murphyWheat Germ Acid
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Wheat Germ Oil Derivative
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Acid
Clean
OriginDerived from wheat germ oil fatty acids and synthetic surfactant compounds through chemical synthesis. Produced by esterification and ethoxylation of wheat-derived fatty acids to create mild cleansing agents.
Fatty acids, wheat germ
CAS #
68938-32-9
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Gluten / Wheat
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
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.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR