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PEG-16 OLEATE.

Valuable CAS 9004-96-0 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-16 Oleate is a polyether compound that functions primarily as a versatile emulsifier and surfactant, stabilizing oil-in-water formulations. It also contributes to skin hydration as a humectant and provides emollient properties, helping to soften and smooth the skin.

Emulsifying Surfactant Humectant Emollient Solubilizer Vehicle Consistency Enhancer Binding Agent Softening Agent Fixative

Science

On the skin, PEG-16 Oleate acts as a surfactant, significantly reducing the surface tension between immiscible phases to facilitate the formation and stability of emulsions. As a humectant, it attracts and binds water molecules through hydrogen bonding, aiding in moisture retention within the stratum corneum and creating a mild occlusive layer to mitigate transepidermal water loss. Furthermore, its emollient capabilities contribute to a smoother and more supple skin texture. It can also serve as a vehicle, potentially enhancing the penetration and delivery of other active ingredients into the skin.


Research

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A


Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene glycols and their derivatives, including PEG-16 Oleate, exhibit good stability in typical cosmetic product formulations.

Conflicts

  • When formulating with ingredients whose safety relies on limited dermal absorption, caution is necessary as PEG-16 Oleate may enhance their penetration into the skin.

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that PEGylated alkyl glycerides, a category encompassing PEG oleates, are safe when used in current cosmetic practices and concentrations, provided they are formulated to be non-irritating. The CIR specifically removed a previous caveat concerning the use of PEGs on damaged skin in 2010. While a precise maximum concentration for PEG-16 Oleate is not provided, related PEG dilaurates have been deemed safe up to 25%. EWG Skin Deep evaluates PEG-16 Oleate with low concerns regarding cancer, allergies, immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and skin/eye/lung irritation. However, it indicates high concerns for potential contamination from impurities like Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane, which necessitates careful raw material sourcing and purification processes.


Your Skin

No Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

PEG-16 Oleate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient that effectively stabilizes emulsions, provides hydration and emollience, and aids in ingredient delivery, with a favorable safety profile when formulated correctly and sourced with purity in mind.


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