What Is Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate?
Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate is a liquid ingredient made by joining three molecules of oleic acid, a fatty acid from vegetable oils, to a small three-carbon backbone called trimethylolpropane. Chemists then attach long chains of ethylene oxide and a smaller amount of propylene oxide to that backbone. The result is a large, partly oily, partly water-friendly molecule that blends well with both oils and water.
The cosmetic industry began looking at this type of molecule in the late 1980s when brands needed easier ways to keep thick creams stable without adding heavy waxes. Its ability to fine-tune texture quickly made it popular in labs that formulate lotions, balms and hair products.
Production starts with plant-derived oleic acid that is reacted with trimethylolpropane to form a trioleate ester. This ester then goes through controlled reactions with ethylene oxide followed by propylene oxide. Each step is monitored to reach an average of 120 units of ethylene oxide and 10 units of propylene oxide, giving the ingredient its specific number code.
You will most often find Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate in moisturizers, rich facial creams, overnight masks, hair conditioners and styling balms where a smooth, cushiony feel is desired.
Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main role in formulas
As a viscosity-controlling agent it helps set the thickness of a product so it spreads evenly, feels luxurious and stays stable over time. By adjusting how easily the cream or gel moves, it prevents separation, improves payoff and allows brands to create textures that feel rich yet not greasy.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate
This texture-builder is considered gentle enough for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. People with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter formulas but the ingredient itself is not known to clog pores and is usually well tolerated.
Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate is synthesized from plant oils and petroleum-derived ethylene and propylene oxides so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggest any specific danger for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and there are no special sun-related precautions linked to its use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to polyethylene glycol derivatives
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Heavy or greasy feel that may be uncomfortable for those with extremely oily skin
If any discomfort or reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
The bulky polyethylene glycol chains make the molecule highly water dispersible which keeps it from building up inside pores. Although it contains oleic acid tails the overall structure is far less oily than straight plant oils so the risk of pore clogging is low. In most finished formulas this translates to a very slight chance of triggering comedones.
Most people who are prone to acne can use products containing Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate without problems but ultra sensitive or very oil-rich skin types should still watch how their skin responds.
Formulas that pair this ingredient with heavy butters or waxes may raise the overall comedogenic load so the full ingredient list matters more than this single component.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate is mainly added to cosmetics to control viscosity, giving creams and conditioners a smooth cushiony flow that feels rich yet not greasy. It does this by combining oil-loving oleic acid arms with long water-loving PEG chains which latch onto both phases and keep the emulsion at just the right thickness.
It is a niche but quietly reliable workhorse that shows up most often in mid to high end moisturizers and hair treatments, especially when formulators want luxe texture without waxy drag.
Safety data and decades of use point to a low risk profile with only rare irritation or allergy reports. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a fresh product first so you can be confident your skin will agree with it.