Common Name(s): Peg-20 beeswax,polyoxyethylene-20 beeswax,ethoxylated beeswax-20

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend easily and conditions skin with natural beeswax properties.

Why It's Used: Ethoxylated beeswax enables self-emulsifying cold cream-type formulas; natural origin wax with hlb ~10–12 from peg-20 modification.

How It Works: Beeswax esters ethoxylated with 20 eo units; hlb ~10–12 suitable for o/w self-emulsifying systems; wax structure provides film-forming and conditioning character.

Typically Found In: Self-emulsifying creams,cold creams,moisturizers,natural cosmetics

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emollient,film forming

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: No - animal-derived

Halal Status: Conditional - bee-derived; widely held permissible, confirm certifier stance

Source Notes: Beeswax from honeybees (animal origin); eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: bee-derived; permissibility widely accepted but fatwa varies by jurisdiction. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; rare beeswax allergy in sensitive individuals.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Natural oils,waxes,humectants,other peg emulsifiers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ethoxylated beeswax (peg-20 beeswax) was one of the first emulsifying waxes used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic cold creams; the hlb ~10-12 after peg-20 modification enables spontaneous emulsification; cas 93821-11-5.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cas 93821-11-5