What Is Bis-(Methoxy Peg-22 Epoxidized Soyate) Peg-13?
Bis-(Methoxy PEG-22 Epoxidized Soyate) PEG-13 is a plant-derived ingredient that starts with ordinary soybean oil. Chemists first convert the oil’s fatty acids into an “epoxidized” form, which makes the oil more reactive. They then attach Methoxy PEG-22 to create a mild, water-friendly ester, and finish the process by linking on PEG-13. The result is a silky, nonionic molecule that loves both water and oil, making it useful in many personal care formulas.
The cosmetic world began turning to this type of soy-based surfactant in the early 2000s when brands started looking for gentler, more sustainable replacements for traditional petroleum-based cleansers. Because soy is widely grown, the raw material is easy to source, and the final ingredient fits well with modern “plant-powered” marketing stories.
Production involves three main steps: epoxidation of the soy fatty acids, esterification with Methoxy PEG-22, and a final reaction with PEG-13. These reactions take place in controlled factory settings and are followed by thorough purification to remove any leftover reactants.
You will most often spot Bis-(Methoxy PEG-22 Epoxidized Soyate) PEG-13 in face cleansers, micellar waters, shower gels, sulfate-free shampoos, makeup removers, baby washes, foaming face masks, self-tanning lotions, body scrubs, and lightweight moisturizers where a gentle yet effective cleansing or dispersing action is desired.
Bis-(Methoxy Peg-22 Epoxidized Soyate) Peg-13’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this multitasker offers several practical benefits that help products look, feel, and perform better:
- Cleansing: Loosens and lifts dirt, oil and makeup so they rinse away easily without stripping the skin or hair
- Dispersing: Keeps pigments, exfoliating grains or UV filters evenly spread out so every squeeze of product delivers the same dose
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil stay blended, creating stable creams, lotions or milky washes that do not separate
- Foam Boosting: Enhances the amount and creaminess of lather in washes and shampoos for a more satisfying sensory experience
- Solubilizing: Dissolves small amounts of fragrance or oily actives into clear gels and toners, preventing cloudy or streaky results
Who Can Use Bis-(Methoxy Peg-22 Epoxidized Soyate) Peg-13
This soy based surfactant is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its mild nature and balanced pH mean it rarely aggravates sensitive skin, though anyone with a known allergy to soy should steer clear because the ingredient is ultimately derived from soybean oil.
The raw materials come from plants and no animal by products or animal testing are involved in its standard manufacture, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data shows no known reproductive or developmental concerns, so products containing Bis-(Methoxy PEG-22 Epoxidized Soyate) PEG-13 are generally viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding users. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run the product past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
The molecule is not sun sensitising and does not increase the skin’s vulnerability to UV light, so there is no special need for extra SPF beyond normal daily sun protection habits.
Because it plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients and has a neutral charge, formulators can blend it into a wide range of cleansers, shampoos and lotions without worrying about destabilising the overall formula.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Bis-(Methoxy PEG-22 Epoxidized Soyate) PEG-13 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur though they are not likely for the average user when the ingredient is included at typical cosmetic levels in a well made product.
- Mild skin redness or stinging in individuals with very reactive skin
- Transient eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness if used in high concentration without added moisturisers
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to soy derived materials or polyethylene glycols
- Increased penetration of other actives which could in turn heighten their irritation potential
If any discomfort, swelling or persistent irritation occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – The molecule is heavily PEG-modified which makes it highly water-soluble and unlikely to stay on the skin long enough to clog pores. While its fatty acid backbone comes from soybean oil, the extensive chemical processing strips away most of the oil-like traits that typically cause congestion. Because of this, Bis-(Methoxy PEG-22 Epoxidized Soyate) PEG-13 is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Most formulas using this ingredient are rinse-off cleansers or shampoos, giving it even less opportunity to sit in pores. Leave-on products that pair it with heavy occlusive oils could raise the comedogenic risk slightly but the ingredient itself remains low risk.
Summary
Bis-(Methoxy PEG-22 Epoxidized Soyate) PEG-13 is a plant-based multitasker that cleanses, disperses, emulsifies, boosts foam and solubilizes oily bits into water. It achieves these feats thanks to its unique structure: a soy fatty acid core gives it affinity for oils while the PEG chains love water, allowing it to bridge the two phases and keep everything stable and rinsable.
Although not as famous as household surfactants like coco-glucoside, this soy-derived option has carved out a quiet niche in sulfate-free face washes, micellar waters and gentle shampoos where formulators want mildness plus eco-friendly appeal.
Current safety data flags no major concerns and real-world use shows few reports of irritation or allergies. Still, every skin is different so it is wise to do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains it.