PEG-20 Evening Primrose Glycerides
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 20 evening primrose glycerides, PEG 20 evening primrose glycerides
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Mono- and diglycerides, evening primrose (Oenethera biennis) oil, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
124046-44-2
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Evening primrose oil has been used in traditional European herbalism for hormonal balance and skin health since the 1980s when its gamma-linolenic acid content was scientifically documented. The PEG-20 version is a modern synthetic modification created to make the oil water-soluble for cosmetic formulations.
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
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR