What Is Peg-75 Dioleate?
Peg-75 Dioleate is a liquid ingredient made by attaching around 75 units of ethylene oxide to dioleic acid, a fatty acid that comes from plant oils such as olive or sunflower oil. The ethylene oxide portion gives the material a water-loving side while the fatty acid keeps an oil-loving side, creating a balanced molecule that can mix oil and water.
The idea of linking fatty acids to polyethylene glycol took off in the 1950s when formulators wanted milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Over time Peg-75 Dioleate proved especially good at lifting away dirt without stripping skin, so it found a steady place in personal care labs. Today it is produced in large reactors where dioleic acid is first purified then reacted with ethylene oxide under heat and pressure. After careful washing and filtering the result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends easily with other cosmetic ingredients.
You will most often spot Peg-75 Dioleate in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers. It can also turn up in makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs and bubble baths where its mildness and foaming help create a pleasant user experience.
Peg-75 Dioleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Peg-75 Dioleate delivers two key technical benefits that translate to a smoother product and a better cleanse.
- Cleansing: Its dual nature loosens oil, dirt and makeup then helps rinse them away with water, leaving skin or hair feeling clean but not tight
- Emulsifying: It keeps water and oil evenly mixed so products stay stable, look uniform and feel consistent from the first pump to the last
Who Can Use Peg-75 Dioleate
Peg-75 Dioleate is generally considered suitable for most skin types including oily, dry, normal and combination because it cleanses without an aggressive stripping effect. People with very sensitive or compromised skin may still prefer gentler alternatives since even mild surfactants can occasionally cause redness or tightness if the skin barrier is already weakened.
The ingredient is typically sourced from plant-derived fatty acids so it is usually acceptable to vegans and vegetarians. As manufacturing practices can vary, anyone following a strict plant-only lifestyle may want to confirm the feedstock with the brand.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Peg-75 Dioleate is used in rinse-off cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal yet this is not medical advice and those who are expecting or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider.
Peg-75 Dioleate is not known to cause photosensitivity and there are no special sun exposure precautions linked to its use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-75 Dioleate vary from person to person. The following points list potential side effects yet these events are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated within a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness stinging or tightness
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally contacts the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with specific sensitivities
- Excessive dryness if used in very high concentrations or with other strong cleansers
- Trace levels of 1,4-dioxane left from the ethoxylation process if the producer has not adequately purified the raw material
If any discomfort or adverse effect occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-75 Dioleate is highly water soluble and used mainly in rinse-off cleansers, so it spends little time on the skin and is quickly washed away. While the molecule does contain fatty acid chains they are wrapped in a large polyethylene glycol backbone that keeps the ingredient dispersed in water rather than settling into pores. For that reason it carries only a slight chance of clogging and is generally considered safe for acne-prone users. Those extremely susceptible to breakouts may still prefer to monitor how their skin responds, especially if the formula also contains heavier oils.
Because Peg-75 Dioleate is usually combined with other surfactants, the overall comedogenic potential of a finished product depends on the full ingredient list. If a cleanser pairs it with rich butters or occlusive waxes the rating of the final product could be higher.
Summary
Peg-75 Dioleate acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its water-loving polyethylene glycol section grabs onto water while its fatty acid tails attract oil, so together they lift grime then allow it to rinse off cleanly. The same dual nature keeps oils and water evenly blended which gives shampoos, body washes and makeup removers a smooth texture and consistent foam.
Although not a headline ingredient you will find it quietly working behind the scenes in many mass-market and salon formulas because it offers reliable mild cleansing without complicated handling. It is widely viewed as safe when used as intended, with irritation or pore clogging reported only rarely. As with any new skincare product it is smart to do a quick patch test first to make sure your skin is happy before adding it to your routine.