Common Name(s): Peg-55 propylene glycol oleate,peg-55 pg oleate,polyethylene glycol-55 propylene glycol oleate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water blend together in formulas and dissolves oil-soluble ingredients into water-based products.
Why It's Used: The high eo count (55) gives a high hlb (~16) suitable for solubilizing fragrance oils, essential oils, and other lipophilic actives into aqueous systems.
How It Works: 55 eo units create a highly hydrophilic shell; propylene glycol spacer and oleyl chain anchor into oil phase; net hlb ~16 enables clear micellar solubilization of oils at low concentration.
Typically Found In: Clear cleansers,oil solubilizers,fragrance dispersants,toners,mists
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Solubilizing,surfactant
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Peg ester; synthetic; ethylene oxide from petrochemical, oleic acid from plant (sunflower/olive) or animal. [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
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. peg-based; verify trace 1,4-dioxane for certified natural/organic formulations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Fragrance oils,essential oils,peg-based surfactants,humectants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
High-eo peg esters (eo>20) function primarily as o/w emulsifiers and solubilizers (hlb>12); the propylene glycol linkage modifies polarity slightly, broadening compatibility with both polar and nonpolar oil phases.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,specialchem formulations