A high-molecular-weight polyether copolymer (40 PEG, 2 PPG units) with propylheptyl alcohol. Functions primarily as a hydrophilic emulsifier and solubilizer, capable of dispersing oils and lipophilic ingredients into water-based cosmetic systems. It also provides mild skin-conditioning benefits and is used in creams, lotions, and cleansing products.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Effective emulsifier — stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions
+ Solubilizes fragrances and essential oils — useful in aqueous product bases
+ Mild conditioning — contributes to overall product feel
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — considered safe in cosmetics at typical usage levels
+ Non-comedogenic — does not clog pores
+ Water-soluble — easy to incorporate into aqueous phases
+ Good surfactant properties — aids in rinse-off cleansing
Cons
− Higher molecular weight may feel slightly tacky at high concentrations
− Synthetic — not natural
− PEG content means ethoxylation trace risk
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%
Cleansers
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.