Skincare Ingredients

Paraffinum Liquidum

Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil) is an inert, highly refined occlusive emollient typically used at moderate-to-high concentrations to reduce transepidermal water loss and support barrier repair. Clinical experience and patch-test data show very low rates of irritation and sensitization, with most reactions attributable to impurities or product occlusion effects rather than the ingredient itself. For severely reactive or compromised skin, it remains one of the most consistently well-tolerated moisturization bases, so I score it as exceptionally gentle rather than completely irritation-free. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil) appears at very low levels (~0.1–1%) as a slip/emolliency aid or makeup remover booster in lotions and cleansers, often secondary to esters/silicones. At the high end, it is sold directly to consumers as mineral oil (essentially neat) and is also used at very high levels (~50–95%+) in petrolatum/mineral-oil-based occlusive ointments, baby oils, and bath/cleansing oils; rinse-off oils can be similarly high prior to dilution. There is no specific EU/FDA cosmetic concentration cap for mineral oil in finished products (aside from purity/safety requirements), so the observed market maximum is effectively the near-neat raw material used as an OTC consumer product.

Parfum

MVP Approved - Parfum is used solely to add fragrance to cosmetic products, offering no skincare benefits and posing a risk of irritation and allergic reactions.

Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract

Paullinia cupana (guarana) seed extract is primarily an antioxidant/stimulant botanical used at low concentrations, but it contains caffeine and polyphenols that can be mildly astringent and more reactive on compromised barriers. Clinical irritation data are limited and variable for botanicals, and in eczema-prone or highly sensitized patients even low-level plant extracts can trigger stinging or redness. Given the uncertainty and real-world reactivity in sensitive populations, I score it as mild with occasional sensitivity possible. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare (eye gels, anti-fatigue serums, moisturizers) and rinse-off cleansers, guarana extract is commonly used as a minor botanical/caffeine source at trace to low levels (~0.001–0.1%), often as part of a broader “energizing” complex. Higher-end body-firming/anti-cellulite leave-on products and some “high-plant-load” natural formulations use substantially more extract (typically ~0.5–3%), with the upper end around ~5% observed in consumer-available products where odor/color and caffeine-related irritation/sting become limiting factors. Actual delivered actives vary widely because extract type (water/glycerin, glycolic, CO2, and standardized caffeine content) differs, so the same % extract can represent very different caffeine/polyphenol levels.

PCA

MVP Approved - PCA is a naturally derived humectant used to boost skin hydration with a very low likelihood of causing irritation.

PCA Dimethicone

PCA Dimethicone is a silicone-based conditioning/emollient polymer (often used at low percentages) intended to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve slip, which generally correlates with low irritation in patch testing similar to other dimethicone derivatives. While true irritation is uncommon, any modified polymer can occasionally trigger stinging or contact reactions in highly reactive/eczema-prone patients or on compromised skin, so it is best classified as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: PCA Dimethicone (a PCA-functional silicone conditioning agent) is typically used at very low levels as a slip/conditioning additive in leave-on lotions, serums, and sunscreens, with commercial products commonly starting around ~0.05–0.2% when it appears mid-to-low on the INCI. The highest OTC consumer-available use levels are seen in intensive barrier/hand creams, rich moisturizers, and some hair-conditioning/anti-frizz leave-on products where it can function as a primary emollient/film former, reaching about 3–5% before aesthetics, compatibility, and cost become limiting; rinse-off products generally sit toward the lower half of the range due to deposition and foaming constraints. No specific FDA/EU cosmetic concentration cap is typically applied to this type of silicone derivative, so practical formulation limits define the observed market maximum.

Pectin

Pectin is a polysaccharide used mainly as a thickener/film-former in leave-on and rinse-off products, typically at low concentrations (about 0.1–2%), and it is generally well tolerated in patch-test settings. While it lacks the intrinsic reactivity of acids, fragrances, or strong preservatives, any film-forming plant-derived polymer can rarely sting or feel tight on compromised eczema skin, so I score it as very gentle rather than completely inert for safety. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, pectin is most often used as a secondary rheology modifier/film former in leave-on serums, lotions, and masks at very low levels (~0.01–0.3%), where it subtly boosts viscosity and skin feel without forming a true gel. Higher levels are seen in consumer-available gelled products (especially peel-off or “jelly” masks, wash-off masks, and some thick gel textures) where pectin functions as a primary gellant/film former, typically ~1–3% and up to about 5% in high-structure formulations. Above this, consumer cosmetics tend to become impractically stiff/tacky or unstable unless paired with specific sugar/acid systems, so >5% is uncommon in real-world OTC skincare.

