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METHOXY PEG-100/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE.

Valuable CAS - / HUMECTANT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

This copolymer acts as a versatile ingredient in precision skincare, functioning primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize product pH and a film former to enhance skin barrier properties. It also serves as a humectant, drawing and retaining vital moisture, and a solubilizer to integrate diverse formulation components effectively.

Buffering Agent Film Former Humectant Solubilizer Consistency Enhancer

Science

METHOXY PEG-100/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE contributes to a product's integrity and performance through several distinct mechanisms. It efficiently buffers formulations, precisely maintaining the pH within an optimal range of 5.5 to 9.8 to ensure stability and ingredient efficacy. As a film former, it creates a subtle, continuous layer on the skin's surface, potentially offering a protective or enhancing textural benefit. Its humectant properties are critical for hydration, actively attracting and binding water molecules to the skin. Additionally, it functions as a surfactant-solubilizing agent, which is key for integrating less miscible ingredients into aqueous systems.


Research

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 PCL-PEG hydrogels, incorporating this copolymer, demonstrated enhanced cell proliferation and fibroblast cultivation at a concentration of 20%w/w. While this suggests potential for advanced wound healing and tissue engineering, these findings are not directly indicative of topical skincare benefits for healthy skin.
  2. 02 Amphiphilic nanospheres composed of Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (MePEG/PCL) showed low toxicity in acute toxicity studies in mice, in the context of drug delivery applications.
  3. 03 PCL-MPEG micelles with a negative charge exhibited good compatibility with platelets, indicating no induction of platelet activation, relevant for biocompatibility.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The available research data does not provide specific information regarding the 'dusting' properties or concentration-dependent red flags for this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 9.8
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives are recognized for their broad range of viscosity and solubility profiles, contributing to excellent formulation stability. The polycaprolactone component, particularly its carboxylic acid derivative, demonstrates good solubility in aqueous solutions within a pH range of 5.5 to 9.8, indicating the copolymer's robust stability across typical cosmetic pH environments. Its buffering capacity further aids in stabilizing the overall pH of cosmetic products.


Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not specifically reviewed METHOXY PEG-100/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE, polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives are generally well-tolerated by the skin. The SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) has assessed this substance, deeming its use safe under specified conditions within the EC Cosmetics Regulation. Related compounds are also recognized as safe by the FDA for general or limited food uses. However, a general consideration for PEGs includes the potential for residual contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are regulated impurities.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

METHOXY PEG-100/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, enhancing formulation stability, texture, and hydration across a broad range of skin types with good general compatibility.


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