Ingredient review
Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate
INCI: DISTEARYL PEG-18 FORMOYL GLUTAMATE
A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin barrier.
In plain English
This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made from fatty acids and amino acids. It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Because it's mild, it's often used in products for sensitive or dry skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic surfactant created by combining distearyl (a fatty alcohol), PEG-18 (a polyethylene glycol chain), and formoyl glutamate (an amino acid derivative). It acts as both a cleanser and an emulsifier.
How it works
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix so that dirt and excess oil can be rinsed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and therefore less irritating than many traditional surfactants.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecular structure means it stays on the surface and doesn't penetrate deeply, reducing irritation risk.
Good for barrier health
Unlike harsh sulfates, it cleans without stripping natural oils, helping maintain a healthy moisture barrier.
Cons and cautions
Lower foam
It produces less lather than traditional foaming agents, which some users may not prefer.
Contains PEG
Polyethylene glycol derivatives can be a concern for those avoiding synthetic ethoxylated ingredients.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin
- Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser
Use caution if
- Individuals with known PEG allergies (rare)
- Those who prefer completely natural ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk. PEG content is a concern for some consumers, but regulatory bodies deem it safe in current usage levels.
Research notes
Amino-acid-based surfactants are well-studied for mildness. Specific studies on Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate are limited, but the class is supported by dermatological research for gentle cleansing.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and most major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Facial washes, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- As a semi-synthetic ingredient, its biodegradability is moderate. PEG compounds can persist in the environment, but this specific variant is used in low concentrations.
Good to know
- Often found in 'amino acid' or 'gentle' cleanser formulas.
- PEG-18 indicates a specific chain length that affects solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made from fatty acids and amino acids. It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Because it's mild, it's often used in products for sensitive or dry skin.
What does Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix so that dirt and excess oil can be rinsed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and therefore less irritating than many traditional surfactants.
Is Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate safe for most people?
Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk. PEG content is a concern for some consumers, but regulatory bodies deem it safe in current usage levels.
Who should be careful with Distearyl PEG-18 Formoyl Glutamate?
Individuals with known PEG allergies (rare) Those who prefer completely natural ingredients
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.