What Is Peg-150 Laurate?
Peg-150 Laurate is a synthetic ingredient created by attaching about 150 units of polyethylene glycol to lauric acid, a fatty acid usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. This combination produces a water-soluble compound that behaves like a very mild soap. Chemists began experimenting with polyethylene glycol derivatives in the mid-20th century to make cleansers that rinsed easily and felt gentle on skin; Peg-150 Laurate emerged from that research as a reliable option for personal care products.
Manufacturing starts with natural plant oils. The lauric acid is separated, purified then reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled process that repeatedly adds the glycol units. The number 150 reflects the average amount of these added units, giving the ingredient its thick, gel-like consistency and high solubility.
You will most often find Peg-150 Laurate in face washes, body cleansers, shampoo, exfoliating masks and sometimes makeup removers. Brands favor it when they want a rich foam that rinses clean without the squeaky-tight feel stronger surfactants can cause.
Peg-150 Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one key role in formulations:
Cleansing – Peg-150 Laurate lowers the surface tension of water so it can mix with oils, dirt and impurities, allowing them to be lifted away and rinsed off easily. Its high molecular weight makes it less likely to penetrate or irritate skin, so it provides a gentle yet effective cleanse that suits daily use in facial and body products.
Who Can Use Peg-150 LauratePeg-150 Laurate is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin because its large molecular size keeps it on the surface where it can cleanse without stripping natural moisture. Sensitive skin can also usually handle it thanks to its mild nature, though people with a known allergy to polyethylene glycols should avoid it.
The ingredient is synthesized from lauric acid that is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil then reacted with ethylene oxide, so it contains no animal-derived material. As long as the final product is not tested on animals it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Available safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Peg-150 Laurate is used in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any skincare product to a qualified doctor before use to be safe.
Peg-150 Laurate does not cause photosensitivity and does not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also does not interfere with other common skincare actives, making it easy to pair with exfoliating acids, retinoids or antioxidants in the same routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-150 Laurate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions, though most users experience none of these as long as the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Transient stinging if applied to broken or compromised skin
- Dryness when used in high concentrations or with very frequent washing
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people with a confirmed PEG allergy
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low)
Peg-150 Laurate is highly water soluble and has a large molecular weight that keeps it on the skin surface where it rinses away easily, making it unlikely to lodge in pores or mix with sebum long enough to create blockages. Laboratory and anecdotal data show minimal reports of clogged pores when the ingredient is used in standard rinse-off formulas.
Because of this low score it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when used in cleansers that are removed after short contact time.
No additional comedogenic concerns have been noted, even when Peg-150 Laurate is combined with richer emollients, because its surfactant nature actually helps remove those oils during rinse-off.
Summary
Peg-150 Laurate works primarily as a gentle cleansing agent. By binding to both water and oil, it lifts dirt, sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum so they can be washed away while its large PEG chain keeps it from stripping skin lipids or penetrating too deeply.
Although it is not the most talked-about surfactant, formulators appreciate it for creating a creamy lather and mild finish in face washes, body gels and shampoos, meaning it shows up in a fair number of everyday products without much fanfare.
Current safety reviews classify Peg-150 Laurate as low risk when used as directed, especially in rinse-off products. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this ingredient to rule out individual sensitivities.