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Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

In Skincare: Is Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
2/5 — Low risk
Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin or if PEG-related impurities e. g., ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, are present; the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed it as safe for use in cosmetics under current practices.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate functions as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier, with a partial origin in coconut.

  • 02

    This ingredient is commonly incorporated into formulations such as moisturizers, hair conditioners, and cleansers.

  • 03

    The purification process for Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is designed to minimize the presence of potentially harmful byproducts.

  • 04

    The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and considers it safe for use in cosmetics.

Key Benefits

What Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate is a surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to soften skin and blend ingredients in formulations like cleansers, moisturizers, and hair conditioners. While concerns exist regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during the manufacturing process (due to ethylene oxide), cosmetic manufacturers employ purification methods to minimize this risk. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has deemed PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products, up to 10% concentrations.
Classifications
Cleansing Agent
Emollient

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

PEG Glyceryl Cocoate ingredients are synthesized from coconut oil fatty acids. The specific chain length (e.g., PEG-7) indicates the average number of ethylene oxide molecules incorporated during production, determined by the ratio of ethylene oxide to water used in the reaction.

Common Uses

Formulation in Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate functions as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, contributing to a smoother feel. It also aids in emulsion formation by reducing surface tension, allowing ingredients to combine effectively. Furthermore, these ingredients assist in dissolving oil and dirt in water-based formulations, facilitating easier rinsing from skin and hair.

Role of Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and oil through surfactant action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Emulsifying Surfactant

Blends oil and water phases into stable mixtures

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.

Products

containing Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

1207 formulations
Herb Day 365 Master Blending Foaming Cleanser Peach & Fig
Herb Day 365 Master Blending Foaming Cleanser Peach & Fig
The Face Shop · cleanser
Triple Multi Cleansing Foam
Triple Multi Cleansing Foam
Mamonde · cleanser
3-in-1 Bath & Shower Gel - Amazing Grace
3-in-1 Bath & Shower Gel - Amazing Grace
Philosophy · body-skincare

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Cosmeticsinfo.org, Accessed November 2021, ePublication

[2]

International Journal of Toxicology, 2020, pages 26S–58S

[3]

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, July 2018, pages 373–381

[4]

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, July 2017, ePublication

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate — common questions

What is Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate in skincare?

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is a polyethylene glycol ether derived from coconut oil fatty acids. It’s produced by reacting ethylene oxide with water, resulting in varying chain lengths (indicated by the numbers following “PEG-”). These different versions – PEG-7, PEG-30, PEG-40, PEG-78 and PEG-80 – are all chemically similar but differ in their average number of ethylene oxide moles.

What does Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate do? / Functions of Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate?

Common functions: SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate? / Is Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate comedogenic?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).

Is Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin or if PEG-related impurities e. g., ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, are present; the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed it as sa

Is Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate in skincare?

Known considerations: May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin or if PEG-related impurities e. g., ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, are present; the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed it as safe for use in cosmetics under current practices.

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