Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride?

Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting oleylamine, a fatty amine derived from olive or other vegetable oils, with ethylene oxide and then neutralizing the result with hydrochloric acid to create a salt. This process attaches two polyethylene glycol (PEG) units to an oleylamine backbone, giving the molecule both water-loving and oil-loving parts. Chemists began experimenting with quaternary ammonium compounds like this in the mid-20th century when the need for milder, more versatile surfactants in personal care was growing. Because Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride is gentle yet effective at managing static and helping oil mix with water, formulators adopted it for rinse-off hair care and light skin care in the 1970s and it has remained a staple ever since.

You will most often see it in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in sprays, hair masks, liquid soaps, facial cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight lotions where a silky feel and easy rinse are important.

Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Here is what this multitasking ingredient brings to a formula:

  • Antistatic: Coats hair shafts or fiber surfaces with a thin film that reduces electrical charge, helping to prevent flyaways and frizz so hair looks smoother and is easier to comb.
  • Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without stripping natural moisture, making it useful in gentle shampoos and facial washes.
  • Emulsifying: Helps keep oil and water phases blended in lotions and sprays which improves texture, stability and shelf life while giving products a light, non-greasy feel.

Who Can Use Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride

This ingredient is gentle enough for most skin and hair types. Its mild cleansing action suits normal, dry and oily scalps while the soft conditioning film it leaves can help reduce frizz on curly or coarse hair. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it is low in fragrance and contains no known common allergens. People with severely compromised or broken skin should still approach with caution as any surfactant may sting on open areas.

Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Although the starting fatty amine comes from vegetable oils and the PEG portion is synthetically produced from petroleum or plant sources, no animal derived materials or by products are typically used in manufacturing. As always ingredient sourcing can vary, so those following a strict lifestyle may wish to confirm with the brand.

Current safety assessments find no special risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when this ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics. Systemic absorption is minimal and there is no evidence of reproductive toxicity. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified health professional to be sure.

Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride does not make skin or hair more sensitive to sunlight and it will not interfere with sunscreens. It is also color safe for dyed hair since its cationic nature helps seal the cuticle rather than strip pigment.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur even though most users experience none when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild skin or scalp irritation such as redness stinging or itching
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Eye irritation or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Heavy buildup on fine hair when used in very high concentrations leading to limp or greasy feel
  • Interaction with anionic surfactants in DIY mixes which can reduce performance or lead to separation

If any discomfort or adverse effect occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride is mostly water soluble and tends to rinse away cleanly, so it is far less likely to clog pores than heavier oils or waxes. Its primary job is to reduce static and help oil mix with water, not to form an occlusive layer on the skin. For those prone to acne or breakouts this generally makes it a low-risk ingredient, suitable in both facial cleansers and lightweight lotions. Because it is cationic it may bind lightly to skin or hair, but the film it leaves is thin and breathable, which further limits pore blockage. Only formulations with unusually high percentages or combined with known comedogenic oils would raise concern.

Summary

Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride works as an antistatic agent, mild cleanser and emulsifier. Its dual water-loving and oil-loving structure lets it coat hair to tame flyaways, lift away grime without stripping moisture and keep oil and water evenly blended for smooth stable products. While not as famous as ingredients like glycerin or silicones, it appears in a wide range of shampoos conditioners and gentle face washes because it delivers noticeable slip and softness without heaviness. Safety assessments place it in the low-irritation category for most users, with minimal risk of pore clogging or systemic absorption. As with any new cosmetic, doing a quick patch test when trying a product that contains Peg-2 Oleammonium Chloride is a smart way to confirm personal tolerance.

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