Back to Ingredient Dictionary

Common Name(s): Nonionic ethoxylate emulsifier,hlb-controlled surfactant,o/w solubiliser

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Stabilises o/w emulsions and solubilises lipophilic actives and fragrances in aqueous formulations through nonionic amphiphilic surface activity independent of ph.

Why It's Used: Nonionic emulsifiers provide ph-independent function across the full cosmetic ph range โ€” preferred over ionic emulsifiers for acid-ph formulations (aha serums, vitamin c) where charged emulsifiers lose activity or destabilise.

How It Works: Peg or polyglyceryl head group extends into water phase; lipophilic tail anchors at oil interface. hlb (griffin: 20 ร— peg mass/total mw) determines o/w (hlb>10) or w/o (hlb<6) tendency. nonionic โ€” no charge interaction with proteins or ph dependence.

Typically Found In: Emulsions,solubilisation,low-ph formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient โ€“ cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ€“10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [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: 0/5 โ€“ non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ€“2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Nonionic emulsifier cloud point (temperature above which the peg chain dehydrates and loses hlb) must exceed formulation maximum processing temperature โ€” cloud point selection prevents emulsion phase inversion during hot processing.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,peg-40 glyceryl isostearate nonionic emulsifier review