Science
Mechanism of Action
As an emollient, PEG-11 Cocoa Butter Glycerides reinforces the skin's natural barrier by depositing exogenous lipids, which integrate into the stratum corneum to fill intercellular gaps. This action diminishes transepidermal water loss, thereby boosting skin hydration and offering protection against environmental irritants and inflammation. Concurrently, its surfactant properties enable it to lower the interfacial tension between oil and water phases, crucial for creating stable and aesthetically pleasing emulsion formulations.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Polyethylene glycols and their derivatives, including this ingredient, exhibit good stability across various viscosities and solubilities. The physical consistency typically shifts towards a more solid state with increasing degrees of polymerization.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed PEGylated alkyl glycerides, including PEG-11 Cocoa Butter Glycerides, safe for use at current practices and concentrations, provided they are formulated to be non-irritating. While generally considered minimally irritating to intact skin, there have been observations of sensitization and nephrotoxicity in burn patients treated with PEG-based formulations. Of critical importance is the purity of the ingredient, as the ethoxylation process may result in trace residues of carcinogenic compounds like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
PEG-11 Cocoa Butter Glycerides is a valuable ingredient for enhancing skin hydration and barrier function, particularly beneficial for dry skin types, and also critical for stabilizing emulsion-based cosmetic formulations, with careful consideration of its purity.
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References
Sources