Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient functions as a robust surfactant and emulsifying agent, enabling the stable incorporation of oil and water phases into uniform emulsions. Its structure allows it to interact with and encapsulate skin oils and dirt, facilitating their removal as a cleansing agent. Additionally, it acts as a skin conditioning agent and emollient, promoting a softer and smoother skin texture. As a PEG derivative, it contributes to long-term hydration by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, thereby enhancing moisture retention and mitigating water evaporation from the skin.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidence5%
Key findings
- 01 Concentrations ranging from 5-20% (referring to the closely related PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate) are recommended for use in cleansing oils, effectively dissolving and removing makeup. This variant is noted to be non-irritating to the eyes, making it suitable for eye makeup remover formulations.
- 02 General concentration limits for the related PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate specify usage up to 20% in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on cosmetic and personal care products.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
No information regarding dusting properties was identified in the available research data.
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
For the related PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, it is advised to avoid temperatures above 80°C. It exhibits low acidity, with a maximum acid value of 15 mg KOH/g, and its HLB value, approximately 7 to 8, indicates its efficacy in emulsion stabilization.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has determined that there is insufficient data available to conclude the safety of PEG-15 Glyceryl Triisostearate for cosmetic use. While a CIR draft report in 2021 for similar 'Fatty Ester End-Capped Alkoxylates' indicated further data might be needed, a specific 'safe as used' conclusion for PEG-15 Glyceryl Triisostearate is not established. In contrast, for the related PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, toxicology reviews generally conclude it is non-irritating and safe for both rinse-off (up to 20%) and leave-on (up to 5%) applications, a finding supported by bodies like the FDA and EWG for that specific variant. However, EWG rates PEG-15 Glyceryl Triisostearate as 'D', expressing 'some' concerns for potential genetic defects, cancer, reproductive toxicity, and respiratory/skin/eye irritation. It is critical to understand that these EWG ratings highlight potential hazards and do not inherently account for specific exposure levels or individual physiological susceptibility in cosmetic products.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
While PEG-15 Glyceryl Triisostearate offers valuable emulsifying and cleansing properties suitable for a wide range of skin types, its safety profile is currently categorized as 'insufficient data' by CIR, and EWG reports 'some concerns' for this specific variant.
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References
Sources