PEG-45 SAFFLOWER GLYCERIDES

INCI: PEG-45 SAFFLOWER GLYCERIDES | Function: Emollient, Skin Conditioning | Type: Moisturizer

What Is PEG-45 SAFFLOWER GLYCERIDES?

A PEG-45 ester of safflower oil glycerides. Safflower oil is rich in linoleic acid (70-80%), an essential omega-6 fatty acid critical for skin barrier function. The PEG chain makes this otherwise oily ingredient water-dispersible, delivering barrier-supporting linoleic acid to the skin in aqueous-based cosmetic products. It functions as a water-soluble emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Delivers linoleic acid — supports ceramide synthesis and skin barrier repair
+ Water-dispersible emollient — conditions skin in water-based formulas without oiliness
+ Safflower-derived — rich in essential fatty acids, naturally high in Vitamin E

Pros

+ Linoleic acid benefits well-documented — PubMed: extensive evidence for barrier repair and acne management
+ CIR-reviewed — PEG glycerides considered safe
+ Plant-derived — safflower is a renewable agricultural crop
+ Non-comedogenic — suitable for acne-prone skin
+ Natural tocopherol content from safflower — adds antioxidant stability

Cons

− PEG content — ethoxylation impurity risk (45 PEG units is moderately high)
− Limited specific clinical data on PEG-45 Safflower Glycerides
− Fatty acid content may oxidize — requires proper preservation and packaging

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Semi-synthetic
Natural Level	Semi-synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Barrier repair creams	1-5%
Moisturizers for dry skin	1-5%
Body lotions	1-4%

References

CIR (2018) — Safety Assessment of Plant Oil-Derived Fatty Acid Ingredients.
Lin TK et al. (2018) — Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. PMID: 29280987.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
Downing DT et al. (1986) — Essential fatty acids and acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. PMID: 2935554.

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