Back to Ingredient Dictionary
Common Name(s): Peg-20 almond glycerides,polyoxyethylene-20 almond oil glycerides,sweet almond peg-20 ester
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water blend while providing the skin-nourishing benefits of almond oil.
Why It's Used: Combines peg-20 emulsification (hlb ~12โ14) with sweet almond oil's oleic/linoleic fatty acid profile for conditioning.
How It Works: Peg-20 units give hlb ~12โ14; almond glyceride core (rich in c18:1 oleic acid) provides skin nourishing emolliency; overall structure bridges oil and water phases.
Typically Found In: Almond-enriched lotions,natural emulsions,skin conditioning formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emollient,moisturizing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Sweet almond oil from prunus amygdalus dulcis; eo from petrochemical; semi-natural. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Well tolerated; nut oil origin โ patch test recommended for nut allergy individuals.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Emollients,humectants,other peg emulsifiers,natural oils
Avoid Combining With: Avoid in formulas for individuals with nut allergies
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Almond oil glycerides are rich in c18:1 (oleic ~70%) and c18:2 (linoleic ~20%); peg-20 ethoxylation gives hlb appropriate for o/w emulsification while retaining natural almond oil's skin affinity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary