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Moumoujus

PEG-5 COCOATE.

Questionable CAS 61791-29-5 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-5 Cocoate is a polyethylene glycol derivative of coconut fatty acids. This functional ingredient primarily acts as an emulsifier and surfactant, enabling the stable combination of typically unmixable oil and water phases within cosmetic formulations.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Foam Stabilizer Solubilizer Skin Conditioning Consistency Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound functions by reducing the interfacial tension between immiscible liquids like oil and water, facilitating the formation of stable emulsions. Its molecular structure possesses both lipophilic (oil-loving) and hydrophilic (water-loving) parts, effectively bridging these different phases. Additionally, it helps to stabilize foam. As a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative, it may also contribute to general skin conditioning and potentially enhance the penetration of other topical ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

PEG-5 Cocoate functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than an active ingredient with specific performance thresholds. Therefore, the concept of 'dusting' does not apply.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene glycols generally exhibit good stability; however, prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 50°C can promote peroxide formation. The incorporation of antioxidants can mitigate this risk. PEG-5 Cocoate, with its lower PEG number, is expected to be readily water-soluble, consistent with the general trend of decreasing water solubility for PEGs with increasing molar mass.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not explicitly evaluated PEG-5 Cocoate. While related PEG glyceryl cocoates have been assessed and deemed safe under specific conditions (e.g., up to 10% in leave-on products), general concerns for PEG derivatives include potential contamination with manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which reputable manufacturers should remove. It is broadly advised to avoid the use of PEGs on compromised or damaged skin, due to the potential for systemic absorption and increased risk of sensitization.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While PEG-5 Cocoate offers versatile formulation benefits as an emulsifier and surfactant, its unreviewed safety status by CIR and general concerns regarding potential impurities and use on compromised skin warrant caution for precision skincare applications.

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