What Is Peg-13 Mink Glycerides?
Peg-13 Mink Glycerides is a cosmetic ingredient created by reacting mink oil with glycerin to form mono- and diglycerides, then attaching an average of 13 ethylene oxide units to each molecule. The mink oil portion supplies fatty acids while the ethoxylated section gives the material water-loving qualities, resulting in a balanced molecule that can link oil and water together. Mink oil first appeared in skin care during the mid-20th century thanks to its similarity to human sebum, and chemists later modified it with ethoxylation to make it more versatile for modern formulas.
The production process starts with purified mink oil sourced from the fat of farm-raised minks. This oil is combined with food-grade glycerin under heat to form glycerides. The resulting mixture is then exposed to controlled ethylene oxide gas, which adds the repeating oxyethylene units. After purification and safety testing, Peg-13 Mink Glycerides becomes a pourable or semi-solid ingredient ready for lab use.
Because it helps oil and water blend smoothly, you will see Peg-13 Mink Glycerides in lotions, creams, makeup removers, facial masks, hair conditioners, styling creams and certain anti-aging serums where a stable emulsion is essential.
Peg-13 Mink Glycerides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main purpose in a formula relates to the way it balances oil and water phases, giving products a pleasant texture and dependable shelf life.
- Emulsifying: Acts as the bridge between watery ingredients and oily butters or silicones so the finished product stays uniform without separating, spreads easily on the skin and feels light yet nourishing
Who Can Use Peg-13 Mink Glycerides
Because it helps balance oil and water, Peg-13 Mink Glycerides works for most skin types, especially normal and dry complexions that appreciate the added softness from mink oil fatty acids. People with very oily or acne-prone skin might prefer lighter emulsifiers since animal-derived lipids can feel rich and may contribute to a heavier skin feel.
The ingredient is sourced from mink oil, so it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians who avoid animal-derived materials. Those following a cruelty-free lifestyle may also wish to skip it unless the brand clearly certifies ethical sourcing practices.
Current data does not flag Peg-13 Mink Glycerides as a reproductive or developmental toxin, so it is generally considered acceptable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals in rinse-off and leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare item with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
Peg-13 Mink Glycerides is not known to cause photosensitivity, so daytime use does not require extra sun precautions beyond your normal broad-spectrum sunscreen routine. There are no reported ingredient conflicts with common actives such as retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-13 Mink Glycerides can vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions, yet most users experience none of these issues when the ingredient is correctly formulated.
- Skin irritation
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive individuals
- Clogged pores or acne flare in those prone to breakouts
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people with specific sensitivities to animal fats or residual processing agents
- Rare hypersensitivity to trace ethylene oxide byproducts
If you notice any adverse effect while using Peg-13 Mink Glycerides or a product that contains it, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 3 / 5
Peg-13 Mink Glycerides contains fatty acids from mink oil that can sit on the skin surface and potentially block pores, yet the attached ethylene oxide units make the molecule more water friendly and help it rinse or spread more thinly than pure animal oil. This balance lands it in the moderate range: not a guaranteed pore clogger but not entirely risk free either. Those who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts may want to approach with caution or choose lighter alternatives. Formulation style, overall oil load and personal skin chemistry will ultimately decide how it behaves on each face.
Summary
Peg-13 Mink Glycerides serves mainly as an emulsifier that holds oil and water together so creams, lotions and cleansers look smooth, stay stable and feel pleasant on application. The mink oil segment brings cushioning fatty acids while the ethoxylated part attracts water, letting it bridge the two phases in a formula.
Because it is sourced from mink oil its use has declined in recent years as brands move toward plant based or synthetic options to satisfy vegan and cruelty free shoppers, though it still appears in niche skin and hair products where its silky texture is valued.
Overall safety data show it is low in irritation potential and free of major systemic concerns when used in typical cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to carry out a small patch test before full use to confirm it suits your individual skin.