What Is Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether?
Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether is a modified form of vitamin D3. The vitamin D3 part usually comes from lanolin taken from washed sheep wool where sunlight turns natural cholesterol into cholecalciferol. Chemists connect this cholecalciferol to a short string of twelve ethylene oxide units, creating an ether bond. The result is an ingredient that keeps the skin-loving traits of vitamin D3 while becoming far more water friendly, so it blends easily into lotions and creams.
Interest in vitamin D–inspired skincare grew in the late 1990s when researchers noticed its role in keeping the skin barrier healthy. Direct vitamin D3 is oily and hard to mix into water-based formulas, so labs looked for a way to make it more versatile. Linking it to polyethylene glycol (PEG) solved that problem, and Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether was born. Making it involves controlled ethoxylation, a process where ethylene oxide gas reacts with vitamin D3 under heat and pressure until roughly twelve units are attached, then the product is purified and checked for safety.
Today you are most likely to see this ingredient in serums, daily moisturizers, anti-aging creams, nourishing masks, after-sun lotions and specialty treatments aimed at improving skin comfort and suppleness.
Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its single official role in cosmetics is simple yet valuable.
- Skin Conditioning: It helps the skin feel softer and smoother, supports a healthy moisture balance and can give a supple look. By combining the nurturing effect of vitamin D3 with the easy-mixing nature of PEG, it boosts the overall sensory feel of a formula without leaving a greasy film.
Who Can Use Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether
Most skin types can tolerate Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether. Dry and mature skins tend to appreciate its conditioning effect while normal and combination skins benefit from the light, non-greasy finish. Oily or acne-prone users usually do not find it heavy, though anyone extremely reactive to PEGs should proceed with caution due to the polyethylene glycol part of the molecule.
The vitamin D3 base comes from lanolin derived from sheep wool so the ingredient is not considered vegan friendly. It is however generally acceptable for vegetarians since the sheep are not harmed during wool collection.
Current data shows no known risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically and in the low amounts found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should review any new skincare product with a qualified healthcare professional.
Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and does not need special daytime precautions beyond standard sunscreen use. It is also fragrance-free, making it a quiet option for those avoiding added scent.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether vary from person to person. The points below list potential, not guaranteed, effects; most users experience none of these when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging, usually short-lived
- Dry patches in individuals sensitive to PEGs
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of vitamin D3 or lanolin allergy
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If irritation or any other negative reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
The PEG-12 tail makes the vitamin D3 portion far more water friendly so it does not sit on the skin like a heavy oil. Its light texture and quick absorption mean it is unlikely to clog pores, yet the cholecalciferol core still carries a hint of oiliness, which keeps the rating from being a perfect zero.
Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because the ingredient is usually used at low percentages and alongside emulsifiers and water, its pore-clogging potential drops even further when part of a finished formula.
Summary
Cholecalciferol Peg-12 Ether is a water-compatible spin on vitamin D3 that conditions skin, boosts softness and supports a comfortable moisture balance without leaving a greasy feel. By attaching twelve ethylene oxide units to cholecalciferol it becomes easy to blend into modern creams and serums while still delivering the nurturing benefits linked with vitamin D.
It is not a headline ingredient in most mainstream products, showing up mainly in niche or premium formulas aimed at barrier support and after-sun care. Limited buzz keeps it from achieving superstar status, yet formulators who know its gentle conditioning effect value it.
Current research and usage levels show a strong safety profile with only rare irritation reports. As with any new skincare product, doing a small patch test first helps catch unexpected sensitivities and ensures a smooth experience.