PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-(1-oxo-9-(Z)-octadecenyl)oxy-1-methylethyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (55 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
86481-08-5
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Viscosity Controlling
Cleansing Surfactant
Controls Viscosity
Locks In Moisture
Lifts away dirt and oil
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and oleic acid (from olive oil). Developed in the 20th century to create stable emulsions while leveraging oleic acid's traditional use in skincare.
EWG
2
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-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR