What Is PEG/PPG-120/10 TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIOLEATE?
A very high-molecular-weight polyether ester formed by reacting trimethylolpropane trioleate with 120 moles of PEG and 10 moles of PPG. This large hydrophilic molecule functions as a water-soluble emollient and O/W emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It provides a smooth, silky feel to creams and lotions while helping to stabilize oil droplets in the aqueous phase.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Excellent emulsifying capacity — stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in creams
+ Smooth, silky after-feel — enhances sensory profile of moisturizers
+ Water-soluble — easy to incorporate into aqueous formulation phases
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — safe as used in cosmetics
+ Non-comedogenic — does not block pores
+ Very low irritation potential due to high molecular weight
+ Good thermal stability
Cons
− Very large molecule — sits on skin surface, limited penetration
− Synthetic — not for natural products
− Limited standalone safety data beyond class review
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
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 %
Creams / lotions
1-5%
Body butters
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.