PEG-15 Butylene Glycol Diisostearate
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 15 Butylene Glycol Diisostearate, Emollient”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Peg-15 butylene glycol diisostearate
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 15 Butylene Glycol Diisostearate, Emollient
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
PEG-15 Butylene Glycol Diisostearate is the polyethylene glycol derivative of the diester of Butylene Glycol and Isostearic Acid containing an average of 15 moles of ethylene oxide. Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Process: Ethoxylation | Functions: Surfactant - Cleansing, Surfactant - Emulsifying Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier combining PEG, butylene glycol, and isostearate chemistry developed in late-20th-century cosmetics. Formulated to provide elegant emulsions with improved skin conditioning.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Adverse Events from Emollient Use in Eczema: A Restricted Review of Published Data.
Bhanot A, Huntley A, Ridd MJ
Dermatology and therapy, 2019
Measurement of the biomechanical function and structure of ex vivo drying skin using raman spectral analysis and its modulation with emollient mixture
Biniek K, Tfayli A, Vyumvuhore R, Quatela A, Galliano MF et al.
Experimental dermatology, 2018
Measurement of the biomechanical function and structure of ex vivo drying skin using raman spectral analysis and its modulation with emollient mixture
Biniek K, Tfayli A, Vyumvuhore R, Quatela A, Galliano MF et al.
Experimental dermatology, 2018
PEG-15 Butylene Glycol Diisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Emollients are more than sensory ingredients: the case of isostearyl isostearate.
Dederen JC, Chavan B, Rawlings AV
International journal of cosmetic science, 2012
Restoring Skin Hydration and Barrier Function: Mechanistic Insights Into Basic Emollients for Xerosis Cutis.
Fluhr JW, Muguet V, Christen-Zaech S
International journal of dermatology, 2025
Efficacy of an emollient containing diethylene glycol/dilinoleic acid copolymer for the treatment of dry skin and pruritus in patients with senile xer
Izumi R, Negi O, Suzuki T, Tominaga M, Kamo A et al.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2017
Contact dermatitis caused by polyacrylamide/C13-4 isoparaffin/laureth-7 mix in an emollient cream for atopic skin.
Jaulent C, Dereure O, Raison-Peyron N
Contact dermatitis, 2019
Effect of emollients on UV filter absorbance and sunscreen efficiency.
Sohn M, Amorós-Galicia L, Krus S, Martin K, Herzog B
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 2020
Effect of emollients on UV filter absorbance and sunscreen efficiency.
Sohn M, Amorós-Galicia L, Krus S, Martin K, Herzog B
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 2020
Effect of emollients on UV filter absorbance and sunscreen efficiency.
Sohn M, Amorós-Galicia L, Krus S, Martin K, Herzog B
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 2020
Efficacy of a Rhealba® Oat Extract-based emollient on chr...
J Theunis, H Chaussade, O Bourgeois, V Mengeaud
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2017
Efficacy of a Rhealba® Oat Extract-based emollient on chr...
J Theunis, H Chaussade, O Bourgeois, V Mengeaud
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2017
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR