PEG-75 Meadowfoam Oil

What is PEG-75 Meadowfoam Oil?

PEG-75 Meadowfoam Oil is a modified form of meadowfoam seed oil, sourced from the seeds of Limnanthes alba, a plant native to North America. This oil is chemically altered by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains with 75 ethylene oxide units, enhancing its solubility in water while retaining the long-chain fatty acids like eicosenoic and docosenoic acids that provide oxidative stability. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics such as lotions, cleansers, shampoos, and toners, it functions by lowering surface tension to blend oils and water, forming stable emulsions with smooth textures. Its emollient properties mimic natural skin lipids for a non-greasy slip, while surfactant and solubilizing actions disperse fragrances and oils evenly, preventing separation in clear or lightweight products.

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.

Solubilizing agent

Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Delivers lightweight emolliency to soften skin surface without heavy residue.

Supports emulsion stability for even, consistent product application.

Facilitates oil solubilization in water formulas for clearer, sprayable 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 with normal to dry skin needing gentle hydration.	Those with known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Users of foaming cleansers or shampoos for mild cleansing.	Individuals avoiding ethoxylated ingredients due to purity concerns.
People preferring lightweight, non-greasy lotions and toners.	Users seeking fully natural or plant-oil-only formulations.

Safety Notes

Regulatory bodies like CIR deem PEG esters safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
Low comedogenic potential makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-75 Meadowfoam Oil

What makes PEG-75 Meadowfoam Oil different from regular meadowfoam oil?

The PEG-75 modification adds water-soluble chains, making it ideal for emulsions unlike the oil-soluble pure form.

Is it suitable for oily skin types?

Yes, its low comedogenic rating and lightweight feel suit oily skin without clogging pores.

Does it help with product texture?

It stabilizes mixtures of oil and water for smoother, more consistent lotions and cleansers.