses outside of the industry as well. The Food and Drug Administration has approved it as an indirect food additive, which means it becomes a part of the food in trace amounts during packaging, storing, and handling. As an indirect food additive, PEG 100 stearate works as a de-foaming agent; it is used to coat paper and cardboard in food packaging.