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PEG-15 GLYCERYL LAURATE.

Valuable CAS 59070-56-3 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-15 Glyceryl Laurate is a versatile polyethylene glycol derivative that functions primarily as an emulsifier, stabilizing oil-in-water mixtures. It also acts as a surfactant, assisting in the effective cleansing of skin and hair, while offering mild skin conditioning properties.

Summary

Emulsifier Surfactant Skin conditioning agent Humectant Solubilizer Mild detergent Thickener

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates by significantly reducing surface tension, which allows immiscible liquids like oils and water to combine, forming stable, homogeneous emulsions. As a surfactant, it enables water to interact with and remove oils and dirt from skin and hair. Beyond its primary roles, it also contributes emollient and moisturizing effects as a skin conditioning agent, can function as a humectant, solubilizer, and mild detergent, and may influence formulation viscosity as a thickener.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical reviews in 1984 by the CIR Expert Panel deemed PEG Laurate ingredients, including PEG-15 Glyceryl Laurate, safe for cosmetic use at concentrations up to 25%.
  2. 02 Cosmetic formulations containing up to 13% Lauric Acid (a component) did not induce primary or cumulative irritation or sensitization, supported by studies on related PEG Stearates also showing no irritation or sensitization at up to 25%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient is compatible with neutral, mildly alkaline, and acidic systems. Formulations may benefit from antioxidants to prevent oxidation if exposed to temperatures exceeding 50°C for prolonged periods.

Conflicts

  • Organic cosmetic standards (e.g., COSMOS)
  • Direct application to damaged skin (e.g., burns)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel confirmed the safety of PEG Laurate ingredients at concentrations up to 25%. Manufacturers are advised to employ robust procedures to eliminate potential impurities such as 1,4-dioxane and unreacted ethylene oxide, which can result from the ethoxylation process. While generally non-irritating to intact skin, there have been observations of sensitization and nephrotoxicity in burn patients using PEG-based creams, thus direct application to damaged skin should be avoided. This ingredient is typically prohibited in organic cosmetic certifications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-15 Glyceryl Laurate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, safely used up to 25% in diverse formulations for its emulsifying, surfactant, and mild conditioning properties, demonstrating low irritancy and comedogenicity on intact skin.

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