Rate My SPF

PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate

What PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate is & what it does

PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate is a polyethylene glycol ester of glycerin and lauric acid, used in cosmetic and sunscreen formulas as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. It helps blend oil and water phases and can act as a mild solubilizer for fragrance or active ingredients. Its ethoxylated glyceryl structure makes it water-dispersible and gentle in feel.

What does PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate do in skincare?

PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate acts as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetic and sunscreen formulas. It helps oil and water blend together and can solubilize fragrance or active ingredients into the product. It contributes to a stable, even texture.

Is PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate natural or synthetic?

PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate is a synthetic ingredient made by combining glycerin and lauric acid with polyethylene glycol units. While its fatty acid portion can come from plant sources, the ethoxylation step is a lab process. It is therefore generally classed as a processed or synthetic emulsifier.

Does PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate clog pores?

PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate is used as a water-dispersible emulsifier and is not typically associated with clogging pores. Its ethoxylated structure makes it lightweight and easily rinsed in formulas. Individual responses vary, so anyone very acne-prone may want to monitor how their skin reacts.

Sunscreens with PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate

We rate 8 sunscreens that contain it:

← All ingredients