PEG-12 Oleate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-12 Oleate?

PEG-12 Oleate is a polyethylene glycol (12) ester of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils such as olive or sunflower. This ethoxylated ingredient features a hydrophilic PEG chain attached to a lipophilic oleate portion, making it amphiphilic. It appears in rinse-off formulations like shampoos, shower gels, and makeup removers, as well as leave-on products including creams and serums. Functionally, it lowers surface tension to promote wetting and dirt dispersion during cleansing, while forming micellar structures for emulsification. This enables the blending of immiscible oil and water phases, yielding uniform emulsions with smooth application and enhanced product stability against separation.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 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 cleansing by reducing surface tension and aiding foam formation in washes.

Stabilizes oil-water mixtures for consistent textures in lotions and creams.

Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores in formulations.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of foaming cleansers and shampoos seeking reliable lather.
People sensitive to ethoxylated compounds or PEG derivatives.
Individuals applying emulsion-based moisturizers for even blending.
Individuals wary of potential impurities in surfactants.
Those preferring non-comedogenic ingredients in daily routines.
Those with very dry skin preferring gentler, non-surfactant options.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review deems PEG fatty acid esters safe in typical use levels when impurities are minimized.
  • Low potential for comedogenicity based on established ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-12 Oleate

What is PEG-12 Oleate used for in cosmetics?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, and an emulsifier to mix oils and water in products like shampoos and creams.

Is PEG-12 Oleate comedogenic?

It carries a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

Are there safety concerns with PEG-12 Oleate?

It is generally safe per reviews, with focus on minimizing impurities like 1,4-dioxane.