What Is Peg-35 Soy Glycerides?
Peg-35 Soy Glycerides is a plant-derived ingredient made by joining parts of soybean oil with glycerin and then reacting the blend with about 35 units of ethylene oxide. The result is a mix of mono- and diglycerides that can mix well with both water and oil. Soybean oil has been a kitchen and skincare staple for decades, and chemists began modifying it in the late twentieth century to create milder surfactants and emulsifiers for lotions and washes. By adding PEG chains to soy glycerides, they produced an ingredient that dissolves in water yet still loves oil, making it perfect for modern rinse-off and leave-on formulas.
The manufacturing process starts with food-grade soybean oil, which is split into fatty acids and combined with glycerin to form mono- and diglycerides. These are then ethoxylated under controlled heat and pressure, a step that attaches the polyethylene glycol units. After purification the finished liquid or soft paste is ready to add to cosmetic batches.
You will most often find Peg-35 Soy Glycerides in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup-removing balms, body washes, moisturizers, hair conditioners, sheet masks and some lightweight serums where a silky, non-greasy feel is desired.
Peg-35 Soy Glycerides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient offers two main functions that improve both the performance and feel of personal care products.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature helps loosen dirt, excess oil and makeup from skin or hair so they can be rinsed away easily. Because it comes from soybean oil it tends to be gentler than harsher sulfate-based cleansers, leaving the skin soft rather than stripped.
- Emulsifying: Peg-35 Soy Glycerides keeps oil and water evenly blended in creams, lotions and washes. A stable emulsion means the product has a uniform texture, does not separate on the shelf and spreads smoothly when applied.
Who Can Use Peg-35 Soy Glycerides
Peg-35 Soy Glycerides is gentle enough for most skin types, including oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin, thanks to its mild cleansing action and lightweight feel. People with a known soy allergy should proceed carefully or choose an alternative since the base material comes from soybean oil and trace allergenic proteins could remain.
The ingredient is derived entirely from plant sources and contains no animal by-products, so it is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, check the full ingredient list of the finished product to be certain no other animal-derived components are present.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Peg-35 Soy Glycerides is used topically in the low concentrations typical of cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified health professional to be on the safe side.
Peg-35 Soy Glycerides does not increase photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-35 Soy Glycerides vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible yet uncommon for most users when the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic levels.
- Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a soy allergy
- Eye irritation if a cleanser containing it is not rinsed away fully
- Dryness if used in a high-foaming formula on already dehydrated skin
If you develop any discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Peg-35 Soy Glycerides has a light, water-soluble profile so it rinses off easily and does not sit in pores the way heavier oils can. The PEG chains lower the chance of clogging while the soy portion adds softness without leaving a heavy film. Most published lists place similar PEG soy glycerides at the very low end of the comedogenic scale.
This means the ingredient is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any surfactant the overall formula matters; pairing it with thick occlusive fats could raise a product’s pore-clogging potential even if Peg-35 Soy Glycerides itself is low risk.
Summary
Peg-35 Soy Glycerides acts as a mild cleanser and an efficient emulsifier. Its PEG side chains let it grab water while its soy oil backbone loves lipids, so it bridges the two phases, lifts away grime and keeps creams from separating.
It is not a spotlight ingredient like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, yet formulators reach for it often in gentle gels, micellar waters and lightweight lotions because it plays nicely with many actives and has a pleasant silky finish.
Current data show it is safe for topical use at the low levels found in cosmetics with only rare irritation or allergy cases. As with any new product it is wise to do a small patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.