PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate?

PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate is a synthetic polyether compound derived from glycerol, isostearic acid—a branched-chain fatty acid—and polyethylene glycol with 15 ethylene oxide units. This ethoxylation imparts water solubility and amphiphilic properties, with a hydrophobic tail from the fatty ester and a hydrophilic head from the PEG chain. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like body washes, shampoos, moisturizers, and makeup removers, it functions by reducing surface tension at oil-water interfaces. This allows formation of stable emulsions or micelles, enabling uniform dispersion of oily ingredients in watery bases for consistent product consistency and effective removal of dirt and oils during cleansing.

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:

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 stable blending of oils and water for even, non-separating formulations.

Aids gentle surface cleansing by forming micelles that lift away impurities.

Supports creation of lightweight emulsions suitable for daily skincare routines.

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 lotions and creams needing consistent texture and spreadability.
People sensitive to ethoxylated compounds or PEG derivatives.
Individuals incorporating cleansers that require mild surfactant action.
Individuals seeking completely PEG-free or minimalist formulations.
Those preferring non-comedogenic ingredients in their skincare products.
Users concerned about potential impurities in lower-quality products.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as safe for cosmetic use by expert review panels when properly manufactured.
  • Low potential for skin irritation in typical concentrations, with manufacturing controls minimizing contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate

What does PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate do in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and an emulsifier to mix oil and water phases stably.

Is PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate comedogenic?

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

Are there safety concerns with this ingredient?

Safety panels deem it safe in cosmetics, with low irritation when impurities are controlled.