PEG-4 Dilaurate

PEG / Ethoxylated
Benefits
Softening

What is PEG-4 Dilaurate?

PEG-4 Dilaurate is a synthetic ethoxylated ester created by combining lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, with polyethylene glycol containing four ethylene oxide units. This non-ionic compound serves mainly in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics such as cleansers, shampoos, lotions, and creams. It works by lowering surface tension at the oil-water interface, allowing incompatible phases to form uniform, stable mixtures that deliver even application and pleasant textures. In cleansing products, its surfactant properties help lift away impurities and excess sebum gently. The ingredient's structure provides good solubility in water and mild interaction with skin lipids, supporting its role in formulations aimed at everyday hygiene and moisturization without heavy residue.

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

Contributes to softer skin feel through its softening action.

Facilitates gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension.

Supports stable, smooth-textured emulsions in creams and lotions.

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 surfactants in daily cleansers.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
Users of lotions needing consistent emulsion stability.
People wary of potential trace impurities in PEG compounds.
People with normal skin desiring subtle softening effects.
Individuals preferring completely non-synthetic surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low to moderate concern by safety databases.
  • Typically safe in cosmetics when adhering to purity standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-4 Dilaurate

What does PEG-4 Dilaurate do in products?

It emulsifies oils and water for stable textures and acts as a surfactant for gentle cleansing.

Is PEG-4 Dilaurate comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

What safety rating does it have?

EWG scores it 2-4, reflecting low to moderate overall hazard.