What Is Peg-150 Dibehenate?
Peg-150 Dibehenate is a synthetic ingredient created by linking ethylene oxide units to behenic acid, a fatty acid originally found in oils like rapeseed and peanut. The result is a large polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain with two behenic acid tails that give it both water-loving and oil-loving parts. This dual nature makes it valuable in modern cosmetics.
The compound emerged in the late 20th century as formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional detergents. By tweaking the length of the PEG chain they discovered a version with around 150 ethylene oxide units that offered gentle yet effective performance. Production starts with behenic acid, which is reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure to build the long PEG chain, then refined to cosmetic-grade purity.
You will most often see Peg-150 Dibehenate in rinse-off products where a creamy, stable texture is needed. Common examples include facial cleansers, body washes, exfoliating scrubs, cleansing balms, makeup removers, shampoos and some hydrating masks. Because it helps oil and water stay mixed it can also appear in lotions and conditioners that aim for a rich feel without heaviness.
Peg-150 Dibehenate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient for a few clear reasons that improve how a product looks, feels and performs on the skin or hair.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens dirt, makeup and excess oil so they rinse away easily while keeping the formula mild and low foaming
- Emulsifying: It binds oil and water phases together creating a smooth stable cream or gel that will not separate on the shelf or in the shower
Who Can Use Peg-150 Dibehenate
Peg-150 Dibehenate is considered gentle enough for most skin and hair types, from dry to oily and even sensitive complexions. Its large molecular size sits mainly on the surface so it cleanses without stripping natural moisture. People with very oily or acne prone skin might find heavy use in leave-on products feels a bit coating, but this is uncommon because the ingredient is usually rinsed off.
The compound is produced from plant based behenic acid or fully synthetic sources and contains no animal derived substances, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Those following a strict lifestyle may still want brand confirmation that the behenic acid was sourced from vegetable oils like rapeseed rather than animal fats.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low percentages found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a healthcare professional to be extra cautious.
Peg-150 Dibehenate is not known to cause photosensitivity so daytime use does not require extra sun protection beyond your normal SPF routine. It is also odorless and free from common allergens like gluten nuts and soy which broadens its compatibility for people with other sensitivities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-150 Dibehenate are rare but can vary from person to person. The points below outline possible side effects yet most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation: may show up as temporary redness stinging or dryness especially on very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis: an allergic response is uncommon but could present as itchiness rash or swelling
- Eye irritation: can cause watering or stinging if cleanser residue gets into the eyes
- Build-up on hair or scalp: heavy repeated use in conditioners might leave a coated feel or dullness for some users
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-150 Dibehenate has a very low likelihood of clogging pores because its large PEG backbone keeps it mostly on the surface and it is usually rinsed off within minutes. While the behenic acid part is a fatty chain, the heavy PEG portion makes the molecule water dispersible so it does not linger inside pores the way pure oils can.
Overall this ingredient is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts when used in typical cleanser or wash-off formulas.
Formulation still matters: if a product is packed with other rich emulsifiers or heavy occlusives the overall pore-clogging risk can rise, but Peg-150 Dibehenate itself contributes very little to that issue.
Summary
Peg-150 Dibehenate acts as both a cleanser and an emulsifier. Its oil loving behenic tails grab onto makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum while the long PEG chain mixes easily with water so everything rinses away in one smooth step. The same dual nature helps keep oil and water phases blended, giving lotions and balms a creamy stable texture.
The ingredient is not a household name, yet formulators value it in gentle face washes, makeup removers and some rich conditioners. You will not see it spotlighted on product labels, but it quietly supports many mild cleansing formulas on the market.
Safety studies show it is non sensitising, non mutagenic and rarely irritating when used at cosmetic levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains Peg-150 Dibehenate before full use.