PEG-6 Isostearate

PEG / Ethoxylated
Concerns
Malassezia Feeding

What is PEG-6 Isostearate?

PEG-6 Isostearate is a synthetic compound formed by esterifying isostearic acid—a branched-chain fatty acid derived from vegetable or animal sources—with polyethylene glycol containing six ethylene oxide units. This ethoxylated ingredient primarily functions in personal care products like shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, lotions, and makeup removers. It lowers interfacial tension between immiscible oil and water phases, promoting stable emulsions with smooth textures. As a surfactant, it generates micelles that solubilize oils and soils for rinsing, while its emulsifying properties ensure uniform dispersion in multi-phase formulas. The isostearate moiety enhances its solubility and mildness compared to linear chain counterparts, suiting both rinse-off and leave-on applications.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

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.
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

Facilitates gentle removal of dirt, oils, and makeup through micelle formation.

Helps create stable, creamy textures in lotions and cleansers by blending phases.

Contributes to light foaming action in shampoos and body washes.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily cleansers needing effective yet mild surfactant action.
Those prone to Malassezia-related conditions like fungal acne.
People with lotions or creams benefiting from emulsion stability.
People sensitive to PEG or ethoxylated compounds.
Individuals seeking non-comedogenic options in rinse-off products.
Users preferring formulations without synthetic surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe in cosmetics by expert reviews when impurities are minimized.
  • Potential for low-level contaminants typical of PEG family, but regulated for purity.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-6 Isostearate

What does PEG-6 Isostearate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, and an emulsifier to mix oils and water for stable textures.

Is PEG-6 Isostearate comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

Who might have concerns with this ingredient?

Those with Malassezia feeding issues, like fungal acne, due to its lipid nature.