Emulsifier

PEG-60 Evening Primrose Glycerides

INCI: PEG-60 EVENING PRIMROSE GLYCERIDES

Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

A plant-derived emulsifier that helps stabilise skincare formulations

Best For Skin Types

All

Addresses

Sensitivity, Barrier repair

Usage Frequency

Daily

What Is PEG-60 Evening Primrose Glycerides?

PEG-60 Evening Primrose Glycerides is a synthetic ingredient created by combining polyethylene glycol (PEG) with evening primrose oil and glycerin. It functions primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant, meaning it helps oil and water-based ingredients blend together smoothly in a formula, whilst also aiding product stability and texture.

Evening primrose oil itself contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other fatty acids valued in skincare. In this modified form, the ingredient serves a technical role in formulation rather than delivering active benefits directly to skin.

How It Works

As an emulsifier, PEG-60 Evening Primrose Glycerides has both water-loving and oil-loving components. This dual nature allows it to position itself at the boundary between oil and water phases in a formula, holding them in suspension and preventing them from separating.

Its surfactant properties also mean it can help lift oils and impurities from the skin surface, which is why it appears in some cleansing products. The evening primrose component may contribute minimal conditioning benefits, though the ingredient's primary role is formulation stability rather than active skincare effects.

Clinical Evidence & References

Research specifically on PEG-60 Evening Primrose Glycerides as a skincare ingredient is limited. The ingredient is widely used in cosmetics without reported safety concerns, and evening primrose oil itself has been studied for its fatty acid content, though direct skin application data remains modest.

The emulsifying and surfactant functions are well-established in cosmetic chemistry, but claims about direct skin benefits from this modified form should be approached cautiously without dedicated clinical support.

How to Use

This ingredient is a formulation component rather than an active treatment, so there is no special usage protocol required. Simply use products containing it as directed on the label. It works well in both cleansers and emulsified moisturisers.

Safety & Precautions

Generally well-tolerated and considered safe for cosmetic use. Individuals with known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol or evening primrose may wish to patch test first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Part of a family

PEG-60 Evening Primrose Glycerides is a variant of PEG-20 Evening Primrose Glycerides, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.

A plant-derived emulsifier that helps stabilise skincare formulations

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