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PEG-4 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-4 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a highly versatile non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier, skillfully formulated from caprylic/capric fatty acids and glycerin. It effectively stabilizes oil and water mixtures, solubilizes various cosmetic ingredients, and acts as an emollient to enhance skin hydration and smoothness.

Summary

Surfactant / Cleansing Emulsifying Solubilizing Emollient Skin-replenishing Refatting agent Wetting agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, PEG-4 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides functions as a non-ionic surfactant, adeptly dissolving oils and impurities for thorough cleansing. Its emulsifying capability ensures the stable dispersion of immiscible phases within a product. Furthermore, it delivers emollient benefits by forming a protective surface barrier, thereby minimizing trans-epidermal moisture loss and contributing to a softer, more replenished skin feel.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Conflicting data exists regarding the irritation potential of related PEGylated glycerides at specific concentrations. One Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment indicated that formulations containing 4% PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides were not ocular irritants in rabbits, and aqueous solutions up to 5% were deemed non-ocular irritants.
  2. 02 Conversely, a HET-CAM test on 4% PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides recorded an irritation score of 14.1, classifying it as a severe irritant.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient maintains stability in electrolyte solutions. However, it is highly sensitive to pH fluctuations, remaining stable under low pH conditions but prone to hydrolysis in high pH environments, including strong acid or strong alkali solutions.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidants
  • high pH conditions (leading to hydrolysis)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
50%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that PEG-4 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, along with 59 related PEGylated alkyl glycerides, are safe for use at current concentrations in cosmetics, provided the final formulation is non-irritating. This determination supersedes previous restrictions for some related ingredients. While a maximum concentration of up to 50% is cited for similar PEGylated alkyl glycerides, stringent formulation to avoid irritation is paramount. Manufacturers are advised to employ purification processes to mitigate the potential for 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct inherent to PEG compounds.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-4 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a valuable, multifunctional ingredient that enhances formulation stability and skin conditioning, contingent upon careful formulation to ensure non-irritancy and pH stability.

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