A high-molecular-weight PEG ester of propylene glycol and oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid found in olive oil and many plant oils). The long PEG-55 chain makes this ingredient highly water-soluble and an effective O/W emulsifier. It stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions while providing mild conditioning benefits from the oleic acid component.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Strong O/W emulsifier — stabilizes oil droplets in water-based creams and lotions
+ Oleic acid conditioning — provides emolliency and skin-softening from plant-derived fatty acid
+ Water-soluble — disperses easily into aqueous phases during manufacturing
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — PEG esters safe for cosmetic applications
+ Non-comedogenic — will not block pores
+ High water solubility — excellent for light emulsions and gels
+ Partially plant-derived — oleic acid sourced from olive and other vegetable oils
Cons
− Very high PEG content — significant ethoxylation and potential for trace impurities
− May feel slightly soapy at high concentrations
− Synthetic processing even though starting materials are natural
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 %
Light creams
1-5%
Lotions
1-4%
References
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Safety Assessment of PEG and PEG Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Published in International Journal of Toxicology.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) — INCI Monograph and Safety Data.