PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides?

PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides is created by ethoxylating glycerides extracted from sunflower seed oil with 10 units of ethylene oxide, resulting in a nonionic compound. This modification enhances its solubility in water while retaining lipid-like properties. Commonly found in lotions, creams, shampoos, and body washes, it acts by lowering surface tension between oil and water phases, forming stable emulsions with creamy textures. As an emollient, it mimics skin's natural oils to provide a silky feel and support barrier function. Its surfactant nature aids in gentle cleansing by enabling foam and rinse-off without stripping moisture excessively. Derived from renewable sunflower sources yet synthetically processed, it bridges natural origins with versatile performance in daily skincare formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
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

Provides a soft, smooth feel to skin by mimicking natural lipids and reducing friction.

Stabilizes emulsions for even distribution of ingredients in creams and lotions.

Supports mild cleansing in washes by facilitating oil removal while preserving hydration.

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 with normal to dry skin seeking added slip and comfort in moisturizers.
Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated compounds or PEG derivatives.
Users of emulsified products like lotions who value stable, non-separating textures.
Individuals preferring fully non-synthetic, unprocessed plant oils in their routines.
People incorporating gentle surfactants in shampoos or body cleansers for everyday routines.
Users concerned about potential trace impurities in PEG-processed ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low comedogenic potential, suitable for acne-prone skin.
  • Considered safe in cosmetics by regulatory reviews with standard purification.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides

Is PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides natural?

Derived from sunflower seed oil but modified via ethoxylation for better solubility.

Can it cause irritation?

Generally low irritation potential in cosmetic use per safety assessments.

What products use it?

Found in creams, lotions, shampoos, and cleansers for emulsifying and softening.