PEG-100 Stearate

MVP Approved - PEG-100 Stearate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilize oil‐in‐water formulations in cosmetics such as creams and lotions, with minimal irritation risk when used at recommended concentrations.

PEG-10 Dimethicone

PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based emulsifier/surfactant used at low concentrations (commonly ~0.5–5%) to improve spread and reduce tack, and it is generally well tolerated in patch testing with low rates of irritation. While silicones are typically inert, the PEG modification can very occasionally sting on severely compromised or post-procedure skin, so I do not score it as exceptionally gentle/inert. Overall, clinical experience supports a very gentle profile, but cautious patients with active dermatitis should still monitor for discomfort. Safety Notes: PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone polyether surfactant/emulsifier and slip agent typically used at low levels (~0.1–1%) in leave-on moisturizers, sunscreens, primers, and serums to improve spreadability and stabilize silicone-containing emulsions. In real-world consumer OTC products with higher silicone load (water-in-silicone foundations/primers, long-wear sunscreens, and some hair anti-frizz/conditioning creams), it is observed at several percent, with high-strength formulations reaching ~5–8% as a primary silicone emulsifier/compatibilizer. It is generally used in both leave-on and rinse-off systems, but the upper end is more common in leave-on W/Si or high-slip silicone-rich products rather than standard rinse-off cleansers.

PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone-based elastomeric film former/emollient used at low levels (typically ~0.5–5%) to improve slip and reduce friction, which generally supports barrier comfort. Clinical experience and patch-test data for silicone polymers show very low irritation and low sensitization rates, but the PEG-modified portion and the occlusive/film-forming behavior can rarely contribute to stinging or follicular issues in highly reactive or compromised skin. Given the overall low intrinsic irritancy yet non-zero risk in severe sensitivity populations, it scores as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: In commercial leave-on products (primers, silicone-gel moisturizers, sunscreens/BB creams), this silicone elastomer surfactant is often used at very low levels (~0.05–0.3%) to improve slip, spread, and emulsification/compatibility of silicones without materially changing rheology. Typical functional use in emulsions and hybrid silicone/water systems is ~0.5–5%. High-strength consumer “silicone gel” primers/serums and blurring textures can contain much higher levels (often 8–15%), with some anhydrous or near-anhydrous elastomer-gel formats reaching ~20% in OTC products; rinse-off products generally sit at the lower end because deposition and sensory benefits can be achieved at lower loadings.

PEG-10 Phytosterol

PEG-10 Phytosterol is a PEGylated plant sterol used mainly as an emollient/emulsifier and barrier-supporting lipid, typically at low concentrations (~0.1–3%) in leave-on products. PEG-modified sterols and nonionic PEG emulsifiers are generally low on patch-test irritancy and are often used in sensitive-skin formulations, with reactions being uncommon and usually limited to highly reactive or severely compromised skin. Given the low inherent reactivity but acknowledging rare intolerance to PEG-derived surfactant-like materials in eczema-prone users, a very gentle score is appropriate. Safety Notes: PEG-10 Phytosterol is typically used as an emulsifying/skin-conditioning sterol derivative and barrier-support ingredient, most often appearing at low levels (~0.05–0.5%) in leave-on creams/lotions and serums where it supports lamellar/emulsion structure. In richer barrier-repair moisturizers, balm-like creams, and specialized high-lipid formulations available to consumers, it is seen at much higher levels (about 1–5%) as part of a sterol/lamellar system; above this, aesthetics and phase stability commonly limit practical OTC use. It is more common in leave-on products than rinse-off, where usage is generally toward the low end due to cost and reduced benefit after wash-off.

PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol

PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol is a PEGylated plant sterol used mainly as an emollient/emulsifier/solubilizer, typically at low single‑digit percentages, and PEG-modified lipids are generally well tolerated in standard patch testing. While not a strong “active,” ethoxylated materials and plant-derived sterol mixtures can occasionally sting or provoke irritation in highly reactive or barrier-compromised eczema skin, especially in leave-on products. Given the low but real risk in sensitive populations and the need to err on safety, it fits a gentle (not inert) profile. Safety Notes: PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol is most commonly used as a nonionic emulsifier/solubilizer and lipid-structure aid, so it appears at very low levels (~0.05–0.3%) in many leave-on creams/lotions and some rinse-off cleansers to support emulsification and sensory feel. In richer leave-on balms, barrier creams, and anhydrous-to-emulsion systems, it can be pushed into the 1–3% range, with a small number of high-structure consumer formulations using up to ~5% as a primary/emulsion-structuring surfactant-like component. No specific EU/FDA concentration limit is typically set for this INCI beyond general cosmetic safety/impurity controls, so the upper end is mainly constrained by stability, irritation potential, and texture.

PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG-12 Dimethicone is a silicone-polyether surfactant/emollient used at low percentages to improve slip, spreadability, and reduce tack, and it is generally well-tolerated in sensitive-skin formulations. Human patch testing and clinical use data for PEG-modified dimethicones show a low rate of irritation, with occasional stinging or dermatitis typically linked to compromised barriers, high-use leave-on routines, or impurities rather than the polymer itself. Given its overall low intrinsic reactivity but nonzero risk in highly reactive/eczema-prone patients, it fits best as very gentle rather than fully inert. Safety Notes: PEG-12 Dimethicone (a silicone polyether surfactant/emulsifier) is used at very low levels (~0.05–0.3%) in leave-on creams/serums and sunscreens to improve slip, reduce tack, and aid emulsification/water resistance, and at ~0.1–1% in rinse-off cleansers/conditioners for feel and foam modulation. In consumer-available high-silicone primers, blurring/anti-frizz creams, and some makeup/SPF water-resistant systems, it can be pushed into the ~3–8% range to act as a primary compatibilizer/emulsifier for larger silicone phases; higher levels are uncommon due to cost, potential tack/foam suppression, and emulsion viscosity/clarity constraints rather than specific regulatory caps.

PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate

PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate is a nonionic PEGylated lipid used mainly as an emollient/surfactant/solubilizer, typically at low percentages in cleansers, creams, and makeup to improve texture and dispersion. Nonionic PEG derivatives are generally well-tolerated in patch testing, but as a surfactant-adjacent ingredient they can contribute to barrier disruption and stinging in highly reactive or eczematous skin, especially when combined with other cleansers or actives. Given its usually low use level and low intrinsic sensitization risk, but non-zero irritation potential in compromised skin, it fits best as 'Gentle' rather than 'Very gentle.' Safety Notes: PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate is primarily used as a nonionic emollient/co-emulsifier and solubilizing surfactant in O/W creams/lotions and some rinse-off cleansers; in commercial leave-on products it is commonly present at low levels (~0.1–2%) to support emulsification and skin feel. Higher-strength consumer-available formulations (notably cleansing creams, makeup removers, and some conditioning wash-off products) can use it at elevated levels where it functions more as a primary emulsifier/structurant, with observed market use up to ~8%. No specific EU/FDA maximum is set for this INCI beyond general safety requirements, so practical stability/sensory limits tend to define the upper end.

PEG-150 Distearate

PEG-150 Distearate is a nonionic surfactant/thickener used at low percentages (typically ~0.5–5%) to stabilize and build viscosity in cleansers and lotions. Clinical patch-test data and broad consumer use suggest it is generally well-tolerated, but as a PEG-based surfactant derivative it can contribute to irritation in compromised skin—especially in rinse-off systems where total surfactant load is higher. For severe sensitivities or eczema-prone patients, I score it as gentle rather than very gentle due to cumulative irritation risk in real-world routines. Safety Notes: PEG-150 Distearate is used primarily as a nonionic thickener/viscosity builder and foam stabilizer in rinse-off systems (shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers), where it can be present at low levels (~0.1–0.5%) to fine-tune viscosity and pearl/cream texture. Mainstream mass-market cleansers commonly sit around ~0.5–3% depending on surfactant load, while high-viscosity, high-pearling or sulfate-free/thickened specialty washes available to consumers can use it at elevated levels (up to ~8–10%) as a primary structurant; it is less common in leave-on products due to feel and waxy structuring effects, so the upper end is largely observed in rinse-off formulations.

