What Is Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate?
Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate is a plant-derived ingredient made by joining glycerin, isostearic acid from vegetable oils and ethylene oxide. The result is a waxy, off-white substance that blends easily with water and oils. Chemists began experimenting with this type of compound in the 1960s when the boom in creamy lotions and gentle cleansers called for ingredients that could keep oil and water mixed while feeling light on skin. Today the ingredient is produced in large reactors where glycerin first combines with isostearic acid to form glyceryl diisostearate, which is then reacted with about sixty units of ethylene oxide to add the “Peg-60” part. The finished material is filtered, cooled and milled into flakes or pastilles that dissolve quickly during product manufacturing. You will most often see Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoo, body washes, moisturizers and sheet mask essences where a silky feel and stable texture are key.
Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in formulas, helping both the finished product and the user experience.
- Cleansing: It loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they wash away easily, leading to a fresher feel without harsh rubbing.
- Emulsifying: It keeps oils and water mixed, preventing separation, which means creams stay smooth and clear cleansers stay uniform from the first use to the last.
Who Can Use Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate
Thanks to its mild nature and light feel, Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate suits most skin types including dry, normal, oily and combination. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it, although people with known allergies to polyethylene glycol based ingredients or highly reactive skin should approach with caution because trace impurities from the manufacturing process could trigger irritation in very rare cases.
The ingredient is typically sourced from vegetable oils and synthetic ethylene oxide rather than animal derivatives, so it is normally considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Anyone following a strict plant based lifestyle should still verify the supplier’s sourcing practices to be certain.
Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate is regarded as low risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it stays on the skin surface and is used at low concentrations. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should ask their doctor before starting any new skincare product to be safe.
It does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Regular daily sunscreen use is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient has been properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness stinging or itching
- Contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to PEG compounds or fatty acid esters
- Eye irritation if cleanser or shampoo containing the ingredient gets into the eyes
- Very rare allergic reaction linked to residual impurities from the ethoxylation process
If you experience any of these issues stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate has a mostly water-loving structure thanks to its polyethylene glycol chains, which lets it rinse off cleanly and sit lightly on skin rather than forming thick pore-blocking films. The small amount of fatty acid present could technically add a bit of occlusion, but the overall molecule is too water compatible to pose much risk of clogging pores in real-world use.
This low score means the ingredient is generally fine for those prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is used at modest levels and often in rinse-off products like cleansers and shampoos, any comedogenic potential is further reduced.
Summary
Peg-60 Glyceryl Diisostearate acts as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its dual nature lets one end grab on to oils and grime while the other end bonds with water, so it lifts dirt away and keeps oil-water mixtures stable. That ability helps formulas stay smooth and leaves skin feeling fresh after washing.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in mainstream skincare and haircare, especially in gentle facial cleansers and makeup removers that need a silky touch without heavy residue. It is not as buzzworthy as trendy botanicals, yet chemists rely on it because it simply works.
Safety data show it is well tolerated for most users with only rare irritation. Even so, anyone adding a new product to their routine should perform a quick patch test to make sure their skin agrees with it.