PEG-8 SESQUILAURATE

What Is PEG-8 SESQUILAURATE?

A PEG-8 sesquiester of lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found abundantly in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. The term 'sesqui' indicates a 1.5:1 ratio of fatty acid to PEG, creating a molecule with both hydrophilic and lipophilic character. It functions as a mild O/W emulsifier and co-emulsifier in creams and lotions, while providing light conditioning from the lauric acid component.

Key Skin Benefits

• + Balanced emulsification — suitable for stabilizing light to medium emulsions
• + Light conditioning — lauric acid provides mild skin-softening
• + Coconut-derived — lauric acid is a renewable plant-based fatty acid

Pros

• + CIR-reviewed — PEG esters of fatty acids considered safe
• + Plant-derived fatty acid — coconut/palm kernel source
• + Non-comedogenic
• + Good compatibility with various oil phases
• + Mild — well-tolerated in leave-on formulations

Cons

• − PEG content — ethoxylation introduces trace 1,4-dioxane risk
• − Limited standalone safety data beyond CIR class review
• − May require co-emulsifier for very stable thick emulsions

Specifications

Safety Ratings

Regional Regulatory Limits

Typical Usage % by Product Type

References

1. CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Safety Assessment of PEG and PEG Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Published in International Journal of Toxicology.
2. CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
3. EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
4. Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) — INCI Monograph and Safety Data.
5. PubMed / NCBI — Peer-reviewed dermatology and cosmetic science literature. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/