What Is Peg-32 Laurate?
Peg-32 Laurate is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching about 32 units of ethylene oxide to lauric acid, a fatty acid that occurs naturally in coconut and palm kernel oil. The process, called ethoxylation, turns the otherwise oily lauric acid into a water-friendly molecule with both oil-loving and water-loving parts. This dual nature is why the finished material is often described as a nonionic surfactant.
Surfactants like Peg-32 Laurate first gained attention in the middle of the 20th century when formulators looked for gentler cleansing agents than traditional soap. By tweaking the length of the ethylene oxide chain scientists found they could fine-tune mildness and solubility. Peg-32 became a popular balance point: long enough to be water soluble yet still able to mix with oils and dirt.
The ingredient is produced in large reactors where purified lauric acid reacts with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. After the reaction the mixture is neutralized filtered and tested for purity, then shipped as a clear viscous liquid or soft paste.
You are most likely to see Peg-32 Laurate in face cleansers body washes micellar waters shampoo bars and makeup removing wipes. Some light lotions sunscreens and facial masks also include it to help rinse away excess oil or pigment during application or removal.
Peg-32 Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics Peg-32 Laurate serves a single but important role
As a cleansing agent it lowers the surface tension between skin and impurities so dirt excess sebum and makeup loosen and rinse away easily with water. Its nonionic nature makes it milder than many sulfate-based surfactants which helps reduce the likelihood of dryness or irritation while still delivering a fresh clean feel.
Who Can Use Peg-32 Laurate
Thanks to its mild nonionic nature Peg-32 Laurate suits most skin types including oily, combination and normal skin while even sensitive skin often tolerates it well. People with very dry or compromised skin may want formulas that pair the ingredient with replenishing moisturizers since any surfactant can lift away some natural oils.
The lauric acid used to make Peg-32 Laurate is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil not animal fat which means products containing it are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Those following strict ethical or sustainability standards may wish to check that the palm oil source is certified responsibly grown.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women from topical use of this ingredient when it appears at the low levels common in personal care products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare professional just to be sure.
Peg-32 Laurate does not increase photosensitivity so using products that contain it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also has no known interactions with common actives like retinoids or vitamin C, making it easy to slot into existing routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-32 Laurate vary from person to person. The following points list potential reactions although most users will not experience them if the finished product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Skin dryness or tightness if the formula is heavily cleansing and not balanced with moisturizers
- Mild irritation such as redness or itching especially on already sensitized or damaged skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases when an individual is specifically allergic to the ingredient
- Eye stinging or watering if a cleanser containing Peg-32 Laurate accidentally gets into the eyes
- Concern over trace levels of 1,4-dioxane a by-product of ethoxylation if the manufacturer has not properly removed it
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. While raw lauric acid can clog pores, attaching 32 polyethylene glycol units transforms it into a highly water soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly instead of lingering in follicles. Most formulators use it at low levels in wash-off products, which further limits any pore-blocking risk.
This low score means Peg-32 Laurate is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, provided the overall formula is gentle and non-greasy.
As with any surfactant the final comedogenic impact depends on the full recipe, the presence of heavy oils and how thoroughly the product is rinsed away.
Summary
Peg-32 Laurate is a nonionic surfactant that acts mainly as a cleanser, loosening dirt, oil and makeup so they wash off easily with water. Its balanced structure gives enough oil affinity to grab grime yet enough water affinity to rinse away without leaving a film, which helps skin feel clean but not stripped.
Although not as famous as sulfates or newer sugar-based cleansers, it shows up in a fair number of facial washes, micellar waters and makeup removers because it delivers reliable mild cleansing at a reasonable cost.
Current research and decades of use suggest it is safe for most skin types with only minor risks of dryness or rare irritation, and manufacturing controls can minimize impurities like 1,4-dioxane. As with any new skincare product, do a quick patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with it.