murphyPEG-5 Isononanoate
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Isononanoate, PEG-5 Branched Nonanoic Acid Ester
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from isononanoic acid and polyethylene glycol, both petroleum-based synthetic compounds. Produced through ethoxylation, where polyethylene glycol is chemically bonded to isononanoic acid.
PEG-5 Isononanoate is a cosmetic ingredient used as surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
-
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 558)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed (CIR 558)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions mild (CIR 558)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR