What Is Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate?
Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate is a specialty ingredient made by linking glycerin, a moisturising compound often sourced from plant oils, with capric acid, a fatty acid typically obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil. Six units of ethylene oxide are then added, which is why the name carries the number 6. This combination creates a mild, water-friendly molecule that can blend oil and water while softening skin.
The ingredient emerged in the 1990s when formulators looked for gentler alternatives to older, harsher emulsifiers. By tweaking the ratio of glycerin, fatty acid and ethylene oxide chemists created a versatile material that works in both leave-on and rinse-off products.
Production starts with esterifying glycerin and capric acid to form glyceryl caprate. This ester is then reacted with controlled amounts of ethylene oxide, a process called ethoxylation, to reach an average of six repeating units. The final liquid or waxy solid is purified and blended into cosmetic bases.
You will spot Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate in moisturisers, face masks, creamy cleansers, anti-aging serums, makeup removers, baby lotions, sheet masks, hair conditioners and soothing after-sun gels. Its ability to smooth skin and stabilise mixed formulas makes it popular in both budget and prestige lines.
Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker brings two main benefits to a formula
- Emollient – Forms a light, silky layer on the surface of skin that helps reduce moisture loss and leaves a soft after-feel without greasiness. It can improve the spreadability of creams and lotions making them feel richer and more comforting.
- Emulsifying – Acts as a bridge between oil and water so the product stays uniform and stable. This lets brands create smooth creams, milks and gels that do not separate on the shelf and rinse away cleanly when desired.
Who Can Use Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate
Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate is generally considered suitable for dry, normal and combination skin because its light emollient film helps limit water loss without feeling heavy. Oily or acne-prone skin can also tolerate it since the ingredient is lightweight and has a very low tendency to clog pores, though individuals who break out easily may prefer formulas where it appears at lower concentrations.
The raw materials used in commercial production are usually plant derived so the ingredient is typically acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. Brands that certify their supply chain can confirm the absence of animal by-products or animal testing.
Current safety data show no specific reproductive or developmental risks when Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate is used topically, so products containing it are generally viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have a doctor review their skincare routine to be sure all ingredients are appropriate.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it has no known impact on tanning or photo-aging treatments. It is also odorless, which is helpful for users who avoid fragrance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Transient redness or warmth
- Mild itching or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in people already sensitised to similar fatty acid esters or PEG compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Minor breakout or clogged pores in individuals extremely prone to comedones when used in heavy leave-on products
If irritation or any other unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate is partly derived from a medium chain fatty acid yet the attached PEG groups make it far more water loving than typical oils. This higher solubility lets it rinse away easily and prevents it from forming thick occlusive films that trap dead cells and sebum. Formulas usually include it at low levels, further reducing any pore blocking risk.
With this low score the ingredient is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, though overall formula design and personal skin response still matter.
Because the raw material stays liquid and workable at room temperature it is often used in cleansing products that are fully removed, which makes the chance of lingering residue even smaller.
Summary
Peg-6 Glyceryl Caprate acts as an emollient that smooths the skin surface and an emulsifier that keeps oil and water together so creams stay stable and pleasant to use. It achieves this by combining a fatty acid portion that likes oil with PEG sections that like water, allowing it to sit comfortably at the boundary of the two phases.
The ingredient is not as famous as big name moisturisers like hyaluronic acid yet it quietly shows up in a wide range of cleansers, lotions and masks because it gives formulators a reliable way to improve texture without heaviness.
Current research and industry reviews place it in the low risk category for topical use with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new product it is smart to patch test first to make sure your individual skin agrees with the formula.