What Is Peg-75 Oleate?
Peg-75 Oleate is a synthetic ingredient created by reacting oleic acid, a fatty acid most often derived from vegetable oils like olive or sunflower, with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The number 75 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units attached to each oleic acid molecule, which makes the final material water friendly. This balance of oil and water loving parts lets Peg-75 Oleate mix oily grime with rinse water, a trait highly valued in cleansers.
The cosmetic world began turning to PEG-based surfactants in the mid-20th century when formulators needed gentler yet effective alternatives to traditional soaps. Peg-75 Oleate emerged from this wave of innovation and has remained popular because it performs reliably, is easy to work with, and has a track record of safe use on skin.
Manufacturing starts with plant sourced oleic acid that is purified then reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends smoothly into water based or oil based formulas. Makers appreciate that it stays stable across a wide pH range and does not add much scent or color of its own.
You will most often spot Peg-75 Oleate in face and body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoo, bath gels, baby cleansers and some exfoliating masks where a mild yet effective cleansing action is needed. It can also show up in wipes and cleansing balms that require oil-lifting power without leaving a heavy residue.
Peg-75 Oleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The main role of Peg-75 Oleate in personal care is cleansing. Its dual nature lets it grab onto oil, dirt, sunscreen and makeup while still dispersing easily in water so everything rinses away. This helps products foam or emulsify gently, leaving skin and hair feeling clean but not stripped.
Who Can Use Peg-75 Oleate
Peg-75 Oleate is generally well tolerated by most skin types including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin because it cleans without a harsh stripping effect. Very dry or eczema-prone skin may prefer formulas that pair this surfactant with richer emollients to counter any potential tightness.
The ingredient is typically sourced from vegetable oils and produced through a synthetic process that does not rely on animal byproducts, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, certification depends on the finished brand’s supply chain and cruelty-free policies.
Peg-75 Oleate has no known reproductive toxicity and is widely viewed as safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should show their chosen products to a healthcare professional for personal guidance.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it does not contribute to photosensitivity. It is also non-ionic, meaning it plays nicely with most other cosmetic ingredients without destabilizing a formula.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-75 Oleate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, yet most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to PEG compounds
- Eye stinging or watering if cleanser accidentally enters the eyes
- Enhanced absorption of other actives that may heighten their irritancy on compromised skin
- Trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane if manufacturing purification is inadequate
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-75 Oleate is highly water soluble thanks to its long PEG chain, so it does not linger on skin or clog pores the way heavier oils might. Although the base fatty acid, oleic acid, has some pore blocking potential, the PEG modification makes the final molecule far less likely to build up inside follicles. This rinsability keeps its comedogenic risk low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, particularly in rinse-off cleansers where contact time is short.
As with any surfactant, a formula that pairs Peg-75 Oleate with heavy occlusive oils could still feel greasy for very oily skin, so the overall recipe matters.
Summary
Peg-75 Oleate is a mild cleansing agent that lifts oil, dirt and makeup then dissolves easily in water so residues wash away without stripping. Its balanced oil-and-water structure lets it function as a gentle surfactant and emulsifier in face washes, shampoos, micellar waters and baby cleansers.
The ingredient remains popular because it is dependable, affordable and versatile across pH ranges and product types. It shows up most often in rinse-off items but can also support wipes or balms where easy removal is a must.
Extensive safety reviews find low irritation and allergy rates when properly purified, though trace 1,4-dioxane concerns keep quality control important. Overall it is considered safe for the vast majority of users. As with any new skincare product, patch testing on a small area first is a smart precaution.