Ingredient review
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
INCI: PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
A workhorse emulsifier that helps your cleanser and lotion stay smooth and stable, but it's synthetic and may not suit those avoiding PEGs.
In plain English
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in products like cleansers and creams. Without it, many lotions would separate into watery and oily layers. It's made by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to a palm-oil-derived fat, which makes it water-friendly and able to lift dirt and oil from your 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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate 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 PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate.
- 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 polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, created by reacting palm-derived fatty acids with ethylene oxide. It belongs to a class of non-ionic surfactants and emulsifiers.
How it works
Its long PEG chain makes it water-soluble, while the fatty part grabs onto oils. When you rinse, it helps water wash away oil, dirt, and makeup. In a cream, it keeps the oil and water phases blended so the texture stays consistent.
Pros
Effective emulsifier
Keeps oil and water mixed so your lotion or cleanser stays smooth and doesn't separate, giving you a consistent product every time.
Gentle cleansing
Helps lift dirt and makeup without being overly harsh, making it suitable for daily use in face washes and makeup removers.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Made from petrochemical-derived PEGs, which may be a turn-off if you prefer plant-based or naturally derived ingredients.
Ethoxylation concerns
The manufacturing process can create trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential contaminant. Reputable brands purify their ingredients to keep levels within safe limits.
Best for
- Anyone using standard cleansers or lotions who wants a stable, effective formula
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a gentle cleanser that removes oil without stripping
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid PEGs or synthetic ethoxylated ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but regulated limits and purification steps keep risk very low. Skin irritation is rare.
Research notes
PEG derivatives have been studied extensively for safety in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar PEG compounds and found them safe as used. No specific studies on PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate alone were found, but its chemical class is well-characterized.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5% of the formula
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Manufacturers are required to keep 1,4-dioxane levels below 10 ppm (parts per million) in the final product.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Lotions, Creams, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from palm oil, which can be associated with deforestation if not sourced sustainably. Look for RSPO-certified palm derivatives if this matters to you.
Good to know
- PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate is often found in sulfate-free cleansers as a gentler alternative to SLS.
- The '200' refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units in the PEG chain, which affects its water solubility.
Common questions
What is PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate in beauty products?
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in products like cleansers and creams. Without it, many lotions would separate into watery and oily layers. It's made by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to a palm-oil-derived fat, which makes it water-friendly and able to lift dirt and oil from your skin.
What does PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate do in a beauty product?
Its long PEG chain makes it water-soluble, while the fatty part grabs onto oils. When you rinse, it helps water wash away oil, dirt, and makeup. In a cream, it keeps the oil and water phases blended so the texture stays consistent.
Is PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but regulated limits and purification steps keep risk very low. Skin irritation is rare.
Who should be careful with PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate?
Those who strictly avoid PEGs or synthetic ethoxylated 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.