Ingredient review
PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides
INCI: PEG-60 PASSIFLORA INCARNATA SEED GLYCERIDES
A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while providing mild skin conditioning from passionflower seed oil.
In plain English
This ingredient is a helper that mixes oil and water together so your lotions and creams stay smooth and don't separate. It starts with passionflower seed oil and glycerin (a natural moisturizer), then a small amount of PEG-60 is added to make it mix better with water. The result is a gentle emulsifier that also leaves a light, non-greasy feel on 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
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides 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-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides.
- 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 ingredient made by combining passionflower seed oil glycerides (derived from Passiflora incarnata seeds and glycerin) with polyethylene glycol (PEG-60). This process creates a water-soluble emulsifier that helps stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, reducing surface tension so they blend into a stable emulsion. This prevents your cream or lotion from separating into oily and watery layers. It also deposits a thin film of passionflower-derived lipids on the skin, which can help soften and condition without feeling heavy.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Has low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Improves product feel
Helps create a smooth, non-greasy texture in creams and lotions, enhancing the user experience.
Cons and cautions
Potential impurities
PEG compounds can contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified; choose products from reputable brands that test for purity.
Not fully natural
Despite starting from plant-derived oils, the PEG modification makes it semi-synthetic, which may not suit all-natural skincare preferences.
Best for
- Anyone using oil-in-water creams, lotions, or cleansers
- People with normal to sensitive skin looking for gentle emulsifiers
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid PEG-derived ingredients for personal reasons
- Individuals with known allergies to passionflower or related plants (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers and brands test to ensure levels are below safety limits. Skin irritation and allergy are rare.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated PEG compounds and found them safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to minimize impurities. Passionflower seed oil itself has been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though the PEG-modified version is primarily a formulation aid.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA (as part of generally recognized ingredients) and listed in the EU CosIng database. Manufacturers should follow good manufacturing practices to minimize impurities.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Moisturizers, Serums, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- PEG compounds are generally biodegradable, but the production process involves petrochemical-derived ethylene oxide. Passionflower seed oil is a renewable plant resource.
Good to know
- Passiflora incarnata is also known as purple passionflower or maypop.
- PEG-60 indicates the molecule has about 60 ethylene oxide units, which balances water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides in beauty products?
This ingredient is a helper that mixes oil and water together so your lotions and creams stay smooth and don't separate. It starts with passionflower seed oil and glycerin (a natural moisturizer), then a small amount of PEG-60 is added to make it mix better with water. The result is a gentle emulsifier that also leaves a light, non-greasy feel on your skin.
What does PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, reducing surface tension so they blend into a stable emulsion. This prevents your cream or lotion from separating into oily and watery layers. It also deposits a thin film of passionflower-derived lipids on the skin, which can help soften and condition without feeling heavy.
Is PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides safe for most people?
PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers and brands test to ensure levels are below safety limits. Skin irritation and allergy are rare.
Who should be careful with PEG-60 Passionflower Seed Glycerides?
Those who strictly avoid PEG-derived ingredients for personal reasons Individuals with known allergies to passionflower or related plants (rare)
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.