What Is Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate?
Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate is a man-made ingredient created by joining glycerin, lauric acid from coconut or palm kernel oil, and about 23 units of ethylene oxide. The result is a creamy wax-like substance that mixes well with both water and oil. Chemists first explored this class of compounds in the mid-20th century when the beauty industry needed gentler soap alternatives. As surfactant science advanced, Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate earned a spot in modern formulas for its mild cleansing action and its talent for keeping products stable.
The ingredient is produced in several steps. Glycerin reacts with lauric acid to form glyceryl laurate. Ethylene oxide is then added in a controlled process to attach the “PEG-23” chain, giving the molecule its water-loving side. Makers purify the final paste or flakes before shipping it to cosmetic labs.
You will most often see Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate in facial cleansers, shower gels, micellar waters, lightweight lotions, sheet mask essences, scalp scrubs and makeup removers. Brands like it because it is gentle enough for daily use yet strong enough to lift away dirt and excess oil.
Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lets it attract oil and water at the same time so it can surround grime and lift it off skin or hair. This leads to a fresh clean feel without the tightness harsher soaps can cause
- Emulsifying: It helps blend oily ingredients with water into a smooth uniform mixture. This keeps creams from separating improves texture and ensures every pump or dab delivers the same balance of actives
Who Can Use Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate
Because it is a mild cleansing agent Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate is generally suitable for normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin. Those with very dry or compromised skin may want to limit leave-on use as repeated exposure could lift away needed surface lipids and increase tightness.
The ingredient is typically sourced from plant oils so it can fit into vegan and vegetarian routines. That said a few suppliers still use animal-derived glycerin so shoppers who avoid animal products should look for brands that clearly label their raw materials as plant based.
No data suggest that Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically at cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a physician before introducing new skincare just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interaction with SPF filters or self-tanners.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects although most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Tightness or flaking on very dry skin
- Temporary stinging if the formula gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitised to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Increased scalp dryness when used in high-foam shampoos
If any discomfort or rash develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – The lauric acid backbone on its own could clog pores but grafting on glycerin and 23 PEG units makes the molecule far more water soluble and less likely to linger in follicles. It usually appears at low levels in rinse-off or fluid emulsions so build-up is minimal. Overall Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate is unlikely to trigger pimples which makes it generally acceptable for breakout-prone users. Very oily skin types may still prefer lighter leave-on options but most people should not notice pore congestion from this ingredient.
No published data links Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate to fungal acne growth and it does not oxidize into pore-blocking residues over time.
Summary
Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate cleans the skin by surrounding oils and grime then lifting them away with water while also acting as an emulsifier that keeps water and oil phases mixed so creams stay smooth and consistent. Its dual nature comes from the fatty laurate tail that loves oil and the long PEG chain that loves water.
The ingredient shows up in a fair number of modern cleansers and light lotions though it is not as famous as sulfates or traditional emulsifying waxes. Formulators pick it when they want gentle cleansing without harsh foam and a reliable stabilizer in one raw material.
Safety reviews place Peg-23 Glyceryl Laurate among the lower-risk surfactants when used at normal cosmetic levels. Most users experience no issues yet it is always smart to patch test any new product to rule out individual sensitivities.