What Is Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer?
Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer is a lab-made ingredient created by linking small units of polyethylene glycol with dodecyl glycol, then capping part of the chain with a single methoxy group. The result is a copolymer that has both water-loving and oil-loving sections, which lets it sit comfortably at the boundary between oil and water. First explored in the late 1980s by formulators looking for gentler ways to hold emulsions together, it gained wider cosmetic use in the 1990s when manufacturing methods became more cost-effective.
The production process starts with ethylene oxide reacting with methanol to form methoxy polyethylene glycol. This chain is then coupled with dodecyl oxirane through controlled polymerisation, yielding an average of 22 ethylene oxide units to 7 dodecyl units per molecule. The finished copolymer is purified, dried and milled into a fine powder or supplied as a liquid concentrate, ready to be blended into formulas.
You will most often spot Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer in moisturisers, face creams, sunscreens, anti-aging serums, wash-off masks, makeup foundations, hair conditioners and leave-on styling creams. Its balanced structure makes it useful anywhere a stable, smooth texture is key.
Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings multiple formulating advantages that help products look, feel and perform better on the skin or hair.
- Emulsion stabilising: By positioning itself between oil and water droplets, the copolymer keeps the two phases from separating, giving creams and lotions a uniform look and longer shelf life.
- Viscosity controlling: It gently thickens formulas, allowing chemists to fine-tune texture from light lotion to rich cream without adding heavy waxes or gums. The result is a product that spreads easily yet stays where you put it.
Who Can Use Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer
Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer is mild and lightweight so it tends to suit most skin types, including oily, combination, dry and even sensitive skin. It does not clog pores, does not leave a heavy film and has a low chance of triggering irritation, which makes it a flexible choice across a wide range of formulas.
The ingredient is made entirely from synthetic starting materials. No animal‐derived substances are used at any point in its production so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No data show any risk linked to pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on products at normal cosmetic levels. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new skincare into their routine.
Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it has no known effect on tanning or sunburn risk.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer vary from person to person. The points below list possible side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness or stinging on broken or freshly shaved skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitised to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased absorption of other actives through damaged skin which could amplify those actives’ effects
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer is highly water soluble, forms light non-occlusive films and has a large molecular size, all of which limit its ability to settle inside pores and trap oil. Studies on similar PEG-based polymers show negligible pore-clogging potential, which is why formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic. In most finished products the ingredient is present at low concentrations, further reducing any clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin
The only caveat is that finished formulas often contain other ingredients that may be comedogenic, so pore-clogging can depend on the overall product not this polymer alone.
Summary
Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer acts mainly as an emulsion stabiliser and viscosity controller. Its split personality-part water loving, part oil loving-lets it sit at the oil-water border to keep creams from separating, while its chain length tweaks thickness so products feel silky instead of runny or heavy.
The ingredient enjoys moderate popularity: it is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline maker, valued by formulators who want reliable texture without resorting to heavy waxes. You will often find it in moisturisers, sunscreens and hair conditioners but it is not as ubiquitous as classic PEGs or carbomers.
Safety data rate it as low risk with very rare reports of irritation or allergy. Still, skin is personal so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Methoxy Peg-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer before full use, especially if your skin is sensitive.