Glycereth-26

Glycereth-26 is a PEG-modified humectant/emollient used primarily to improve slip and hydration, commonly included at a few percent up to ~10% in leave-on products. Human data and broad clinical experience place it as generally well-tolerated, with irritation uncommon but possible in highly reactive or barrier-impaired eczema skin (often related to cumulative formula factors rather than the ingredient itself). Given the sensitive-skin mandate and the non-zero but low likelihood of stinging in compromised barriers, it fits best as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: Glycereth-26 is a water-soluble humectant/solubilizer commonly used at low levels (~0.1–2%) in leave-on lotions, serums, toners, and cleansers to boost slip, moisturization, and aid solubilization of fragrance/actives. In consumer-available high-humectancy gel creams, makeup primers, hydrating masks, and some “concentrated” moisturizers, it can be a major polyol component used around 10–25% to build cushion and reduce tack versus glycerin alone. It is not subject to an EU/FDA specific concentration limit for cosmetics, so the upper end is mainly governed by sensorial/stickiness, preservative system water activity, and viscosity/clarity constraints (leave-on typically higher than rinse-off).