What Is Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate?
Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate is a synthetic ingredient created by attaching about nine units of ethylene oxide to a molecule that combines butylene glycol with lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut and palm kernel oils. The result is a hybrid compound that behaves like both oil and water, giving it useful surface-active properties.
The cosmetic industry began exploring polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives in the 1970s when formulators were searching for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate gained popularity because it could soften skin like natural oils while also helping formulas blend smoothly. Today it is produced through a controlled chemical reaction: first lauric acid is converted to its chloride form, then it is linked to butylene glycol, and finally ethylene oxide units are added under heat and pressure to reach the desired PEG-9 chain length. The finished material is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that dissolves easily in both water and oil phases.
You will most often spot Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate in lightweight moisturizers, facial masks, creamy cleansers, anti-aging serums, sunscreens and hair conditioners where it helps create a silky feel without a greasy residue.
Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in a formula, offering texture improvements and skin-feel benefits
- Emollient – coats the skin with a thin, flexible layer that smooths rough spots, reduces flakiness and leaves a soft after-feel
- Emulsifying – helps oil and water stay mixed so creams remain stable, spread evenly and resist separating on the shelf
Who Can Use Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate
Thanks to its light, non-greasy texture most skin types, including normal, dry, combination and oily, can generally use products containing Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it has a low irritation profile, though anyone with a history of reacting to PEG derivatives should proceed cautiously.
The ingredient is synthesized from petrochemical ethylene oxide, plant-derived lauric acid and laboratory-made butylene glycol, so no animal-derived materials are involved. This makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished product is not tested on animals and the rest of the formula is also animal-free.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is applied topically in cosmetic amounts. Still, this is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review their full skincare routine for added peace of mind.
Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate does not increase sensitivity to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitizing. It is also fragrance-free, gluten-free and non-ionic, making it less likely to interact with actives such as retinoids or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ between individuals. The points below list potential side effects that might occur with Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at typical concentrations and formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness, stinging or itching
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitized to PEG compounds
- Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Clogged pores or folliculitis in very acne-prone skin when used in heavy leave-on formulations
If any of these effects occur discontinue use, rinse the area with water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate has a small lauric acid portion that could in theory clog pores, but the molecule is heavily modified with PEG units and butylene glycol, both of which keep it water soluble and easy to rinse. In finished formulas it tends to sit lightly on the skin and is used at low levels, so the real-world risk of blocked pores is minimal.
Most people who are prone to acne can generally use products containing this ingredient without seeing an increase in breakouts.
Formulas that pair it with heavy oils or waxes could raise the overall comedogenic load, so check the complete ingredient list if you are very reactive.
Summary
Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate works mainly as an emollient and emulsifier. Its fatty tail smooths and softens skin while the PEG chain grabs onto water, letting it sit at the oil-water interface to keep creams stable and light. Because it covers two jobs at once, formulators often pick it when they want silky texture without extra greasiness.
The ingredient has a steady but not superstar presence in skincare and haircare. You will see it more in mid-weight moisturizers and rinse-off conditioners than in trend-driven serums, yet it remains a quiet workhorse that brands rely on for reliable performance.
Current safety reviews show a low irritation rate, no reproductive concerns and practically no environmental red flags at cosmetic use levels. As with any new product, patch test first to be sure it suits your individual skin needs.