PEG-30 Stearate

PEG-30 Stearate is a nonionic surfactant/emulsifier typically used at low percentages (~0.5–5%) to stabilize creams and lotions. Clinical experience and patch-test data for PEG-fatty acid esters suggest they are generally well tolerated, with irritation being uncommon but possible in highly reactive or barrier-compromised eczema skin (often more from formulation context than the ingredient alone). Given its low intrinsic irritancy yet non-zero risk in compromised skin and leave-on products, a conservative “gentle” score is appropriate. Safety Notes: PEG-30 Stearate is used primarily as a nonionic emulsifier/co-emulsifier and solubilizing surfactant in O/W creams, lotions, and some cleansers; in commercial leave-on emulsions it is often present at low supporting levels around 0.1–1% when paired with other emulsifiers. In higher-structure or “self-emulsifying” systems (including some OTC body butters, barrier creams, and creamy rinse-off cleansers), it can be pushed to ~3–8% to stabilize high oil loads and improve texture/foam-creamy feel. It is not generally subject to a specific maximum concentration limit under US/EU cosmetic regulations, so upper use is practically constrained by sensorial impact, irritation potential in sensitive skin, and compatibility with the fatty phase/emulsifier package.

PEG-32

PEG-32 is a low–molecular weight polyethylene glycol used mainly as a humectant/solvent and slip agent, typically at low-to-moderate percentages in leave-on and rinse-off products. Clinical and patch-test experience generally shows PEGs have low irritancy and low sensitization rates, but mild stinging/irritation can occur in highly reactive or barrier-impaired skin (and rarely due to impurities), so it is best classified as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: PEG-32 is a low–medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol commonly used as a humectant/solvent and viscosity/texture modifier; in many leave-on lotions, serums, and creams it appears at low levels (~0.1–3%) to aid slip, solubilization, and moisturization. In rinse-off cleansers and shower products it is often used around ~1–10% for processing/feel and to support surfactant systems. The highest consumer-available levels are seen in very simple, high-humectant bases and bath/shower concentrates where PEGs can function as primary diluents/humectants, reaching roughly 15–25% while remaining within typical safety expectations for PEG ingredients in cosmetics (not subject to a strict EU concentration cap).

PEG-33

PEG-33 is a polyethylene glycol used primarily as a solvent/humectant and slip agent, typically present at low-to-moderate percentages in leave-on and rinse-off products. Across clinical patch testing and broad cosmetic use, PEGs of this type have low inherent irritancy, with reactions more often linked to compromised skin barriers or impurities rather than the PEG backbone itself. For severe sensitivities and eczema-prone patients I still treat it as very gentle—not inert—because barrier disruption can increase sting/irritation risk with glycols and solvents in real-world routines. Safety Notes: PEG-33 is used in commercial skincare primarily as a solubilizer/co-solvent and humectant, and at the low end it commonly appears around 0.05–0.5% in leave-on serums/toners to aid fragrance/oily extract solubilization and improve feel. Higher levels are observed in rinse-off cleansers, micellar/cleansing waters, and makeup removers where it can function as a significant co-solvent/humectant and viscosity/clarity aid, with consumer-available formulas reaching ~10–15% in high-solvent cleansing formats. This range reflects real-world formulation practice; very high levels are uncommon in leave-on creams due to tack/feel and solubilization balance, but are feasible in cleansing products.

PEG-4

PEG-4 is a low–molecular weight polyethylene glycol used mainly as a solvent/humectant and is typically included at low to moderate percentages in leave-on and rinse-off formulas. Clinical experience and patch-test data generally show low irritation and low sensitization rates, but its smaller size can sting on compromised barriers (eczema, post-procedure) more than higher-MW PEGs, and it can enhance penetration of other irritants in a routine. Given these real-world risks for highly reactive patients while remaining broadly well-tolerated, a gentle (0.3) score is the safest accurate commitment. Safety Notes: PEG-4 is commonly used as a low-level solubilizer/humectant and co-solvent in leave-on toners/serums and fragrances/actives solutions, where it can appear around ~0.05–2%. In rinse-off cleansers, micellar waters, and especially PEG-4–based solvent systems (e.g., some makeup removers, pre-shave/aftershave and hydroalcoholic or low-water solutions), it is used much higher as a primary vehicle/co-solvent, with consumer products observed in the ~20–60% range. PEG-4 has no specific EU/FDA maximum concentration limit as a cosmetic ingredient; practical upper levels are governed by skin feel, irritation potential, and the need to balance water/alcohol/oil phase solubility.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

MVP Approved - PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is primarily used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations and is generally well tolerated by most skin types.

