PEG-10 Laurate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-10 Laurate?

PEG-10 Laurate is a synthetic ingredient formed by esterifying lauric acid, derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, with polyethylene glycol containing 10 ethylene oxide units. This creates a water-soluble nonionic surfactant commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and light lotions. It works by reducing surface tension between oil and water, allowing dirt, oils, and makeup to be rinsed away easily while enabling the blending of immiscible phases for smooth, stable product textures. In formulations, it contributes to gentle foaming action and helps maintain emulsion integrity without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier excessively. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance supports use in both cleansing and conditioning products, making it suitable for daily personal care routines.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2-4 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Facilitates effective removal of oils and impurities during cleansing.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Promotes mild foaming in washes and shampoos.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers for daily use.
Those with sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients or PEG compounds.
People with normal to oily skin needing stable, rinse-off products.
People preferring natural, non-synthetic formulations.
Users of shampoos and body washes preferring mild surfactants.
Individuals with rare allergies to coconut-derived fatty acids.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as safe for cosmetic use by Cosmetic Ingredient Review, with low to moderate hazard ratings from independent databases.
  • Potential for trace impurities like ethylene oxide requires good manufacturing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-10 Laurate

What is PEG-10 Laurate used for in cosmetics?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing and an emulsifier for blending oil and water in products like shampoos and lotions.

Is PEG-10 Laurate safe for sensitive skin?

Generally mild with low irritation potential, but those sensitive to PEGs may prefer alternatives.

Does PEG-10 Laurate clog pores?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it non-pore-clogging.