Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient functions scientifically to improve skin health and formulation stability. As a surfactant, it lowers surface tension, allowing water to effectively mix with and remove oil and impurities for thorough cleansing. Its role as an emulsifying agent stabilizes disparate oil and water phases, preventing separation in cosmetic products. Furthermore, PEG-78 Glyceryl Cocoate delivers emollient properties by forming a lubricating film on the skin's surface, which enhances softness, smooths texture, and supports the skin's natural barrier function to lock in moisture. It also serves as a solubilizer for oil-soluble components in water-based formulas and provides conditioning benefits to both skin and hair.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
PEG-78 Glyceryl Cocoate demonstrates optimal stability within a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0, making it suitable for a wide array of cosmetic formulations. It exhibits reduced stability in highly acidic or alkaline conditions. This ingredient also contributes to formulation stability by preventing the separation of oil and water phases and shows good compatibility with various anionic and amphoteric surfactants, enhancing overall product performance.
Synergies
- Anionic surfactants
- Amphoteric surfactants
- Various active ingredients
Conflicts
- Strong acids
- Strong alkalis
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, in a 2020 assessment, affirmed PEG-78 Glyceryl Cocoate as safe for use in rinse-off products and at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on formulations. While the ethoxylation process may yield 1,4-dioxane, a potential byproduct, this impurity is controlled and minimized through stringent purification during manufacturing, with levels monitored by the FDA. A specific caution is advised for products containing PEGs when applied to non-intact skin, as kidney toxicity was observed in burn patients treated with PEG-containing antibacterial ointments, though this was not noted on healthy, intact skin.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
PEG-78 Glyceryl Cocoate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, widely recognized for its effective cleansing, emulsifying, and skin-conditioning benefits across all skin types, with a low risk of irritation or comedogenicity.
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References
Sources
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- atamanchemicals.com ↗
- thepinkfoundry.com ↗
- incibeauty.com ↗
- sincereskincare.com ↗
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- ci.guide ↗
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- yeserchem.com ↗
- nih.gov ↗
- ulprospector.com ↗
- paulaschoice-eu.com ↗
- cir-safety.org ↗
- researchgate.net ↗
- pcc.eu ↗