PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-55 propylene glycol oleate
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
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
See origin →
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.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR