What Is Peg-2 Lauramide?
Peg-2 Lauramide is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching two units of ethylene oxide to lauramide, the amide form of lauric acid. Lauric acid is a fatty acid most often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, so even though the final material is man-made its starting point is a plant oil. Chemists first began adding short polyethylene glycol chains to fatty acid amides in the 1970s when the personal care industry was seeking mild alternatives to traditional soap. The process involves reacting lauric acid with monoethanolamine to create lauramide, then carefully adding ethylene oxide until an average of two units are linked on each molecule. The resulting clear to pale yellow liquid mixes easily with water and oil, making it handy for modern formulations.
Because it boosts foam, helps oils rinse away and keeps formulas stable, Peg-2 Lauramide shows up most often in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths and hand soaps. It can also appear in makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs and sheet mask essences where a light cleansing action is useful.
Peg-2 Lauramide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Peg-2 Lauramide for two main reasons
- Cleansing: The molecule has both water-loving and oil-loving parts so it can lift dirt, excess sebum and makeup from the skin or hair then allow them to be rinsed away with water. This gives products a gentle yet effective cleaning performance without leaving a tight or squeaky feel
- Emulsifying: It helps keep oil and water evenly blended in a formula which prevents separation, improves texture and ensures each pump or squeeze delivers the same balance of ingredients. A stable emulsion also lengthens shelf life and gives products a smooth user experience
Who Can Use Peg-2 Lauramide
Peg-2 Lauramide is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its mild cleansing action makes it suitable for oily, normal and combination skin. Sensitive skin usually handles it well because it is less harsh than traditional soaps, though very dry or eczema-prone skin might find frequent use a bit drying if a good moisturizer does not follow.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived lauric acid and petroleum-based ethylene oxide, so no animal products are involved. This makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product is not tested on animals and other formula components are also animal-free.
Industry safety reviews have not flagged Peg-2 Lauramide as a risk for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new personal care products.
Peg-2 Lauramide does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with common active ingredients such as retinoids or vitamin C. Because it is mostly used in rinse-off products only tiny amounts remain on the skin after use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-2 Lauramide differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, especially on compromised skin
- Dryness or tightness if the product is used very frequently or left on the skin too long
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for individuals sensitive to amide or PEG structures
- Eye irritation if the raw ingredient or foam enters the eyes
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-2 Lauramide is highly water soluble and is almost always used in rinse-off products, so it spends very little time on the skin and is quickly washed away. Its PEG chain reduces the fatty character of the original lauric acid, lowering the chance of pore blockage. For these reasons it is considered to have a very low likelihood of triggering clogged pores or acne. People prone to breakouts can generally use products containing Peg-2 Lauramide without concern.
No studies have flagged this ingredient for worsening fungal acne and it does not leave an occlusive film, which further supports its low comedogenic profile.
Summary
Peg-2 Lauramide acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. The molecule has a water-loving PEG head and an oil-loving lauramide tail so it can surround dirt and oils, lift them from skin or hair and let water rinse them away. At the same time it sits at the oil-water interface inside the bottle, keeping formulas smooth and stable.
While not a buzzworthy star, it is a quiet workhorse in many shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers where mild foam and stable texture are needed. Safety reviews show it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing when used at typical levels. As with any new cosmetic, it is wise to patch test a product containing Peg-2 Lauramide before full use especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.