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PEG-4 Laurate

What PEG-4 Laurate is & what it does

PEG-4 Laurate is a polyethylene-glycol ester of lauric acid, a synthetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier and mild surfactant. In a sunscreen or lotion it helps blend oil and water phases so the product stays smooth and uniform. The number 4 indicates the average length of the attached PEG chain, which influences how oil- or water-loving the ingredient is.

What does PEG-4 Laurate do in skincare?

PEG-4 Laurate acts as an emulsifier and mild surfactant. It helps oil and water blend into a smooth, stable mixture so a sunscreen or lotion does not separate. It can also contribute to a pleasant, even texture in the finished product.

Is PEG-4 Laurate safe?

PEG-4 Laurate is a widely used cosmetic emulsifier generally considered safe at the levels found in products. PEG-type ingredients are best used on intact skin, and people with very sensitive or broken skin may prefer to be cautious. Patch testing a new product is reasonable if you react easily.

Is PEG-4 Laurate natural or synthetic?

PEG-4 Laurate is synthetic. It is made by combining lauric acid, which can come from plant oils, with polyethylene glycol, a petroleum-derived chemistry. The result is a processed, synthetic ingredient rather than a naturally occurring one.

Sunscreens with PEG-4 Laurate

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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