PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate?

PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate is a hydrophilic surfactant produced by attaching a chain of about 200 ethylene oxide units to hydrogenated glyceryl palmitate, derived from palm oil fatty acids and glycerol. This ethoxylated ester enhances water solubility and appears mainly in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, shower gels, and micellar waters. It works by reducing surface tension to lift oils and residues, promoting rich lather and easy rinsing. In emulsions, it forms protective films around oil droplets, ensuring blend stability for even distribution in creams and cleansers. Additionally, it disperses fragrances and essential oils uniformly in aqueous bases, supporting transparent toners and sprays with consistent performance across 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:

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Solubilizing agent

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

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.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Solvent

Dissolves and carries other ingredients, helping control viscosity, evaporation rate, and delivery of actives in both water- and oil-based systems.

Benefits

Delivers effective yet gentle surface cleansing and foam in body washes and shampoos.

Stabilizes oil-water mixes for smooth, non-separating textures in lotions.

Facilitates blending of fragrances and oils into clear, 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 needing good lather and rinse properties.	Those with allergies or sensitivities to PEG derivatives.
People applying emulsified moisturizers for reliable consistency.	People opting for non-ethoxylated ingredient profiles.
Individuals formulating or using clear toners with added scents.	Users of leave-on products preferring minimal surfactants.

Safety Notes

Low comedogenic potential, suitable for acne-prone skin.
Generally mild with low hazard rating in cosmetic use.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate

What does PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate do in products?

It cleanses by reducing surface tension, emulsifies oils and water, and solubilizes fragrances for stable, foamy formulas.

Is it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?

Yes, with a comedogenic rating of 0, it avoids pore clogging.

Are there concerns with PEG ethoxylation?

High-quality manufacturing minimizes impurities, making it safe for typical cosmetic use.