PEG-5 Isononanoate

PEG-5 Isononanoate 1
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Isononanoate, PEG-5 Branched Nonanoic Acid Ester
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
PEG-5 Isononanoate is a cosmetic ingredient used as surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
-
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
A modern synthetic ester developed for cosmetics as a light emollient and solubilizer. Created in the 20th century to provide slip and spreadability in contemporary skincare and color cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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