What Is Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides?
Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides is a plant based cosmetic ingredient made by joining natural mushroom fats with glycerin and then attaching about 42 units of ethylene oxide. The result is a creamy liquid that blends oil and water in a stable way. Peg-type ingredients first showed up in skin care in the 1950s when chemists looked for safer, softer alternatives to harsh soaps. Over time suppliers began using different plant sources, including edible mushrooms, because they are renewable and mild.
Production starts by extracting fatty acids from mushrooms. These fatty acids are linked to glycerin to form mono and diglycerides. The mix is then reacted with ethylene oxide until an average of 42 units latch on. This step, called ethoxylation, turns the original oil loving molecules into ones that also love water. The finished ingredient is filtered, tested for purity and sent to manufacturers as a clear to pale yellow fluid.
You will spot Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides in many water based or water and oil blends such as face moisturizers, hydrating masks, lightweight lotions, hand creams, cleansing balms, anti aging serums and rinse-off shower products. Brands like it because it spreads well, feels silky and keeps formulas from separating even when stored on a warm bathroom shelf.
Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient supports both the feel and stability of skin care formulas.
- Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin surface by forming a light protective layer that helps hold in water so skin feels supple and less flaky
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water mix evenly which stops creams and lotions from splitting, giving products a uniform texture and extending shelf life
Who Can Use Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides
Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides is generally well tolerated by all major skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its light film does not feel greasy so even acne-prone skin usually accepts it, while the hydrating action is welcome for drier complexions. Extremely sensitive or highly reactive skin may want to monitor use since any new emulsifier could provoke irritation in rare cases.
The ingredient is derived from mushroom lipids and synthetic ethylene oxide, with no animal sourced components, which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No data link Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides to hormone disruption or fetal risk, so products containing it are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare professional.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known effect on tanning treatments or sunscreen performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet unlikely when the ingredient is used at the low levels found in finished cosmetics.
- Transient stinging or mild redness on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Contact irritation in individuals with an existing sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives
- Allergic dermatitis marked by itching swelling or small rash-like bumps
- Eye irritation if the raw material is accidentally splashed into the eyes during DIY formulating
- Theoretical exposure to trace 1,4-dioxane residues if manufacturing purification has been inadequate
Discontinue use and seek medical guidance if any persistent or severe reaction develops.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides is mostly water loving thanks to its 42 ethylene oxide units, so it rinses away easily and leaves only a light breathable film. This low residue profile, combined with the fact that PEGs do not solidify in pores, keeps the likelihood of clogging minimal. While the glyceride portion is oil based, its high level of ethoxylation vastly reduces any pore blocking tendency.
Suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
If used in very rich formulas heavy in other oils or waxes the overall product could still feel occlusive, so always consider the full ingredient list rather than this single component.
Summary
Peg-42 Mushroom Glycerides works chiefly as an emollient and an emulsifier. It softens skin by forming a sheer protective layer that slows water loss, and it keeps oil and water blended so creams stay smooth and stable over time. Although not as famous as classic PEG stearates or plant butters, its mushroom origin and silky feel are drawing interest from brands looking for novel plant based alternatives.
Current safety data show it is low risk for irritation, non comedogenic for most users and free of known hormone or reproductive concerns. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a small area first to confirm personal compatibility.