PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate?

PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate is a synthetic ethoxylated ester formed by reacting glycerol and isostearic acid—a branched-chain fatty acid—with eight units of polyethylene glycol. This modification imparts water-soluble properties, making it suitable for cosmetic formulations. Primarily found in shampoos, body washes, lotions, and creams, it functions as a surfactant by decreasing surface tension, which facilitates dirt removal, foaming, and micelle formation during cleansing. As an emulsifying agent, it creates a stable barrier at the oil-water interface, preventing separation and ensuring uniform texture in emulsions. Its emollient role involves depositing a light film on the skin to smooth roughness and enhance product spreadability. Non-comedogenic, it does not promote pore clogging. Derived from petrochemical sources, it undergoes purification to meet cosmetic standards, appearing in both rinse-off and leave-on products for everyday 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.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

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.

Benefits

Supports thorough cleansing in washes and shampoos by enabling foam and dirt emulsification.

Helps create stable lotions and creams with even consistency by blending oil and water.

Provides mild softening to skin surface, improving texture and application feel.

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 effective yet gentle cleansers for daily routines.	People with sensitivity to ethoxylated compounds or PEG derivatives.
Users of emulsions like moisturizers needing reliable texture stability.	Those wary of potential trace impurities in PEG ingredients.
Those desiring non-comedogenic emollients for smooth skin feel without pore concerns.	Individuals preferring fully natural or non-synthetic formulations.

Safety Notes

EWG rates it as moderate (score 3), mainly due to possible contamination risks like ethylene oxide.
Cosmetic reviews deem it safe in typical use levels when properly purified.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate

What does PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate do in skincare?

It cleanses by lowering surface tension, emulsifies oil-water mixes for stable products, and softens skin as an emollient.

Is PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate comedogenic?

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

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation risk, but those sensitive to PEGs may prefer alternatives.