PEG-4 Dilaurate
AKA “
Glycol dilaurate, Ethylene dilaurate, Lauric acid, ethylene ester, Ethylene glycol didodecanoate, Dodecanoic acid, 2-ethanediyl ester, NSC-406565
”
Synthetic
🦆
❤️
👻
Ingredient Facts
Peg-4 dilaurate
AKA: Glycol dilaurate, Ethylene dilaurate, Lauric acid, Ethylene ester, Ethylene glycol didodecanoate, Dodecanoic acid, 2-ethanediyl ester, NSC-406565
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
WHAT IS IT?
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleanser that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating smooth, stable formulas that feel lightweight on skin.
Formula
C26H50O4
Mol. Weight
426.70
CAS #
9005-02-1
Form
Liquid
See origin →
WHAT'S IT DO?
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifier
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester combining lauric acid with polyethylene glycol, developed as a humectant and emulsifier in cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
IS IT SAFE?
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
Credo Beauty
Whole Foods Premium Body Care
Beauty Heroes
MADE SAFE
EWG VERIFIED
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA
✔ permitted
EU
⚠ restricted
JAPAN
⚠ restricted
CANADA
⚠ restricted
Regulatory Agencies
EWG
CIR
FDA
EU COSING
Health Canada
WHAT'S THE PROOF?
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Glycol Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxylauric Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Lauric Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Neopentyl Glycol Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-4 Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Propylene Glycol Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Methacrylamidolauric Acid Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Lauric Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-4 Dilaurate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR