Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient expertly controls the pH of cosmetic formulations through its buffering capabilities, maintaining product integrity and ingredient efficacy. As a film-forming agent, it deposits a continuous, microscopic film across skin, hair, or nails, which can contribute to barrier function and a smooth finish. Its humectant nature allows it to effectively bind and retain water, supporting optimal hydration within the product and on applied surfaces. Structurally, it is an amphiphilic block copolymer, featuring hydrophilic methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MePEG) segments forming an outer shell and hydrophobic poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) segments creating an inner core, enabling it to act as a solubilizing surfactant by improving the dispersion of diverse ingredients.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives are favored in cosmetic applications due to their broad spectrum of viscosity and solubility characteristics, alongside demonstrated skin tolerance. The water solubility and hygroscopicity of PEGs generally diminish with increasing molar mass. This specific ingredient, an amphiphilic block copolymer, forms core-shell structures where the MePEG component creates a hydrophilic exterior and PCL forms a hydrophobic interior, suggesting robust amphiphilic properties. For a related raw material, Methoxy-Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(ε-caprolactone), optimal storage involves nitrogen or argon atmosphere at -20°C, protected from light.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has classified METHOXY PEG-100/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE ETHYLHEXANOATE as safe for use under specific restrictions. It is important to note that for similar, though not identical, ethoxylated ingredients like 'Methoxy Peg 100/Polyepsilon Caprolactone', concerns regarding potential contamination with carcinogenic byproducts such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane have been highlighted due to the ethoxylation process. These related compounds may be subject to high use restrictions and regulatory limits within the EU Cosmetics Directive regarding their use, concentration, or manufacturing. COSMILE Europe indicates that 'METHOXY PEG-114/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE', a closely related substance, is considered safe for use in cosmetic products, provided specific conditions, potentially outlined in Annex III, are met.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
METHOXY PEG-100/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE ETHYLHEXANOATE is a valuable ingredient, offering multifunctional benefits including pH stabilization, film formation, and moisture retention, making it suitable across all skin types for enhancing product performance, provided it is sourced with attention to the specific restrictions and manufacturing controls for ethoxylated compounds.
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