What Is Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate?
Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate is a plant-derived fatty acid ester that has been reacted with about 60 units of ethylene oxide. In simpler terms it starts with glycerin and isostearic acid, both usually sourced from vegetable oils such as coconut or soybean. These building blocks are joined through esterification, then the resulting molecule is “PEGylated,” meaning it is treated with ethylene oxide to make it water friendly. The final ingredient is a waxy liquid that mixes well with both oils and water.
Lab chemists began working with PEGylated glycerides in the late 1970s when the cosmetics industry needed gentler alternatives to soap-based emulsifiers. Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate gained popularity because it could create stable creams without leaving a heavy film. Today it is manufactured on a large scale in closed reactors that control temperature and pressure, ensuring a high-purity material suitable for skin care.
You will spot this ingredient in many rinse-off and leave-on products. Facial cleansers, makeup removers, micellar waters and bath oils use it to dissolve stubborn pigments. It also shows up in moisturizers, anti-aging creams, sunscreens, sheet masks, hair conditioners and even some lip balms where its balancing act between oil and water keeps textures smooth and pleasing.
Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what this multitasking ingredient brings to a formula
- Emollient – softens and smooths the skin surface creating a silky feel that helps reduce rough patches
- Emulsifying – binds oil and water into a uniform mixture preventing products from separating and improving spreadability
Who Can Use Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate
This ingredient is gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal and combination skin. It has a light, non greasy feel so even oily or acne prone users usually tolerate it well, though extremely breakout sensitive skin may prefer to limit high concentrations. Because it helps soften without trapping too much oil it is often recommended for mature or dehydrated skin that needs added suppleness.
Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate is typically sourced from plant oils and contains no animal by-products, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As with any raw material, a quick check with the brand can confirm plant sourcing if this is important to you.
The molecule sits mainly on the surface of the skin and is not known to penetrate in meaningful amounts, so it is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a healthcare provider to be sure they meet personal needs.
The ingredient does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It can be worn day or night without changing your normal sun protection habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis resulting in itching or rash
- Temporary clogged pores in users already prone to heavy comedone formation
- Enhanced absorption of other active ingredients that could heighten their own irritation profile
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate combines a highly branched fatty acid (isostearic) with a bulky PEG chain that keeps the molecule water friendly and less likely to pack tightly inside pores. This structure reduces its ability to trap sebum or create the dense film commonly linked to clogged pores. Most industry references classify PEGylated esters like this one as low risk for comedones.
Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin in most cases, although very sensitive users who react to any fatty esters may still prefer lighter formulas.
The comedogenic profile can vary a little depending on how much of the ingredient is used and what other heavy oils sit alongside it, so the overall formula matters.
Summary
Peg-60 Glyceryl Triisostearate works mainly as an emollient and an emulsifier. Its fatty part smooths rough skin while the PEG portion grabs water, letting it bridge oil and water so creams stay uniform and spread easily. The dual nature also helps cleansers lift makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin.
Although not as famous as classic emulsifiers like polysorbates, it has carved out steady popularity in modern cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight moisturizers because it feels silky yet rinses clean.
Safety data classifies it as low irritation with minimal comedogenic risk when used at normal levels. Still, everyone’s skin is different so doing a simple patch test with any new product is a smart habit.