PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

Concerns

Malassezia Feeding

What is PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate?

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate is a polyethylene glycol ester derived from glycerol and isostearic acid, featuring a chain of 20 ethylene oxide units for enhanced solubility and functionality. This synthetic compound belongs to the PEG family commonly used in makeup, lotions, and cleansers. It works by lowering surface tension to facilitate the blending of oils and water, creating stable emulsions with smooth textures. As an emollient, it mimics natural lipids to provide a silky feel and reduce evaporation from the skin surface. In surfactant roles, it aids in gentle cleansing and foaming actions within wash-off products. Its structure allows penetration between skin cells, improving product spreadability without heavy greasiness, making it suitable for lightweight formulations.

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.

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

Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel to skin by filling surface imperfections.

Stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions for even consistency.

Supports cleansing in washes by enabling effective oil removal.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
People with dry skin seeking softening without pore clogging.	Individuals prone to Malassezia-related skin issues.
Users of foundations or lotions needing stable textures.	People sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
Those preferring lightweight, spreadable cosmetic formulas.	Those concerned about potential impurities in PEG compounds.

Safety Notes

Rated moderate hazard by EWG due to possible contamination risks.
Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics by regulatory reviews when used within limits.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

What does PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate do in products?

It softens skin, emulsifies oils and water, and aids cleansing as a multifunctional ingredient.

Is it safe for daily use?

It holds a moderate EWG rating and is approved in cosmetics, but check for personal sensitivities.

Does it feed fungal acne?

Listed as a Malassezia feeding concern, so those affected may want to skip it.