PEG-50 Shea Butter

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-50 Shea Butter?

PEG-50 Shea Butter derives from shea butter, a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), chemically altered by ethoxylation with 50 units of polyethylene glycol. This process creates a hydrophilic ester that blends the emollient properties of shea butter with enhanced solubility in water. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, conditioners, and moisturizers, it functions by reducing surface tension to promote foaming and cleansing while stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. Its structure allows it to form micelles that lift dirt and oils, and it creates protective films at oil-water interfaces for uniform product textures.

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.
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

Supports effective cleansing by enabling foam formation and dirt removal in washes.

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, consistent textures in lotions and creams.

Provides mild surfactant action suitable for daily rinse-off 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
Individuals seeking gentle foaming cleansers for face or body.
People sensitive to ethoxylated compounds or PEG derivatives.
Users of emulsified products like conditioners or light moisturizers.
Those preferring natural, non-modified plant-based ingredients.
Those preferring non-comedogenic ingredients in daily routines.
Users concerned about potential impurities in processed emollients.

Safety Notes

  • Rated moderate concern by EWG due to possible contaminants like ethylene oxide.
  • Generally considered safe in rinse-off products by cosmetic review panels.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-50 Shea Butter

What is PEG-50 Shea Butter made from?

It is produced by ethoxylating shea butter from shea tree nuts with polyethylene glycol.

Is it suitable for oily skin?

Yes, with a zero comedogenic rating, it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it cause irritation?

Typically low irritation potential in cosmetic formulations.