PEG-2 Laurate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-2 Laurate?

PEG-2 Laurate is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ester formed by reacting lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, with two units of ethylene oxide. This creates a molecule with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) PEG chains and a lipophilic (oil-attracting) laurate tail. In cosmetics, it belongs to the surfactant and emulsifier category, commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, lotions, and creams. It functions by lowering surface tension between oil and water phases, enabling effective dirt and oil removal during cleansing while stabilizing emulsions to prevent separation. This results in products with smooth textures, better spreadability, and consistent performance. Its mild nature suits rinse-off and leave-on formulations alike.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2-4 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

Supports gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension to lift impurities.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for even lotion and cream textures.

Promotes light foaming in washes for a refreshing feel.

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 mild, everyday cleansers and shampoos.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients or PEG compounds.
Users of lotions wanting stable, non-separating formulas.
People preferring completely natural or PEG-free products.
People with non-oily skin preferring low-comedogenic options.
Individuals with known allergies to coconut-derived fatty acids.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low to moderate concern by hazard rating systems.
  • Displays low potential for pore-clogging based on available ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-2 Laurate

What does PEG-2 Laurate do in products?

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

Is PEG-2 Laurate comedogenic?

It has a low rating for comedogenicity, unlikely to clog pores.

Are there concerns with PEG-2 Laurate?

Low to moderate hazard scores exist; choose purified products for best quality.