PEG-18 Palm Glycerides
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-Hydroxyethyl palmitate, Glycol palmitate, 2-Hydroxyethyl hexadecanoate, Ethylene glycol monopalmitate, Palmitoylglycol
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Glycerides, palm (Elaeis guineensis) oil, ethoxylated (18 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C18H36O3
Mol. Weight
300.5
CAS #
9004-94-8
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A modern cosmetic ingredient combining polyethylene glycol with palm oil-derived glycerides. Developed in the late 20th century to provide plant-derived conditioning while maintaining water compatibility in skincare products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR