What Is Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate?
Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate is a plant-derived surfactant created by combining sorbitol, a sugar alcohol usually sourced from corn, with lauric acid obtained from coconut or palm oil. The initial reaction forms sorbitan laurate, which is then treated with about 75 units of ethylene oxide to add polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. This process, known as ethoxylation, gives the molecule the ability to mix oil and water, a key feature for many personal care products.
Surfactants like this one have been used in cosmetics since the 1950s when formulators needed gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. Because Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate is mild yet effective it quickly found a place in face cleansers, body washes, shampoos, makeup removers, micellar waters, sheet masks, exfoliating scrubs and even baby cleansers. Its balanced profile lets brands create clear stable formulas that rinse away easily without leaving a heavy film.
Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays one main role in skin and hair care formulas.
Cleansing: Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate lowers the surface tension of water so it can lift away dirt oil sweat and leftover makeup. Because its fatty lauric part likes oil and its PEG part likes water it can surround oily grime break it into tiny droplets and let it wash down the drain. The result is a cleanser that feels gentle yet leaves skin and hair fresh soft and free of buildup.
Who Can Use Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate
Because this surfactant is considered mild it is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal, dry and even sensitive skin. People with very reactive or compromised skin should still check the full ingredient list of a finished product to be sure there are no other triggers but Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate itself is not known to be harsh or pore clogging.
The raw materials are plant derived and no animal by-products are used in the manufacturing process so the ingredient fits vegan and vegetarian standards.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at cosmetic levels. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss any skincare product with a healthcare professional to be safe.
Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free, gluten free and considered non comedogenic which makes it versatile for most personal care routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary between individuals. The points below outline potential side effects that have been reported or are theoretically possible, yet most users experience none of them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on very sensitive or broken skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people who are specifically sensitized to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Transient eye stinging or watering if a cleanser containing the ingredient is accidentally rubbed into the eyes
- Increased skin dryness if the final formula relies solely on this surfactant without added moisturizers
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non comedogenic)
Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate is highly water soluble and does not leave an oily residue on skin. Its molecular structure is designed to lift away fats rather than sit on the surface, so it does not block pores. Published ingredient assessments and anecdotal reports both show an extremely low incidence of clogged pores or acne flare-ups.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Because it rinses clean, this surfactant can actually help reduce pore congestion when paired with balanced moisturizers and a consistent routine.
Summary
Peg-75 Sorbitan Laurate is a plant-derived surfactant that excels at gentle yet effective cleansing. Its oil-loving lauric segment grabs onto dirt, makeup and sebum while its water-loving PEG chains let the grime wash away, leaving skin and hair fresh without tightness.
It appears in a wide mix of cleansers, shampoos, micellar waters and baby washes. While not the most famous name on a label, formulators appreciate it for creating clear stable products that foam mildly and rinse fast, so it shows up more often than most people realize.
Current safety data rates it as low risk for irritation, allergy or pore clogging when used at normal cosmetic levels. Still, skin can be unpredictable, so do a quick patch test whenever you try a new product that contains this or any other ingredient just to be safe.