PEG-9 SOYATE

INCI: PEG-9 SOYATE | Function: Emulsifier, Conditioning Agent | Type: PEG Soyate (Ethoxylated soy oil ester)

What Is PEG-9 SOYATE?

A polyethylene glycol ester of soybean oil fatty acids, produced by ethoxylating soybean oil. PEG Soyates are mild nonionic emulsifiers that help blend oil and water phases while providing emolliency. They are commonly used in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners where a conditioning effect is desired.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Mild emulsification — creates stable oil-in-water emulsions
+ Emollient — provides a soft, smooth skin feel
+ Soy-derived — utilizes renewable soybean oil
+ Conditioning — improves hair and skin texture

Pros

+ Mild, well-tolerated emulsifier for sensitive skin formulations
+ Derived from renewable soybean oil
+ Provides both emulsification and emolliency
+ Good rinse-off and leave-on compatibility

Cons

− Ethoxylation introduces trace 1,4-dioxane concerns
− Soy-derived — potential allergen for soy-sensitive individuals (rare)
− Fully synthetic after processing — not considered natural

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant (Soybean)
Natural Level	Semi-synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	1/5
EWG Score	3/10

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 %
Moisturizing creams	1 - 5%
Body lotions	1 - 3%
Hair conditioners	0.5 - 3%

References

CIR (2010) — Safety Assessment of PEGs. https://www.cir-safety.org/
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — PEG compound database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

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