PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate?

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate is a synthetic derivative created by reacting methyl glucoside, obtained from plant-derived glucose, with oleic acid from vegetable oils, followed by ethoxylation using 120 units of ethylene oxide. This process yields a high-molecular-weight, water-soluble polymer commonly incorporated into rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and creams. In formulations, it functions primarily as an emulsifier by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases, enabling stable blends. It also acts as a mild surfactant to aid in dirt removal during cleansing, an emollient to enhance skin feel by mimicking natural lipids, and a viscosity modifier to achieve optimal product thickness for smooth application and even distribution. Its high ethoxylation degree contributes to gentle handling on skin and hair.

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.

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.

Viscosity controlling agent

Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Enhances product texture by adjusting viscosity for better spreadability and stability.

Supports cleansing action by lowering surface tension to lift away oils and residues.

Provides a softening effect on skin through emollient properties that improve smoothness.

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 creamy moisturizers or lotions with smooth application.	Those preferring to minimize PEG-containing ingredients due to potential impurities.
Users of shampoos and body washes needing stable, foamy formulas.	Individuals with sensitivity to ethoxylated compounds.
People with normal skin looking for multifunctional texture enhancers.	Users avoiding moderate-rated cosmetic ingredients per safety databases.

Safety Notes

Deemed safe for use in cosmetics by expert reviews when properly purified.
Rated with moderate concern mainly for possible manufacturing contaminants like 1,4-dioxane.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate

What is PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate used for?

It functions as an emollient, surfactant, cleansing aid, and viscosity controller in cleansers, lotions, and shampoos.

Is it comedogenic?

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

What safety rating does it have?

Databases assign it a moderate score of 3, focusing on potential impurities rather than direct risks.