PEG-40 Stearate

PEG-40 Stearate is a nonionic PEG-based emulsifier/surfactant typically used at low-to-moderate levels (about 0.5–5%) to solubilize and stabilize formulations. Nonionic surfactants generally show low irritation in patch testing compared with anionic detergents, but they can still disrupt barrier lipids and sting on compromised or eczematous skin, especially in leave-on products or when combined with other surfactants/actives. Given its generally good tolerability yet non-zero barrier-disruption potential in highly reactive patients, it fits a gentle-but-not-inert profile. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, PEG-40 Stearate is most often used as a nonionic emulsifier/solubilizer at very low levels (~0.1–0.5%) in leave-on lotions/serums to stabilize small oil loads or improve sensory slip. Typical O/W creams and cleansers commonly sit around ~1–4% total, while high-oil-load OTC cold creams, rich body butters, and some cleansing creams can push PEG-40 Stearate to ~6–8% to maintain emulsion stability and texture. It is generally used at higher levels in rinse-off and very rich anhydrous-to-emulsified systems than in lightweight leave-on emulsions due to feel and potential for soaping at elevated concentrations.

PEG-60 Almond Glycerides

PEG-60 Almond Glycerides is a nonionic surfactant/solubilizer and emollient used at low percentages to disperse oils and improve texture; PEG-based solubilizers are generally well-tolerated and show low irritation in standard patch testing compared with harsher anionic surfactants. However, as a surfactant-derived ingredient it can contribute to barrier disruption and stinging in highly compromised skin (e.g., active eczema), and almond-derived components add a small but real risk of sensitization in reactive individuals. Considering typical use levels and cumulative exposure in full routines, it fits a 'gentle' but not near-inert profile. Safety Notes: PEG-60 Almond Glycerides is typically used as a solubilizer/nonionic surfactant and emollient aid; in leave-on lotions/serums and makeup/skincare hybrids it is often present at low levels (~0.1–1%) primarily to solubilize fragrance/oily actives and improve sensorial slip. In rinse-off cleansers, micellar-type products, bath/shower oils, and higher-solubilization systems it is commonly used around 1–5%, with observed high-strength consumer formulas (e.g., oil cleansers, bath oils, and heavy fragrance/EO solubilization concentrates) reaching ~8–10% to maintain clarity and stability. There are no specific FDA/EU maximum concentration limits for this INCI in cosmetics, so practical stability/skin feel and irritation potential in surfactant-heavy systems usually set the upper bound rather than regulation.

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant/solubilizer commonly used around ~0.1–5% (sometimes higher in cleansing/micellar systems) to disperse oils and fragrance. Human patch-test and real-world use data generally show low irritation, but as a solubilizing surfactant it can contribute to barrier disruption and stinging in compromised or eczematous skin, especially in leave-on products or when combined with other surfactants/preservatives. Given sensitive-skin populations and cumulative routine exposure, it is best classified as mild rather than truly gentle. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is often used at very low levels (~0.05–0.5%) as a solubilizer for fragrance/essential oils and small amounts of lipophilic actives in toners, micellar waters, and lightweight leave-on serums. Typical emulsions and cleansers more commonly sit around ~0.5–5% for emulsification/clarity and foam modulation, while high-strength consumer-available oil cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, and self-emulsifying cleansing concentrates can reach ~10–15% where it serves as a primary surfactant/solubilizer system (higher levels can increase irritation potential, so they’re more common in rinse-off or short-contact products).

