Common Name(s): Peg-10 laurate,peg-10 laurate,peg-laurate ester,polyoxyethylene laurate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps mix oil and water in formulas while providing mild cleansing action. well tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin.
Why It's Used: Peg-10 laurate is selected for c12 laurate ester emulsification at peg-10 โ the laurate chain length (c12) is optimal for balancing antimicrobial activity, hlb emulsifier performance, and mild surfactant cleansing, combining multiple functional roles that longer-chain peg esters cannot replicate.
How It Works: Peg-10 eo chain โ hydrophilic head; c12 laurate ester tail โ hydrophobic anchoring + mild surfactant activity; hlb ~12โ14 โ o/w emulsification and oil-in-water solubilization.
Typically Found In: Cleansers,emulsions,makeup removers
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Cleansing,mild surfactant
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Lauric acid from coconut/palm kernel; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; laurate component
Sensitivity Concerns: Mild and well tolerated. suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Mild surfactants,humectants,emollients
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Peg laurate esters are susceptible to hydrolysis at extreme ph โ the c12 monoester releases free lauric acid under acidic hydrolysis, which can contribute antimicrobial activity in situ and should be considered when formulating at ph extremes or elevated temperatures.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,peg-10 laurate emulsifier review