PEG-8 Cocoate

What is PEG-8 Cocoate?

PEG-8 Cocoate is a non-ionic surfactant formed by ethoxylating coconut fatty acids with eight polyethylene glycol units, yielding a molecule with water-attracting heads and oil-compatible tails. It falls into cleansing and formulation-stabilizing categories for rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics, such as shampoos, body washes, micellar waters, lotions, and creams. In formulations, it reduces surface tension to lift away oils, dirt, and residues during washing, while its emulsifying action creates a barrier at oil-water interfaces. This promotes micelle formation for effective dirt entrapment and prevents ingredient separation, delivering uniform texture and spreadability. Derived from renewable coconut sources, it offers milder performance than some traditional surfactants, supporting clear, stable product finishes.

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

Enables thorough yet gentle cleansing by effectively removing oils and impurities.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Supports low-comedogenic formulas suitable for various skin types.

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 mild surfactant action.
Those sensitive to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals with emulsions like body washes or moisturizers.
Individuals avoiding moderate-hazard rated ingredients.
People seeking stable, non-separating cosmetic products.
People with coconut fatty acid sensitivities.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by safety review panels with low irritation potential.
  • Low comedogenic rating indicates minimal pore-clogging risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-8 Cocoate

What does PEG-8 Cocoate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse by lowering surface tension and an emulsifier to blend oils and water stably.

Is PEG-8 Cocoate safe for skin?

Safety panels deem it suitable for cosmetics, with moderate hazard rating and low irritation evidence.

Does it clog pores?

It carries a comedogenic rating of 0, suggesting low risk for pore blockage.