PEG-5 Hydrogenated Corn Glycerides
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogenated Corn Oil Glycerides
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Corn (Zea mays) oil glycerides, hydrogenated, ethoxylated (5 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61788-85-0
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol with hydrogenated corn oil derivatives. Created to improve stability and texture in cosmetic formulations without traditional cosmetic precedent.
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR