What Is Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin?
Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin is a liquid or soft solid made by attaching about 200 units of ethylene oxide to trihydroxystearin, a fatty acid ester that usually comes from castor oil. This pairing of a plant-based oil component with polyethylene glycol (PEG) creates a material that mixes well with both water and oil. The base fatty acid, trihydroxystearin, was first used in cosmetics decades ago for its thickening power. In the 1960s formulators began adding PEG chains to improve how easily it disperses and to widen the range of products it could work in. Production starts with purified castor oil. The oil is split to release 12-hydroxystearic acid, which is then reacted with glycerin to form trihydroxystearin. Finally, the trihydroxystearin is treated with ethylene oxide under heat and pressure, giving the finished Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin.
You will most often see this ingredient in facial cleansers, makeup removers, micellar waters, lightweight lotions, hydrating masks, sunscreens and some hair conditioners. Its ability to pull oily grime into water makes it popular in rinse-off items while its mildness keeps it friendly to daily use.
Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient pulls its weight in several ways
- Cleansing: Its PEG side attracts water while its fatty acid side grabs oil, so it lifts dirt, makeup and excess sebum then helps them rinse away leaving skin feeling clean but not stripped
- Emulsifying: It keeps oil and water blended in a stable mixture which means creams stay smooth, lotions stay fluid and formulas resist separating over time
Who Can Use Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin
Because it is mild and non-comedogenic, Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin suits most skin types including dry, oily and combination skin. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well since it does not strip the natural barrier, though people with highly reactive skin should still watch how their skin feels in case any cleanser is left on too long.
The ingredient is made from castor oil and synthetic ethylene oxide so it contains no animal-derived material. This makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product does not add animal ingredients elsewhere in the formula.
No data show that topical Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not absorbed in meaningful amounts through intact skin and does not interfere with hormones. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask their doctor before adding new products to their routine.
Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin does not cause photosensitivity so there is no extra need to avoid sunlight when using it. As with any good skincare practice, daily sunscreen is still recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin depend on the individual. The points below list possible side effects yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging
- Eye discomfort if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness if used in a formula that stays on the skin too long or if the user already has a compromised barrier
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for those sensitive to PEG compounds
- Potential exposure to trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane if the manufacturer has not properly purified the raw material
If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin is classed as low on the pore-clogging scale because the bulky PEG chains keep the fatty part from packing tightly inside pores. It tends to rinse off cleanly and does not leave a heavy film, which lowers the chance of trapped oil and dead skin. This makes it generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that overall formula matters; if Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin sits in a product rich in heavy oils or waxes, the finished item could still feel occlusive even though this single ingredient is low risk.
Summary
Peg-200 Trihydroxystearin acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its water-loving PEG side grabs onto water while the fatty side grabs onto oil so it lifts grime then lets it rinse away. That same split personality helps keep oil and water blended which stops creams and lotions from separating.
It is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline star. You will spot it in many cleansers and some lightweight creams but it rarely gets called out on the front label.
Safety studies and long use in the market show it is well tolerated for most skin types with a very low rate of irritation or pore clogging. As with any new skincare product a simple patch test is a smart step before full use.