Ingredient review
PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides
INCI: PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides
A gentle, PEG-modified cocoa butter derivative that helps cleanse without stripping the skin.
In plain English
This ingredient is a modified version of cocoa butter that has been made water-soluble. It acts as a mild cleanser and helps mix oil and water in formulas, so products rinse off easily without leaving a greasy film. It's often used in gentle face washes and body cleansers.
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-75 Cocoa Butter 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-75 Cocoa Butter 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
PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides is a semi-synthetic ingredient created by reacting cocoa butter with polyethylene glycol (PEG). This process makes the naturally oil-loving cocoa butter water-dispersible, allowing it to function as a mild surfactant and emulsifier.
How it works
In a product, it reduces the surface tension between oil and water, helping to lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Because it is derived from cocoa butter, it also leaves a light, non-greasy moisturizing feel.
Pros
Mild on skin
Unlike harsher sulfates, this ingredient cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use.
Non-greasy feel
It provides the emollient benefits of cocoa butter without leaving a heavy or oily residue, so skin feels soft after rinsing.
Cons and cautions
PEG purity concerns
PEG compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though reputable brands use purification steps to minimize this risk.
Not for PEG-free routines
If you avoid PEGs due to personal preference or sensitivity, this ingredient is not suitable.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers mild, non-stripping body washes or makeup removers
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds or ethylene oxide derivatives
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential presence of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of PEG processing, which is regulated and minimized by quality manufacturers.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated PEG derivatives and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Specific studies on PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides are limited, but its safety profile is supported by the broader PEG family review.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed PEG derivatives and found them safe when formulated to minimize impurities.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- PEG compounds are generally biodegradable, but manufacturing processes should be monitored to reduce potential environmental contaminants.
Good to know
- PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides is often listed in the middle to lower half of ingredient lists, indicating moderate use levels.
- It is considered biodegradable and generally safe for aquatic environments at typical use concentrations.
Common questions
What is PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides in beauty products?
This ingredient is a modified version of cocoa butter that has been made water-soluble. It acts as a mild cleanser and helps mix oil and water in formulas, so products rinse off easily without leaving a greasy film. It's often used in gentle face washes and body cleansers.
What does PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides do in a beauty product?
In a product, it reduces the surface tension between oil and water, helping to lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Because it is derived from cocoa butter, it also leaves a light, non-greasy moisturizing feel.
Is PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides safe for most people?
PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential presence of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of PEG processing, which is regulated and minimized by quality manufacturers.
Who should be careful with PEG-75 Cocoa Butter Glycerides?
Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds or ethylene oxide derivatives
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.