PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides?

PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a synthetic ingredient created by esterifying polyethylene glycol (a chain of ethylene oxide units) with glycerides from caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils. This results in a molecule with both water-loving (hydrophilic) PEG segments and oil-loving (lipophilic) fatty chains, making it highly effective in cosmetic formulations. It appears in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, lotions, and conditioners. In products, it lowers surface tension for better spreading and rinsing during cleansing, forms stable oil-in-water emulsions for creamy consistencies, and deposits a light film on skin to enhance smoothness and reduce dryness without greasiness.

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:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
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

Provides emollient action to soften skin and improve product slip.

Supports effective cleansing by acting as a gentle surfactant.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cleanser textures.

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 cleansing in daily washes.
Those with known sensitivity to PEG compounds.
People with normal to dry skin needing emollient support.
People preferring non-ethoxylated alternatives.
Users of emulsified products like lotions for better blendability.
Individuals concerned about potential trace impurities in PEGs.

Safety Notes

  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews when properly manufactured.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides

Is PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides comedogenic?

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

What roles does it play in cosmetics?

Serves as emollient, surfactant, and emulsifying agent for texture and cleansing.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation, but patch test if sensitive to PEGs.