What Is Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate?
Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate is a synthetic ingredient made by joining glycerin, isostearic acid derived from plant oils, and about sixty units of ethylene oxide. The result is a waxy surfactant that mixes oil and water with ease. Chemists first explored this type of compound in the 1970s when brands were looking for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. By adjusting the number of ethylene oxide units they found a version that offered good cleansing power without stripping skin. Production starts with vegetable-based isostearic acid that is reacted with glycerin to create glyceryl isostearate. This base is then treated with ethylene oxide in controlled steps until the target average of sixty units is reached. Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate appears in face cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, body washes, sheet masks, and some lightweight moisturizers where a mild yet effective cleansing action is needed.
Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient serves one main purpose.
Cleansing: It lowers the surface tension between oil and water so dirt, excess sebum, and makeup can lift away easily during rinsing. Because it is milder than many sulfates it helps leave skin feeling soft not tight which makes it suitable for daily use in both facial and body products.
Who Can Use Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
This mild surfactant works for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well because it cleans without the harsh lift you might feel with stronger foaming agents. Those with very reactive or eczema-prone skin should still check the full product formula since other ingredients could be the real trigger.
Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate is made from plant-derived isostearic acid and synthetic ethylene oxide, with no animal by-products, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The ingredient has no known hormonal activity and is not absorbed in meaningful amounts, which means products containing it are usually viewed as safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show their skincare routine to a qualified health professional just to be sure.
It does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no special sun care precaution linked to this component beyond normal daily SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate differ from person to person. The issues listed below are possible but not likely in most properly formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation – a small number of users may notice redness stinging or itching especially if the formula sits on the skin for a long time
- Eye irritation – contact with the eyes can cause watering or a temporary sting in some cleansers
- Contact allergy – very rare cases of sensitization can lead to rash or hives after repeated exposure
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate is a large, highly water-soluble surfactant that tends to rinse off rather than sit on the skin or clog pores. It contains no heavy waxes or occlusive oils that typically cause breakouts which is why formulators consider it very low on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially in rinse-off cleansers where contact time is short.
Keep in mind that the overall formula matters; if a product pairs this surfactant with heavier emollients the finished item could still feel pore-clogging.
Summary
Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate is mainly a cleanser that lifts away oil, dirt and makeup by reducing surface tension so water can wash debris off the skin. Its pegylated structure lets it dissolve in water while its fatty tail grabs onto grime, delivering effective yet gentle cleansing.
While not a household name like sulfates or coco-glucoside it shows up steadily in micellar waters, gel cleansers and sheet masks aimed at a softer cleansing experience.
Safety profiles rate it as low risk because it is non-sensitising for most users, not readily absorbed and free of known hormonal effects. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to do a small patch test the first time you try a product containing Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate just to be sure it agrees with your skin.