PEG-75

PEG-75 is a low–molecular weight polyethylene glycol used mainly as a humectant/solvent and viscosity modifier, typically at low to moderate percentages in leave-on and rinse-off products. Clinical experience and patch-test data generally show PEGs to be well tolerated with a low rate of irritation or sensitization, though stinging/irritation can occur on compromised skin (e.g., eczema, fissures) or when used alongside other irritants. Given its broad use in sensitive-skin formulations but nonzero risk in barrier-impaired patients, it fits best as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: PEG-75 (a low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol) is most often used as a humectant/solubilizer and processing aid, showing up at very low levels (~0.05–0.5%) in leave-on lotions/serums and color cosmetics to aid solubilization, slip, and freeze-thaw stability. In rinse-off cleansers/body washes and some hydrating gels or bases, it can be used much higher (commonly 1–5%), with the upper end (~10–15%) seen in consumer-available, high-PEG humectant concentrates and specialty “mix-in” bases where PEGs form a major part of the solvent/humectant system. This range reflects observed OTC market use; PEG-75 is not subject to a specific EU maximum concentration limit, so practical sensorial and compatibility constraints typically set the upper bound.

PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides

PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides is a PEG-modified emollient/surfactant used at low-to-moderate levels to solubilize and improve skin feel; it is generally well tolerated and not an active that alters skin physiology. Patch-test and clinical experience with PEG-fatty ester type emulsifiers suggest low but non-zero irritancy, with occasional stinging or eczema flare in highly reactive or barrier-compromised users (often due to surfactant-like behavior and individual sensitivity). Given sensitive-skin safety priorities, I rate it as gentle but not inert. Safety Notes: PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides is most often used as a water-dispersible emollient/solubilizing co-emulsifier in leave-on lotions/creams and cleansing systems, where it commonly appears at low supporting levels (~0.1–2%). In commercial products it can be found as low as ~0.05% in formulas that only need a mild slip/conditioning boost (e.g., facial cleansers, light lotions), while high-emolliency leave-on creams, body butters, and hair/skin conditioning products sold OTC can push it to ~5–10% to deliver richer feel and improved dispersibility of lipids. No specific EU/FDA maximum is set for this INCI beyond general cosmetic safety, so observed use is primarily constrained by sensorial targets, irritation tolerance, and stability/viscosity impacts.

PEG-75 Stearate

PEG-75 Stearate is a nonionic surfactant/emulsifier used at low-to-moderate levels (typically ~1–5%) to stabilize creams and improve texture. Clinical experience and patch-test data for PEG fatty acid esters show generally low irritation and low sensitization potential compared with anionic surfactants, though mild stinging or irritation can occur on severely compromised skin or at higher load in rinse-off/leave-on systems. Given sensitive-skin safety priorities and the possibility of barrier-impaired reactivity, it fits best as a gentle ingredient with minimal but nonzero risk. Safety Notes: PEG-75 Stearate is primarily used as a nonionic emulsifier/solubilizer and consistency aid; in many leave-on lotions/creams and cleansers it commonly appears at low supportive levels around ~0.1–1% as part of an emulsifier system. In higher-structure O/W creams, cleansing creams, and hair/skin conditioning emulsions marketed to consumers, it can be pushed into the mid-to-high single digits (roughly ~5–10%) to build lamellar structure and stability when paired with fatty alcohols/acids. It is not specifically concentration-restricted under EU/FDA cosmetics rules, so the upper end is typically constrained by aesthetics (waxy drag), phase behavior, and irritation potential rather than regulation; rinse-off products often tolerate the higher end more easily than leave-on.

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is a nonionic surfactant/emollient used in cleansers and leave-on products (commonly ~0.5–5%) to solubilize oils and improve mildness. Compared with harsher anionic surfactants it is generally well-tolerated and often included to reduce overall formula irritation, but as a surfactant/solubilizer it can still contribute to barrier disruption or stinging in highly reactive or eczematous skin, especially in rinse-off systems and when layered with other irritants. Overall, its clinical irritation potential is low but not inert, supporting a “gentle” score. Safety Notes: PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is most often used as a refatting solubilizing surfactant/emollient in cleansing systems and light emulsions; in commercial products it appears at very low levels (~0.1–0.5%) for mildness/solubilization in toners, micellar waters, and low-foam cleansers. Mainstream rinse-off shampoos/body washes and facial cleansers commonly use ~1–5%, while consumer-available high-mildness/high-refat cleansing oils, shower oils, and sulfate-free wash bases can push it into the ~10–20% range to provide slip and reduce stripping without being prescription/professional-only. Leave-on products typically stay lower (often ≤2–3%) due to sensory and potential for tack/eye sting, whereas the highest levels are predominantly seen in rinse-off cleansing formats.

PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether

PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether is a nonionic PEG-derived emollient/surfactant used primarily as a solubilizer and mild cleansing/conditioning agent, typically at low-to-moderate percentages in cleansers and leave-on products. Clinical experience and patch-test data for PEG ethers generally show low irritancy, but as a surfactant-adjacent ingredient it can contribute to barrier disruption and stinging in compromised skin (e.g., eczema) when combined with other detergents or frequent cleansing. Given the sensitive-skin population and cumulative routine exposure, it fits best as 'gentle' rather than 'very gentle.' Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether is most often used as a mild nonionic emollient/solubilizer and foam-modifier, with low-end use around 0.1–0.5% in leave-on lotions/serums and facial cleansers to aid solubilization and improve slip. Typical rinse-off cleansers and body washes commonly fall in the ~1–5% range as part of the surfactant/emollient system, while the highest consumer-available levels observed are around 8–10% in rich rinse-off cleansing oils/creams and some high-slip conditioning/cleansing bases where it functions as a primary emollient/solubilizing component.

PEG-8

PEG-8 is a low–moderate molecular weight polyethylene glycol used mainly as a humectant/solvent, typically at a few percent up to higher levels in leave-on formulations, and it is generally well-tolerated in clinical use. Patch testing and real-world data show low irritation potential for most users, but compromised barriers (eczema/post-procedure) can experience stinging due to increased penetration and the ingredient’s solvent behavior. Given sensitive-skin safety priorities and the possibility of irritation in highly reactive patients, it fits best as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: PEG-8 is a low-molecular-weight PEG commonly used as a humectant/solvent and processing aid; in many leave-on moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens it appears at low supporting levels around 0.1–3%. In rinse-off cleansers and shampoos it is often used around 1–10% for solubilization and feel. High-strength consumer products (e.g., PEG-based solvent/humectant gels, makeup removers, and PEG-dominant bases where PEG-8 is a primary carrier) can reach roughly 20–40%, with higher levels limited by tackiness/feel and overall formula balance rather than specific regulatory caps.

PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate

PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is a nonionic surfactant/solubilizer used in cleansers and emulsions (often ~0.1–5%) that can disrupt the stratum corneum lipids and increase barrier permeability, especially when combined with other surfactants. Clinical patch-test data for PEG sorbitan esters generally show low but measurable irritation and rare sensitization, with risk rising on compromised skin (eczema, post-procedure) and with leave-on exposure. Given its surfactant nature and cumulative routine effects, I rate it as mild with occasional sensitivity possible in reactive individuals. Safety Notes: PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is used primarily as a nonionic surfactant/solubilizer and emulsifier; in many leave-on lotions/serums and facial products it appears at very low levels (~0.05–0.5%) to aid fragrance/oil solubilization or stabilize emulsions. In rinse-off cleansers, micellar waters, and makeup removers it is commonly higher (about 1–5%), and consumer-available high-surfactant cleansing concentrates and oil-to-milk removers can reach roughly 8–10% as part of the total surfactant system. There is no specific EU/FDA maximum for this INCI, so observed use is mainly constrained by irritation potential, clarity/viscosity targets, and emulsion/surfactant system balance.

PEG-8 Beeswax

PEG-8 Beeswax is a PEG-modified beeswax used mainly as an emollient/structuring agent, typically at low to moderate percentages in creams and balms. Available patch-test data and clinical experience suggest low irritancy overall, but the beeswax-derived fraction can rarely trigger sensitivity in reactive or atopic patients, so it is not truly “inert.” In compromised eczema skin, barrier impairment increases the chance of stinging or dermatitis to wax/resin traces, justifying a cautious but still generally gentle score. Safety Notes: PEG-8 Beeswax is typically used as an emulsifying wax/consistency agent and emollient; in many leave-on lotions, creams, and color cosmetics it appears at low supportive levels around 0.05–1% to improve stability, slip, and viscosity. In richer, anhydrous or high-wax sticks/balms and heavy barrier creams sold OTC, it can be used at much higher levels (about 5–15%) to build structure, pay-off, and occlusivity while maintaining some self-emulsifying character. No specific global regulatory maximum is commonly set for PEG-8 Beeswax in cosmetics; the practical upper bound is driven by hardness, drag, and phase behavior rather than compliance.