What Is Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides?
Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides is a modified form of fish oil. Manufacturers start with the natural glycerides found in fish oil, add hydrogen to make them more stable, then attach an average of eight ethylene oxide (EO) units. The result is a creamy, wax-like material that mixes easily with water and oil.
Fish oils have been valued for centuries in skin ointments. In the mid-20th century cosmetic chemists began hydrogenating these oils to stop them from turning rancid. Ethoxylation came next, giving the ingredient its PEG label and improving its ability to blend into modern creams and lotions.
The process involves three main steps: purification of fish oil, controlled hydrogenation to saturate the fatty chains, and ethoxylation under pressure with ethylene oxide gas. The finished ingredient is a soft solid or thick liquid that dissolves in both water and lipids, making it handy for many formulas.
You will usually spot Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides in moisturizers, overnight masks, anti-aging serums, cleansing balms, baby lotions and after-sun products. It can also appear in color cosmetics that need a smooth, creamy feel, such as foundations and lip products.
Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasking ingredient helps formulators create products that feel good and stay stable.
- Emollient – softens rough patches by filling in tiny gaps between skin cells, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple
- Emulsifying – keeps oil and water blended so creams stay uniform, resist separation and maintain a pleasing texture throughout their shelf life
Who Can Use Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Dry, normal and mature skin will appreciate its smoothing, cushioning feel. Combination skin can also benefit, provided the overall formula is light enough. Extremely oily or very acne-prone skin might find rich products containing high levels of this ingredient a bit heavy, so look for lightweight lotions rather than thick creams if that is a concern.
Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides is derived from fish oil, which means it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians seeking strictly plant-based products. If avoiding animal-derived ingredients is important to you, choose alternatives labeled vegan friendly.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals can usually use cosmetics containing this ingredient because it stays on the skin’s surface and is not known to interfere with hormones. That said, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should have their doctor approve any new skincare product to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so you do not need special sun precautions beyond the normal daily use of sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but quite uncommon when the ingredient is used at typical levels in well-formulated products.
- Allergic reaction: People with a known fish allergy could experience redness, itching or swelling
- Skin irritation: Very sensitive skin may notice mild stinging or burning, especially on broken or compromised skin
- Breakouts: If a formula is too rich for oily or congestion-prone skin, clogged pores or pimples could occur
- Eye discomfort: When used near the eye area, accidental contact with the eyes can cause temporary watering or stinging
If you develop any of these issues discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides contains fatty acid chains that could theoretically trap oil in pores, yet the attached PEG groups make the molecule partly water soluble which lowers its clogging potential. Most formulas include it at modest levels so buildup on skin is unlikely.
Suitable for acne prone users in lightweight products, but very oily skin might prefer lower-lipid alternatives.
Keep in mind that a product’s entire recipe plus individual skin chemistry determine whether breakouts happen, not any single ingredient in isolation.
Summary
Peg-8 Hydrogenated Fish Glycerides acts mainly as an emollient and an emulsifier. Its softened, hydrogenated fish lipid portion fills micro gaps between skin cells to smooth and reduce moisture loss, while the eight-unit PEG tail helps it dissolve in both oil and water so creams stay creamy and stable.
The ingredient pops up in a fair number of moisturizers, balms and foundations, though it is less buzzworthy than plant based PEG esters because it is sourced from fish.
Overall safety is high with a low irritation record, the main caution being for people with fish allergies. As with any new skin care, patch test first to check personal tolerance.