What Is Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate?
Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate is a lab-made ingredient classified as an ethoxylated fatty acid. Chemically it comes from 2-ethylhexanoic acid that has been reacted with about 13 units of ethylene oxide. This reaction adds water-loving (hydrophilic) segments to the oil-loving (lipophilic) acid, creating a molecule that can link oil and water together.
Ethoxylated fatty acids like this started appearing in skin care during the mid-20th century as chemists searched for gentler alternatives to soaps. By tweaking the number of ethylene oxide units they could dial in different levels of solubility and skin feel, leading to a family of PEG-based emulsifiers that are still popular today.
Manufacturing begins with plant- or petroleum-derived 2-ethylhexanoic acid. The acid is purified then fed into a reactor with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. Catalysts guide the addition of roughly 13 ethylene oxide molecules per acid molecule. The finished liquid is filtered, tested for purity and packaged for cosmetic formulators.
You will most often see Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate in lotions, creams, serums, cleansing milks, makeup removers and leave-on masks where it helps keep formulas smooth and stable.
Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays a key role in how a product looks, feels and performs on the skin.
As an emulsifying agent Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate helps oil and water mix evenly so creams stay uniform from the first pump to the last. A well-formed emulsion spreads easily, feels light, absorbs better and delivers active ingredients more consistently, giving the user a pleasant texture without greasy residue.
Who Can Use Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate
Because it is mild and non-comedogenic Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. People with very sensitive or compromised skin usually tolerate it well since it does not strip moisture or leave a heavy film. Those with a known polyethylene glycol sensitivity should avoid it as it belongs to the PEG family.
The ingredient is produced from plant or petroleum feedstocks rather than animal sources so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check a finished product’s full ingredient list to be sure no other animal-derived materials are present.
No specific warnings are issued for pregnant or breastfeeding women using cosmetics that contain this emulsifier. It is not absorbed in significant amounts through intact skin and has no known hormonal activity. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare choices past a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection practices still apply when using any leave-on skincare product.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate differ from person to person. The issues listed below are uncommon and products that include the ingredient are generally well tolerated when correctly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to PEG compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into eyes
- Very low risk of contamination with trace 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide if manufacturing purification is poor
If any discomfort or adverse reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate is highly water soluble after ethoxylation, so it does not sit in pores or create the dense film typically linked to clogged follicles. Its molecular size and structure allow it to rinse or wear away cleanly, leaving little residue that could trap sebum or debris. Because of this light, non-occlusive behavior formulators often use it in products marketed for oily or blemish-prone skin.
Suitable for acne-prone users, with no known pore-clogging potential.
Some finished formulas may combine Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate with heavier oils that do carry comedogenic risk, so the overall product rating can differ.
Summary
Peg-13 Ethylhexanoate is primarily an emulsifier that holds oil and water together, improving product stability, spreadability and skin feel. Its balance of hydrophilic and lipophilic parts lets it create fine, uniform droplets that keep lotions smooth and lightweight.
While not the most famous PEG on ingredient lists, it appears in a steady range of cleansers, moisturizers and makeup removers where gentle performance is needed.
Current data shows it is safe for topical use with very low irritation or sensitization rates. As with any new skincare product a quick patch test is wise to confirm personal compatibility.