PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate?

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient created by ethoxylating methyl glucose dioleate—a compound from plant sugars like glucose and fatty acids such as oleic acid—with 120 units of polyethylene glycol. This process yields a water-soluble, non-ionic substance commonly found in hair care products like shampoos and conditioners, as well as skin cleansers and lotions. It functions by lowering surface tension between oil and water phases, enabling stable emulsions that prevent separation and provide creamy textures. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oils during rinsing, while its emulsifying properties support uniform ingredient distribution. The high degree of ethoxylation makes it mild and effective in rinse-off formulations, contributing to product viscosity and foam quality without heavy residue.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →

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.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
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

Supports gentle cleansing by forming micelles to remove impurities effectively.

Enhances emulsion stability for smoother, consistent product textures in lotions and washes.

Provides thickening without comedogenic effects, ideal for non-pore-clogging formulas.

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 seeking creamy shampoos or body washes with stable lather.
Those preferring completely PEG-free formulations due to personal choice.
Individuals with normal to oily skin preferring non-comedogenic cleansers.
Individuals sensitive to ethoxylated compounds in high concentrations.
People wanting plant-influenced ingredients in everyday rinse-off products.
Users of leave-on products wary of potential impurities in PEG derivatives.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores from 1-3, indicating general safety in cosmetics.
  • Non-comedogenic at rating 0, suitable for acne-prone skin in typical uses.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate

What products contain PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate?

Commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and some lotions for emulsifying and thickening.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Generally considered low irritation potential based on safety assessments, especially in rinse-off products.

Why is it called PEG-120?

The '120' indicates 120 ethylene oxide units attached, influencing its solubility and mildness.