Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate?

Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate is a lab made compound that comes from soy fatty acids linked with small units of ethylene oxide and finished with a gentle sulfate salt. This mix gives the ingredient a balance of oil loving and water loving parts, which lets it blend smoothly into hair care formulas. It was first developed in the late twentieth century when chemists were looking for plant based conditioners that spread well and rinsed out easily. Production starts with soy oil that is broken down into fatty acids, reacted with ethylene oxide to add three repeating units, then joined with a quaternary ammonium group and neutralized with methyl sulfate. The result is a soft white to pale yellow paste.

You will most often spot Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate in rinse off and leave in hair conditioners, masks, smoothing creams, styling balms and anti frizz serums. It can also appear in two in one shampoos and gentle cleansing conditioners where extra slip is needed.

Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient pulls double duty in hair care formulas:

  • Antistatic: It helps cut down flyaways by neutralizing the charge that builds up on hair strands. This leaves hair looking smoother and easier to style, especially in dry weather or after heat styling.
  • Hair conditioning: Its fatty acid backbone coats the hair with a light, silky film that improves softness, detangles and adds a healthy shine without weighing the hair down.

Who Can Use Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate

This conditioner is generally gentle enough for all scalp and hair types including oily, balanced, dry, color treated and chemically relaxed hair. Its lightweight feel makes it a good pick for fine hair while the softening fatty acids also benefit coarse or curly textures. Because it is not heavily occlusive it rarely aggravates acne prone or sensitive skin along the hairline. There are no known reasons for people with specific skin conditions to avoid it unless they have a confirmed soy allergy, in which case caution is advised.

The ingredient is synthesized from plant derived soy oil and contains no animal by-products so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturing does not typically involve animal testing in regions that follow modern cosmetic regulations but buyers who want full cruelty free assurance should still check the finished brand’s policy.

No evidence suggests the ingredient poses a special risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in rinse off or leave in hair products. This is informational only and not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a qualified healthcare professional before starting new personal care items just to be safe.

Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate is not known to increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin or scalp more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with most common hair care actives such as proteins, silicones and plant extracts which makes formulation straightforward.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate differ from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects that have been reported or are theoretically possible though the average user will not experience them when the product is made and used correctly.

  • Mild scalp or skin irritation such as temporary redness itching or tingling
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to soy based ingredients or quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Eye irritation and stinging if conditioner accidentally runs into the eyes during rinsing
  • Product buildup on hair leading to a weighed down or greasy feel if used in high concentrations or without thorough rinsing
  • Reduced effectiveness of anionic cleansers in the same routine due to charge interaction which can leave hair feeling coated

If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate is mostly water soluble and forms a very thin breathable film on the hair that seldom stays on facial skin. It lacks the heavy waxes and long chain oils that typically clog pores which is why formulators consider it low risk for comedones.

Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone users in both rinse off and leave in hair products.

Because it is cationic it may bind lightly to skin, so those who use very rich leave in treatments along the hairline should double cleanse to prevent any residue buildup.

Summary

Peg-3 Disoyoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate acts as an antistatic agent and lightweight hair conditioner. Its positively charged quaternary ammonium head neutralizes static on strands while the soy derived fatty tail smooths and softens without heaviness. The ingredient is safe, generally well tolerated and vegan friendly, yet it is not as famous as big name silicones or classic behentrimonium conditioners so you will see it most in niche or eco leaning hair care lines rather than on every store shelf.

Overall safety data show a low irritation profile and minimal comedogenicity, making it appropriate for nearly all users. Still, whenever you try a new product it is smart to patch test first to catch any unexpected sensitivity.

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