What Is Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol?
Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol is a plant-derived ingredient made from the natural sterols found in rapeseed oil. Through a process called ethoxylation, about five units of ethylene oxide are attached to each sterol molecule, giving the material the “Peg-5” part of its name. This small chemical tweak turns the waxy rapeseed sterols into a water-friendly substance that blends smoothly with both oils and water.
Rapeseed sterols have been known in food science for decades, but formulators started exploring their cosmetic potential in the 1980s when the demand grew for gentler, plant-sourced alternatives to animal cholesterol. Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol quickly caught on because it could replace several ingredients at once: it cleans, it binds oil and water together and it feels pleasant on skin.
The manufacturing process begins with refined rapeseed oil. Sterols are isolated from the oil, purified then reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions. The result is a creamy, wax-like substance that easily disperses in water or oils, making it a handy multitasker for formulators.
You will most often see Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol in facial cleansers, micellar waters, creamy body washes, lightweight moisturizers, sheet mask essences and two-phase makeup removers. It also turns up in hair conditioners where a mild cleansing boost is desired.
Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient wears several hats in a formula, helping products look, feel and perform better.
- Cleansing: Its amphiphilic structure lets it grab onto makeup, excess sebum and everyday grime so they can be rinsed away with water, leaving skin fresh yet comfortable
- Emulsifying: By bridging oil and water it keeps creams, lotions and bi-phase products from separating which improves texture and stability while giving a smooth, non-greasy feel on application
Who Can Use Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol
Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including normal, dry, oily, combination and even sensitive skin thanks to its mild cleansing action and low likelihood of clogging pores. Those with known allergies to rapeseed or other brassica plants should avoid it as a precaution.
The ingredient is entirely plant sourced and no animal by-products are used during production which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare routine past a qualified doctor to be on the safe side.
Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol does not increase photosensitivity so there is no added need for extra sun protection beyond daily SPF good practice.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects although these are not expected for the average user when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Skin irritation or redness
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to rapeseed or related plants
- Mild eye stinging if the formula gets into the eyes
- Transient tingling on broken or compromised skin
If you notice any of the above reactions discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol is largely water dispersible thanks to its short polyethylene glycol side chain, so it does not sit heavily on skin or plug pores the way waxier plant sterols can. Most formulas use it at fairly low levels and often in rinse-off products, both of which further reduce any clogging potential. For these reasons it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. If you are extremely clog-prone you may still prefer to check how your skin reacts, but the risk is low.
Summary
Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol acts as a mild cleanser and an oil-in-water emulsifier. The rapeseed sterol portion loves oils while the small PEG chain loves water, allowing the molecule to surround dirt or sebum and lift it away or to hold a cream’s oily and watery phases together for a smooth feel. Its multitasking nature lets formulators simplify ingredient lists and create gentle textures.
You will not see this ingredient splashed across marketing campaigns the way hyaluronic acid or niacinamide is, yet it has a solid place in many modern cleansers, lightweight lotions and bi-phase makeup removers because it does its job quietly and well.
Current safety data rate Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol as low-risk for topical use with very few reports of irritation. Still, every skin is unique so it is smart practice to patch test any new product containing it before full use.