PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate?

PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol derivative formed by attaching 60 ethylene oxide units to glyceryl isostearate, which itself comes from esterifying glycerol with branched-chain isostearic acid derived from vegetable or animal fats. This creates a molecule with a lipophilic (oil-loving) fatty acid portion and highly hydrophilic (water-loving) polyether chains. In cosmetics, it appears mainly in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and micellar waters. It functions as a surfactant by reducing surface tension between water, oils, and soil particles, allowing micelles to form that encapsulate and lift away impurities for easy rinsing. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures, preventing separation and ensuring consistent texture during use.

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.
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.

Benefits

Supports effective cleansing by forming micelles that trap and remove oils and dirt.

Stabilizes emulsions in liquid formulas for smooth application and performance.

Contributes to foaming action in washes for a satisfying lather.

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 shampoos and body washes seeking reliable cleansing.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients or PEG compounds.
Individuals with normal skin types incorporating rinse-off products.
Individuals avoiding synthetic surfactants in their routines.
People preferring formulas with good rinse properties to avoid residue.
People concerned about potential impurities in processed ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe in cosmetics when produced to good manufacturing standards to minimize contaminants.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores based on available ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate

What does PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant and emulsifier to cleanse by lifting dirt and stabilize oil-water blends.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

It has low irritation potential but those sensitive to PEGs may prefer alternatives.

Does it clog pores?

Rated non-comedogenic, so unlikely to contribute to breakouts.