PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate?

PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate is a non-ionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating glyceryl laurate, which comes from esterifying lauric acid—typically sourced from coconut or palm oils—with glycerol, followed by adding 20 ethylene oxide units. This results in a hydrophilic molecule widely used in rinse-off and leave-on personal care items like shampoos, shower gels, makeup removers, and creamy lotions. It functions by reducing interfacial tension, forming micelles that trap oils and dirt for easy rinsing, stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions for uniform consistency, and enhancing solubility of lipophilic actives such as essential oils and fragrances in watery bases. Its pegylated structure provides mild performance, supporting clear formulations without excessive drying.

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.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Supports effective cleansing by trapping oils and impurities for rinse-off in washes.

Stabilizes emulsions to deliver smooth, blendable textures in lotions and creams.

Improves solubility of fragrances and oils, creating clear, stable water-based products.

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 daily cleansers seeking gentle oil removal.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
Individuals with lotions or creams needing consistent blendability.
Preferers of natural, PEG-free formulations.
People using toners or sprays that require fragrance dispersion.
Individuals concerned about potential manufacturing impurities.

Safety Notes

  • EWG scores it moderate overall, mainly for contamination possibilities in production.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by reviews when refined to limit impurities.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate

What does PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse, emulsify oils into water, and solubilize fragrances for stable formulas.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Generally mild with low irritation evidence, but patch test if PEG-sensitive.

Does it contribute to breakouts?

Has a comedogenic rating of zero, unlikely to clog pores.