What Is Peg-150 Oleate?
Peg-150 Oleate is an ester made by linking polyethylene glycol with oleic acid, a fatty acid that occurs naturally in plant oils such as olive and sunflower. The number 150 refers to the average length of the polyethylene glycol chain, which influences how well the ingredient mixes oil and water. First introduced to personal care labs in the late 1970s, Peg-150 Oleate quickly gained traction as brands searched for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. It is produced through a controlled reaction called esterification, where purified oleic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene glycol are heated together in the presence of a catalyst until they form a stable waxy liquid. Thanks to its ability to lift away dirt while feeling mild on skin, you can now spot Peg-150 Oleate in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removing balms, exfoliating scrubs, clay masks and even some bubble baths.
Peg-150 Oleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one primary role in formulas.
Cleansing: Peg-150 Oleate surrounds oil, sunscreen, makeup and everyday grime so they can be rinsed off with water. It creates a soft creamy foam, improves spreadability and helps products wash away without leaving a tight or squeaky feel.
Who Can Use Peg-150 Oleate
Peg-150 Oleate is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, thanks to its large molecular size and mild cleansing action that limit penetration and irritation. People with very compromised or eczema-prone skin should still check the full formula to be sure no stronger surfactants or fragrances are paired with it, as those could offset its gentleness.
The ingredient is typically sourced from plant-based oleic acid and synthetic polyethylene glycol, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the brand confirms no animal-derived processing aids are used.
No evidence suggests Peg-150 Oleate poses specific risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding when used topically in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review any skincare regimen just to be safe.
Peg-150 Oleate does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also color-safe for chemically treated hair and non-comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to the topical use of Peg-150 Oleate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects, but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient has been correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Transient eye stinging if the cleanser runs into the eyes before rinsing
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as persistent rash or swelling
- Dryness or tightness when combined with other strong surfactants or over-cleansing
If any of these effects occur stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Peg-150 Oleate is highly water soluble and has a large molecular size, so it sits on the surface and rinses away instead of seeping into pores where clogs form. It also lacks heavy plant oils or waxes that can trap dead skin cells. For these reasons formulators consider it non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because this ingredient usually appears in rinse-off cleansers its short contact time with skin further reduces any clogging risk.
Summary
Peg-150 Oleate serves a single but important role in cosmetics: gentle cleansing. By surrounding oils and dirt with its water-loving polyethylene glycol side and its oil-loving oleate side, it lifts away residue while leaving skin and hair feeling soft rather than stripped.
Although not as famous as sulfates or newer sugar-based surfactants it is a steady workhorse that shows up in many mainstream shampoos, body washes and makeup removers because it balances effectiveness with mildness.
Current research and decades of use show Peg-150 Oleate is safe in both rinse-off and leave-on formulas with a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging. Still, whenever you start using a new product it is smart to test it on a small patch first to ensure your individual skin reacts well.