PEG-80 Methyl Glucose Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEGylated Glucose Laurate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Dodecanoic acid, esters with methyl-d-glucopyranoside (1:1), ethoxylated (80 mol EO average molar ratio)
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
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier developed in the late 20th century by combining polyethylene glycol with methyl glucose and lauric acid (from coconut oil). Designed to provide gentle emulsification for skincare products while mimicking some properties of natural surfactants.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
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