PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate?

PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate is a nonionic surfactant derived from coconut oil fatty acids esterified with glycerol and then ethoxylated with 40 moles of ethylene oxide. This process creates a water-soluble compound with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance suited for cosmetic formulations. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and light lotions, it works by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases. This action enables micelle formation to lift away dirt and oils during cleansing, disperses hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into aqueous bases for clear solutions, and stabilizes emulsions by forming protective films around oil droplets, preventing separation for smooth, consistent textures in rinse-off and leave-on products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1-4 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.

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.

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

Gentle surface tension reduction for effective yet non-stripping cleansing in washes and shampoos.

Enhances formula clarity by solubilizing oils and scents in toners and sprays.

Supports stable lotion textures through reliable emulsification of diverse phases.

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 cleansers for daily routines on normal or oily skin.	Those with sensitivities to ethoxylated compounds.
Users of shampoos and body washes needing foam and rinse properties.	Individuals wary of potential impurities from manufacturing processes.
People preferring clear, non-separating water-based serums and mists.	People preferring completely PEG-free formulations.

Safety Notes

Cosmetic Ingredient Review deems it safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products at typical concentrations.
Low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate

What does PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate do in products?

It lowers surface tension for cleansing, solubilizes oils, and emulsifies for stable formulas.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated 0, indicating low likelihood of pore-clogging.

What is its EWG score?

Ranges from 1 to 4, reflecting low to moderate hazard based on data.