PEG-8 Laurate

PEG / Ethoxylated
Benefits
Softening
Concerns
Malassezia Feeding

What is PEG-8 Laurate?

PEG-8 Laurate forms through ethoxylation of lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, with eight ethylene oxide units added to enhance water solubility. This creates a versatile ingredient mainly found in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on items such as lotions and creams. It operates as a nonionic surfactant by reducing surface tension between oil and water, enabling dirt and oil removal during cleansing while promoting foam formation. As an emulsifying agent, it stabilizes mixtures by creating a protective film at the oil-water interface, ensuring even texture and preventing separation in formulations. Its mild nature suits everyday personal care products, contributing to smooth application and rinse-off.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2-4 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.
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

Delivers a softening effect to skin during cleansing routines.

Supports gentle surfactant action for effective yet non-stripping wash-off.

Facilitates stable emulsions in creams and lotions for consistent product 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 non-comedogenic cleansers for daily use.
Those susceptible to malassezia-related skin issues.
Users preferring products with good foaming and emulsifying properties.
People sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
People with normal skin looking for softening benefits in washes and lotions.
Individuals preferring PEG-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low to moderate concern by EWG based on data availability.
  • Deemed safe in cosmetics by CIR when formulated to minimize irritation and impurities.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-8 Laurate

What does PEG-8 Laurate do in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, and an emulsifier to blend oil and water in products like shampoos and lotions.

Is PEG-8 Laurate comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

Can PEG-8 Laurate feed malassezia?

It may support malassezia growth, so those with fungal acne concerns should be cautious.