Glycereth-20
What Glycereth-20 is & what it does
Glycereth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin, with roughly 20 ethylene oxide units, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. In skincare and sunscreen products it helps draw and hold water, supporting a hydrated, smooth skin feel. It is water-soluble and is also valued for its mild solubilizing properties that can help blend other ingredients.
What does Glycereth-20 do in skincare?
It works as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. In skincare and sunscreen products it helps draw in and hold water, supporting a hydrated, smooth skin feel. It is also mildly solubilizing, which can help blend other ingredients into a formula.
Is Glycereth-20 safe?
Glycereth-20 is a widely used humectant in cosmetic formulas. As with any ingredient, individual skin can react differently, so a patch test is a reasonable precaution if you have sensitive skin. For specific health concerns it is best to consult a qualified professional.
Is Glycereth-20 natural or synthetic?
It is a semi-synthetic ingredient. It is made by reacting glycerin, which can be plant-derived, with ethylene oxide to form a polyethylene glycol ether. The ethoxylation step is a chemical process, so the finished ingredient is best described as derived and modified rather than purely natural.
Sunscreens with Glycereth-20
We rate 6 sunscreens that contain it:
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Arencia Deep Water Surge Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
95/100
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Arencia Cloud Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
88/100
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Wardah UV Shield Tone Up Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 Pa+++
79/100
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OMG Oh My Glow Bright Booster UV Barrier Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa++++
68/100
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OMG Oh My Glow UV Barrier Sunscreen Bright Booster SPF 50 Pa++++
68/100
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Emina Sun Battle Bright Glow SPF 35 Pa+++
61/100