What Is Peg-9 Borageate?
Peg-9 Borageate is a plant-derived ingredient made by joining borage seed oil with small chains of ethylene oxide, which are a type of water-friendly molecule. Borage oil comes from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, known for its high level of gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid valued for its skin-loving properties. By linking the oil to the peg (polyethylene glycol) chains, chemists create an ester that can mix water and oil with ease.
The idea of pairing natural oils with peg chains has been around since the mid-20th century, when formulators looked for milder alternatives to harsh detergents. Peg-9 Borageate grew out of this trend as brands searched for plant-based emulsifiers that could also offer a touch of skin nourishment from the borage oil itself.
Making Peg-9 Borageate starts with cold-pressed borage seed oil. The oil is reacted with about nine units of ethylene oxide per molecule under controlled heat and pressure. This process attaches the water-friendly peg section to the oil-loving fatty acids, leaving a gentle substance that bridges the gap between water and oil.
Thanks to this dual nature, Peg-9 Borageate shows up in many product types. You might find it in silky moisturizers, lightweight facial lotions, soothing sheet masks, creamy cleansers, hydrating serums, gentle baby care formulas and even some hair conditioners where it helps keep the mix smooth and uniform.
Peg-9 Borageate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Peg-9 Borageate offers one key benefit to modern skincare and hair care products.
As an emulsifier it binds together water-based and oil-based ingredients so they stay blended from the first pump to the last. This stable mix gives products a pleasing texture, prevents separation on the shelf, improves spreadability on the skin and helps active ingredients stay evenly dispersed for reliable results.
Who Can Use Peg-9 Borageate
Peg-9 Borageate is considered gentle enough for most skin types. Its lightweight texture works well for dry, oily, normal and combination skin because it does not leave a heavy, greasy film. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it too, thanks to the mild nature of both the borage seed oil base and the polyethylene glycol chains. The main exceptions are individuals with a known allergy to borage, PEGs or other ethoxylated ingredients, who should avoid products featuring this emulsifier.
The ingredient is sourced from plant seeds and synthesized without animal-derived materials, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
There is no evidence that Peg-9 Borageate poses special risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. This comment is not medical advice; expectant or nursing mothers should show any skincare routine to their doctor to be on the safe side.
Peg-9 Borageate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. No other noteworthy usage restrictions are associated with the ingredient in rinse-off or leave-on formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-9 Borageate differ from person to person. The following list covers potential, but not likely, side effects when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels. Most people will not experience any of these issues in a properly formulated product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare redness, itching or rash in those sensitive to borage derivatives or PEGs
- Stinging or mild irritation – temporary discomfort on very compromised skin barriers
- Eye irritation – watering or burning if a product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased penetration of other actives – the emulsifier can improve skin absorption of accompanying ingredients which, in turn, may heighten their irritation potential in sensitive users
- Trace contaminant concerns – poorly purified PEG ingredients can contain 1,4-dioxane but reputable manufacturers remove it to safe limits
If any irritation or adverse effect occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-9 Borageate is primarily a water soluble emulsifier so it rinses cleanly and does not build up inside pores. Although it starts with borage oil, the fatty acids are heavily modified by the PEG chains, producing a lightweight molecule that spreads easily without forming an occlusive film. As a result it has a very low tendency to trap dead cells or sebum.
Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin in most formulas. The overall pore clogging risk depends more on the other ingredients in the product than on Peg-9 Borageate itself.
Summary
Peg-9 Borageate is used to keep oil and water blended, creating smooth stable creams, lotions, cleansers and masks. Its PEG portion loves water while its borage derived fatty acids love oil, letting it sit at the interface and hold the two phases together for consistent texture and even delivery of actives.
The ingredient shows up in a modest number of newer plant focused or sensitive skin lines rather than in every mainstream formula, but its gentle profile means its popularity is slowly growing.
Overall safety is high, with rare reports of irritation or allergy and strict manufacturing limits on potential contaminants. As with any cosmetic ingredient it is wise to try a small patch first when you test a new product just to be sure your skin agrees.