PEG-30 Glyceryl Isostearate

What is PEG-30 Glyceryl Isostearate?

PEG-30 Glyceryl Isostearate is a synthetic ingredient formed by reacting glycerol isostearate—a derivative of isostearic acid from vegetable or synthetic sources—with about 30 units of ethylene oxide to create a polyethoxylated ether. This modification enhances its water solubility and surfactant properties. Primarily used in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, it works by lowering surface tension between water, oils, and dirt. This allows it to form micelles that trap and remove impurities during rinsing. In emulsions, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures by surrounding oil droplets with hydrophilic heads. As a solubilizer, it disperses hydrophobic ingredients like essential oils or fragrances into clear aqueous solutions, preventing separation in toners or sprays. Its non-ionic nature contributes to mild performance in 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.
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.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Facilitates gentle removal of dirt and excess oils through micelle formation.

Supports creation of stable, clear emulsions in water-based products.

Enables incorporation of fragrances and oils into watery formulas without cloudiness.

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 effective yet mild cleansing in daily routines.
Those with known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol compounds.
Users of shampoos or body washes needing good foaming and rinse-off.
Individuals preferring completely PEG-free formulations.
People preferring non-comedogenic ingredients for clearer pores.
Users of products where high-foaming surfactants are unsuitable.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews when properly purified.
  • Low hazard rating from environmental health databases.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-30 Glyceryl Isostearate

What does PEG-30 Glyceryl Isostearate do in products?

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

Is it comedogenic?

Rated 0, indicating low likelihood of pore-clogging.

How safe is it for skin?

Generally regarded as safe in cosmetics with low irritation potential from expert reviews.